SOTC - very privileged and grateful !

Seiko SKX 007 - for anyone entering the hobby for the first time, particularly from a young age, there is no better place to start (other than perhaps a 009). Depending on your lifestyle and EDC, this could very easily be a functional one and done for a lot of people (day/date complication, timing bezel and more than enough water resistance for swimming and beating around in tough rugged conditions). With this being my first true mechanical piece going back many years, and the need for a beater when doing stuff without a connected smart device easily on hand, this will definitely stay in the box !

Rolex Explorer 1 Ref: 214270 - my first Rolex and the piece which truly got me going on my collection journey and shaping my collection philosophy. For me this is the Rolex to have when you can't possibly have another Rolex. I soon realised that simple no date function wind and wear watches were the thing for me (suddenly got annoying to have to constantly change the day/date on the SKX every time the power reserve ran out - and it allowed me to mute many notifications on my phone and feel less connected at times where I needed to be wound down). 

Rolex Milgauss Z-Blue Ref: 116400GV - my second Rolex, and in addition to one of the most gorgeous mix of colour on a watch face that you could possibly buy, the polished case and center links give this piece the subtle bling to compliment your blue outfits. The Milgauss line is definitely underrated both from the heritage and the mechanics under the hood.

Rolex Air King Ref: 126900 - when this came out at Watches & Wonders this year, I was certainly intrigued by the updates. Upon trying on the exhibition piece at the AD soon after the release, I knew I had to have it and two weeks later I got the call ! The 3230 caliber movement, the addition of the crown guards and glide lock clasp - yep, they've created a future classic ! My third Rolex (and one of two 2022 release purchases)...

Rolex Daytona Ref: 116500 LN 'Panda' - I had to knuckle down and sacrifice a fair bit to get this piece (because none of my AD contacts are ever going to come through for me), but I feel I pulled the trigger at the right time and got a great deal from a very willing and generous seller. History, heritage, aesthetics, absolutely stunning piece. A grail. Makes one feel very content as a collector. Next time I attend a Formula 1 race I'll be wearing it !

You could almost say this completes my Rolex journey... but more on that later...

Tudor Black Bay 58 Ref: M79030N-0001 - despite having several amazing pieces in my collection, I find this still gets it's fair share of wrist time. Love the subtle gold accents on this watch, and the snowflake hands is what attracts most of us towards Tudor. Wear it dressed up or down, out in the field for a day of work, or on holidays.

Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space Ref: 311.32.40.30.01.001 - without doubt my favourite Speedmaster. Very much built in the Frankenstein Dungeon, but the history, the heritage and the mechanics are simply class and a story to behold. Not to mention the vintage looks. Was lucky enough that the AD threw in the silver bracelet as part of the deal (as this reference only comes on the brown leather strap). Gets worn just about every Tuesday - unless for some reason I can't access my watch box.

Omega Seamaster Professional Ref: 
210.92.44.20.01.001 - being a bit of a James Bond Franchise fan, I was always curious with the watches from the movies. But vintage Submariners can be a minefield (more on this later) and I always found 'themed' watches with all kinds of things stamped on them to be a bit cheesy. Queue this reference Seamaster, which also sticks to my no date collection philosophy and adds a point of difference with the rubber strap + ceramic case & titanium bezel. Co-Axial 886 under the hood. I must say, I've tried on precious metal Yachmasters on Oysterflex, and I actually find this watch to be more aesthetically pleasing. 

Zenith Chronomaster El-Premiero 'Open Heart' Ref: 03.2040.4061/69.M2040 - true to form, got to have perhaps the best chronograph movement you can get on the market (as Rolex will no doubt attest to). Love the addition of some colour and the open heart (some might call it a bit of a hillbilly tourbillon but the movement in this piece should be admired as much as possible). The bracelet on this is also one of the best you'll get on any watch. This is probably my choice if I'm travelling out of town - can mix and match with any outfit and flies somewhat under the radar until you look at whats going on up close.

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot 43 'Green' Ref: 
IW329306 - have had my eye on the Big Pilot 43's since they were released a couple of years back. I can just barely pull off this size of a watch on my wrist. Never pulled the trigger on the black (because it was too much overlap on the Explorer) and never pulled the trigger on the blue (too much overlap on the Milgauss)... but when the green came out I just knew I had to have to have one ! I really like where IWC are going as a brand with their in house caliber movements, and they have some very appealing pieces indeed for all walks of life and tastes. I really love the rubber strap with their easy change system, and will be looking to order a couple of other colours at some point. I find myself reaching for this watch quite regularly (and have my green t-shirts and Nike Air Max's on hand as well).

As for where to go next - I've been really admiring the VC Overseas Tourbillon (in blue of course) and the older reference JLC Reverso Tourbillon (no 'dress' watch in the collection so far either)... but I think these purchases are a while off (many personal and professional goals to achieve).

Also - a no date watch collection clearly needs a No Date Submariner at some stage... albeit it would be great to get a birth year reference. Need to get my head around the vintage minefield a bit more first before I go down this road (once again - goals to be achieved first).

But what more could I ask for? Proud of the collection I've been able to build and absolutely love it!! Very privileged and grateful!!