Can't understand why I want this dinky watch

I get that watches these days are mostly worn as snobby status symbols, and that buying "attainable" watches just slows down the process of saving up for a real showstopper watch.

But I can't stop thinking of this Hamilton Pilot Pioneer.

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I tried it on months ago. Along the way, I've also tried on Grand Seikos, Cartiers, the JLC Reverso. All wonderfully shiny and impressive watches, yet my mind keeps wandering back to this dinky watch.

My worry is if I ever walk into an AD and find the white version, I might buy it on impulse.

Is it because I really like the way it looks on my wrist? Or maybe because I'm just craving some low-hanging fruit? Is this watch worth it?

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The answer to the question is "cushion case".

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Looks good, fits good feels good...take my money!!!

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My first mechanical watch was a W10 replica. I considered it huge and heavy at the time compared to the little quart deals I was used to.

I just always loved that C-shape case and how blocky but curvy it is. The dial is also beautifully no-nonsense.

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PoorMansRolex

My first mechanical watch was a W10 replica. I considered it huge and heavy at the time compared to the little quart deals I was used to.

I just always loved that C-shape case and how blocky but curvy it is. The dial is also beautifully no-nonsense.

At first glance the small, curved-yet-flat case looks so nerdy and dorky in pictures. But somehow it looks great on the wrist. I can't imagine an oversized version since these are supposedly built to military spec.

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Who says watches are all about snobbery and that attainable watches are not worth having? That's a nice watch. If you like it, buy it and wear it proudly.

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Aurelian

The answer to the question is "cushion case".

Yes!! I’m also a sucker for these cases!!

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robbits

At first glance the small, curved-yet-flat case looks so nerdy and dorky in pictures. But somehow it looks great on the wrist. I can't imagine an oversized version since these are supposedly built to military spec.

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The larger version is the Chinese Merkur at 38mm

https://www.watchcrunch.com/HonestWatchReviews/posts/merkur-seizenn-w10-homage-12226

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Ichibunz

Yes!! I’m also a sucker for these cases!!

You, sir, are a sucker for every watch sold.

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I cannot argue with that fact!! 😂 💯

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I definitely believe that buying attainable and affordable watches delays the purchase of much higher level pieces.  I disagree that collectors desire to attain higher end pieces as snobby status symbols.  Most often, I think collectors want mid and high end watches for the same reasons but are simply budget limited.  

There are many higher end pieces I want that I’ll never get because I can’t seem to stop buying mid level pieces.  The knowledge that I should be saving, not buying makes me super critical of the mid level pieces that I’m adding.  I think the result is that my mid level collection is full of watches that are highly attractive and give great enjoyment to me and me alone, without any regard to snobby social status expectations. 

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If you really want a watch to compare to try the seiko 5 - 7019 line.  It might give you some perspective in why you like the hamilton.  The case and movement are vintage but similar.

A Seiko 5 Sports 7019-6030 from May 1970 | Adventures in Amateur Watch  Fettling
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If that Hamilton speaks to you why not get it?

There is zero need to "move up" to more expensive watches if affordable watches appeal to you. Buy watches you want, rather than watches people say you're supposed to want. 

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If you have those feelings for a watch and you can afford it, buy the darn thing! Enjoy the wrist time!

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moemoe

If you really want a watch to compare to try the seiko 5 - 7019 line.  It might give you some perspective in why you like the hamilton.  The case and movement are vintage but similar.

A Seiko 5 Sports 7019-6030 from May 1970 | Adventures in Amateur Watch  Fettling

I've seen some limited edition Seikos online like the SRPB73, which is similar to that style but not the same exact case shape. Seems worth checking out!

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KristianG

If that Hamilton speaks to you why not get it?

There is zero need to "move up" to more expensive watches if affordable watches appeal to you. Buy watches you want, rather than watches people say you're supposed to want. 

A friend of mine noticed that a lot of watches "called out to me" and asked how do I know if it's genuinely calling out, or a false alarm. I can't practically buy every watch that tempts me.

I still don't know for sure, maybe the watch must be something I would treasure for a lifetime.

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PoorMansRolex

The larger version is the Chinese Merkur at 38mm

https://www.watchcrunch.com/HonestWatchReviews/posts/merkur-seizenn-w10-homage-12226

Tough sell! I think the tiny, true-to-spec size of this Hamilton is most of the charm.

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robbits

A friend of mine noticed that a lot of watches "called out to me" and asked how do I know if it's genuinely calling out, or a false alarm. I can't practically buy every watch that tempts me.

I still don't know for sure, maybe the watch must be something I would treasure for a lifetime.

I spend months/years considering a watch before I buy, it helps me sort out whether it's true love, or mere lust. 

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If you keep going back to it, there’s your answer there, so watch’s find you 😂😂😎

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robbits

I've seen some limited edition Seikos online like the SRPB73, which is similar to that style but not the same exact case shape. Seems worth checking out!

The seiko turtle & willards speak to me for the exact same reason - love that cushion c-style case.  

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