SOTC

Alright... I've been wanting to do a state of the collection post for a long time, and after picking up my most recent purchase in Geneva on my honeymoon, it's finally time.

Casio Duro: I picked this up the day before a trip to Mexico with my then fiancée and some friends. It was early in my watch journey, and I wanted something I wouldn't worry about damaging or losing. I made some great memories with it on that trip. Every time I pick it up, I am impressed with the quality of this piece.

Orient Kamasu: This was my first mechanical dive watch. I did a lot of research on it before purchasing and it checked all of the boxes: sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, day/date, hacking & hand wind, and "in-house" movement - not that that means very much to me. It's my go-to lake watch and unofficial party watch. I've made a ton of great memories with this watch, and it carries significant sentimental value for me.

Seiko 5 SRPG: There isn't much to this one... I went to the only store in my city that sells Seiko to try on the new GMT. They didn't have one, but what they did have was a flash sale. I picked this up on impulse since I realized I didn't have a watch on a bracelet. I've been impressed with the quality, versatility, and accuracy, and wear it often.

Tudor Black Bay 58: This is the most recent addition to the collection. I bought it in Geneva on the first day of our honeymoon. This was by design as I continued to wear it every minute of every day for the rest of the trip. Obviously, I made tons of amazing memories with it throughout the trip, and it is incredibly special to me.

Hamilton Khaki Field Auto: My first mechanical watch, my most worn watch, and the one that started my crazy obsession. After coming across a Teddy Baldassarre video on this watch, and subsequently going down the rabbit hole of his YouTube channel, I went searching my city for stores that carried the brands we all love (and not just "fashion watches"). I was nearly out of hope when the last store I came across, to my delight, sold Hamilton, Longines, and Rado. Finding this watch there that day and buying it is a feeling I'll never forget.

Longines Master Collection 40mm date "Barleycorn Dial": I visit the above-mentioned store almost every week to keep tabs on new items, and while in the market for my wedding watch this beauty happened to be on sale one day. It wasn't necessarily on my radar, but I tried it on due to the great price and fell in love instantly. I didn't end up wearing it on my wedding day (see below), but still am enthralled with it. I wear it to the office most days which probably isn't a great idea since it distracts me every time I glance at it.

BONUS: My dad's S&G 41mm Rolex Datejust Wimbledon Dial on the oyster bracelet. My dad has an impressive collection, being a lifetime watch lover, but this is his pride & joy and most prized possession. The day before my wedding he called me and asked if I was committed to wearing my Longines, or if I'd like to wear his Rolex. To me, this was an incredible gesture, and I was honoured to have this meaningful day connected to the watch - for the both of us.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed an insight to my watch collecting life!

Let me know what you think should be the next addition! I'm thinking something with a new material (bronze, silver, ceramic, etc.), a GMT or Chronograph. Looking forward to hearing more ideas!