State of the Collection 2022, Part 1: The Top Ten

It's that time of year where everyone shows off their collection, even though nobody asked, and we collectively ignore the amount of money spent on this hobby of ours.  Also, who doesn't want to flex a little and look at shiny things.

Given all of that, here is the first of a series of posts about my shiny things this year. Upcoming will be Part 2: Casio Boogalo, Part 3: Return of the Timex, and Part 4: The Others. So to kick us off, my top 10 in my collection:

10. Tissot PRX Chronograph

I absolutely love the PRX line.  As you can tell from my tag, I'm also a very big fan of pandas.  Not so much a fan of chronographs but I had to have one panda dial watch.

9. Longines Master Collection Perpetual Calendar

One of the first watches I purchased for my collection that led me down this dark path.  I wanted a moon phase, and got all the other complications as a bonus.  One of my favorite feeling bracelets on watches I own.

8. Omega DeVille

I love fun dials and this feeds that need. Has a vintage feel and lets me play around with various straps.

7. Rado Captain Cook Bronze

In addition to not being a big chronograph guy, I'm not all that into dive watches.  Unless they look like this.  I just love the look and feel of the Captain Cook line. I'd probably get the smaller white version and one of the ceramic ones if I could.  Enjoying the patina journey as well with the bronze.  Much more then I expected.

6. Grand Seiko Kanro GMT

So this is the watch that inspired this article. I ultimately ended up getting some of the watches that I choose this over when I bought it (see #5 and #1 on this list), but I don't regret getting it first.  It kicked off my love of GMT watches and dial aesthetics. 

5. Omega Seamaster Aquaterra

Along with #1, this was on my poll for what should be my one watch purchase for 2023.  Lucky for me I was able to work out a series of trades with some of my other collecting obsessions (fountain pens and sneakers) and other watches to get this and #1 this year.  

This is my go to daily watch when I want non-watch people to know I'm into to watches (in the tv series in my head where I'm the main character).  So shiny, fun dial, and goes with everything.

4. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date Auto (aka The Cooper)

This watch is a vibe.  I don't think any photo can do it justice to experiencing it in person.  Yes it is a dinner plate in size but this was the first watch that had me staring at it on wrist obsessively. So clean and legible with a dose of fun with the way the light changes on the numerals. Sign me up. 

3. Longines Spirit Zulu Time

I love this watch so much and one that WC got to participate in deciding on its purchase. I already had the black and blue one, but my heart was always set on this.  It all worked out though since I was able to trade that with some other stuff for #1 on my list.  This watch solidified my Longines as my favorite watch brand. 

2. Seiko Baby Alpinist

I did not intend to buy this when I stepped into a Dillards this fall.  In fact, I intended to get a normal alpinist with the cyclops and leather strap. I guffawed at Teddy Baldassarre's love of this tiny watch (by my big boy standards).  And yet, I would be damned, side by side, face to face, the SPB155 won out.  

This watch opened my eyes to smaller-by-my-standards watches.  I can't stop wearing this thing and the honeymoon has turned into a full on love affair. If they did this watch with a black dial, I could die happy never needing another watch purchase again.

1. Tudor Black Bay 41 S&G

I never intended to get this watch.  Wasn't even on my radar.  My Tudor watch for my collection was going to be a Panda Chrono, Black Bay Pro, or a Royal with diamonds.  On the fateful day I went into the AD to try on watches, none were available.  

Having started off my watch testing visit at the Tudor section I felt I had to try on some other models to be polite.  Queue love at first sight scene with dramatic music.  I love the heft and wrist feel of the bracelet.  It has a bit of gold flash but still classic and minimalist. Don't know why I love this so much, but just feels right.

✨ End of Part 1 ✨

Thoughts, comments, roasts, or memes? 👇