My watch list what's yours?
Most of my watches are ones I modded/built myself. I got into modding a little over 2 years ago as a hobby. I’m a DIY guy and watch modding is something that has given me no small amount of joy and pride. However, I think I’m done.
Lately I haven’t enjoyed the process and there are a few watch brands I want to add to my collection instead. As a result I’ve been considering watches I’ve wanted to experience but have deferred purchasing as a result of my hobby. This is that list:
Seiko Tuna Marine Master:
When I think Seiko the Tuna always comes to mind. I’ve bought and sold a few Siekos but have never even seen a Seiko Tuna in the real world. I want one.
Orient Bambino:
I’ve never owned an Orient despite it being identified as a ‘beginner’ watch collector watch. By they way I despise that label. My brain interprets it as saying you’re a novice watch collector unless your buying expensive luxury brands. Maybe I don’t have the Rolex, Omega, JLC, … ownership goals of others but I still love watches. Anyway as I’ve never even seen a Orient in the real world I’d like to try one.
Bronze Zelos Swordfish\Mako\Spearfish:
Zelos seems to get stellar reviews and I like the images of their watches. However, the Stainless Steel models don’t seem dissimilar to the watches I’ve made myself so I can’t rationalize paying the exchange rate/import fees to get one. However, I want a Bronze watch but I don’t want to pay a lot for a Bronze watch. Thus if Zelos releases a Bronze version of the above models in the future it seems like a great way to experience Zelos and a Bronze Watch.
Oris Aquis:
I was on vacation a while back and visited a couple retailers just to try on some of the ‘luxury’ watches that are not available were I live. I checked out Tudor, Omega, Sinn, Longines, … but the section I kept going back to was the Oris section. I thought the Aquis was absolutely stunning and felt great on wrist.
Tag Heuer Monaco:
I’ll be honest I’ve never gotten around to watching the movie, Le Mans, I will promise I will. That aside when I think square watches the Monaco comes to mind. I did try one on once and it was beautiful. However, it was a lot bigger than I had expected. At the time I thought it was to big and chunky. In retro-spec I wish I’d bought it.
Lorier Hyerion GMT:
I don’t own a GMT, I don’t really need a GMT, and I definitely don’t need a ‘real’ GMT. However, I feel I still want a GMT. There are lots of options out there but the one that catches my eye is the Lorier. I think they nailed it and version 2 should be coming out soon. I know many don’t like the acrylic glass but as a guy who tries to restore watches I have Polywatch on hand.
Squale 1521:
Simple, that blue I love that blue.
Those are the main watches that top my shopping list at this moment. I’m sure this list will change in the next year but likely not a lot. I don’t think anything on my list other than maybe the Oris and Tag would be considered luxury watches but I’m not really a flashy guy and am frugal by nature … not sure how I rationalize watch spending at all it goes against my core nature.
Curious what others short lists may look like. Are you the high end luxury collector? Are you a hard core Micro brand fan? Seiko only please personality?
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Late addition but I think I need to add one of these Cannister Fieldmasters to my list:
Canadian watch maker about 4 hours from where I live. This could easily become a daily for me.
Collector of value watches, watch modder, and vintage watch tinkerer.
That's a fine list. Just a heads up though on your Zelos thoughts. Watches that sell below $800 won't get an import fee and right now the exchange rate is rather good.
That's a fine list. Just a heads up though on your Zelos thoughts. Watches that sell below $800 won't get an import fee and right now the exchange rate is rather good.
Sadly I'm Canadian and despite loving Canada, Canada loves import fees and our dollar value sucks at the moment. I thought I got a great deal on my Christopher Ward at $500-$600 till they nailed me with import fees. :(. It's why when a Canadian travels they come back wearing everything they purchased pretending it's not new. lol
Sadly I'm Canadian and despite loving Canada, Canada loves import fees and our dollar value sucks at the moment. I thought I got a great deal on my Christopher Ward at $500-$600 till they nailed me with import fees. :(. It's why when a Canadian travels they come back wearing everything they purchased pretending it's not new. lol
Fair enough.
What killed the love of modding???
Here's what's on my list:
I know... I know...
Nonetheless, I just sorta feel like my collection is complete. Weird.
There was a WC member here who ended up buying this watch...
... and he was like, "Okay, I'm fulfilled. I don't ever need to see any more watch content, because I've found my perfect watch. See ya!"
Is that what Enlightenment is?
What killed the love of modding???
Here's what's on my list:
I know... I know...
Nonetheless, I just sorta feel like my collection is complete. Weird.
There was a WC member here who ended up buying this watch...
... and he was like, "Okay, I'm fulfilled. I don't ever need to see any more watch content, because I've found my perfect watch. See ya!"
Is that what Enlightenment is?
I suspect a big reason is I did some woodworking this summer (cabinet doors/counters/table) and found it replaced modding as my DIY outlet. With the price of wood in Canada I may have replaced it with a more expensive hobby.
Part of me envies that WC Member. I doubt there is one watch for me that scratches all my itches but part of me would like to find the perfect 3 or 4 that combined does the same.
Mine is very similar if not in brands but vibes.
I want an Omega Speedy, Seiko Tuna SRPH77, a bronze Oris Pilot, and Monaco.
A Bambino I could see me getting but it's not a need.
There are plenty of watches I love. Most I can't have for whatever reason (availability and/or price).
The only one left I'm actively pursuing is the Panda Daytona. I doubt I'll get it so I imagine my watch purchasing days, after the one I purchased three weeks ago, have concluded.
The Monaco is on my short list!
So many watches I like and would absolutely buy if money wasn’t a factor. Meaning spending a ton of money on one watch or on a bunch of less expensive watches that still add up quickly. I’d definitely have a Seiko and Grand Seiko collection with some of their newest releases. Obviously there’s also the ultra luxury options too but I’m just speaking for something I could actually afford.
But of watches I might actually save up for and buy one day there aren’t many. Maybe one of the Four Seasons Spring Drive watches from Grand Seiko or a Moonwatch if my wrist gets big enough to wear them. At my current wrist size I probably don’t have anything I’m saving up for. I have a Black Bay 58 and a SBGW231 that I got for great prices. Anything that I find interesting enough to buy is at least twice the prices I paid for those and definitely not worth it to me.
Great list!
I could see getting one of my GS grails slowing down my desire for more more more.
Those are all respected classics among collectors, irrespective of price. I also had a bit of a thing for the Monaco but my 6.25 wrists preclude it ever being a wise purchase.
The Aquis is a heavy hitter for it's price. Mine is accurate, sparkly and always looks good.
I'm heavy in Seiko content, I've got some weird affinity for that company.
Re being Canuck. Yeah, usually only feeling tortured when considering the 20% import duty. But I was browsing the interwebs the other day and my eyes popped out of my head and I ran around yelling Yippee!!.. then dissolved into tears when I realized I had things set to USD not CAN....😫
huh weird, tantrum gif not working... throwing another tantrum for the broken gif now
Coo list… can’t argue with any of those. In particular the zelos and Oris appeal to me most.
I have a healthy supply of watches but my shortlist is as follows;
Seiko Land Tortoise green
Doxa 600t and 1500t
Oris big crown pointer date
Blancpain 50 fathoms bathyscathe
when or if these happen….?
So many watches I like and would absolutely buy if money wasn’t a factor. Meaning spending a ton of money on one watch or on a bunch of less expensive watches that still add up quickly. I’d definitely have a Seiko and Grand Seiko collection with some of their newest releases. Obviously there’s also the ultra luxury options too but I’m just speaking for something I could actually afford.
But of watches I might actually save up for and buy one day there aren’t many. Maybe one of the Four Seasons Spring Drive watches from Grand Seiko or a Moonwatch if my wrist gets big enough to wear them. At my current wrist size I probably don’t have anything I’m saving up for. I have a Black Bay 58 and a SBGW231 that I got for great prices. Anything that I find interesting enough to buy is at least twice the prices I paid for those and definitely not worth it to me.
I do like the SBGW231 myself finding a good deal could push it into my list.
Great list!
I could see getting one of my GS grails slowing down my desire for more more more.
Those are all respected classics among collectors, irrespective of price. I also had a bit of a thing for the Monaco but my 6.25 wrists preclude it ever being a wise purchase.
The Aquis is a heavy hitter for it's price. Mine is accurate, sparkly and always looks good.
I'm heavy in Seiko content, I've got some weird affinity for that company.
Re being Canuck. Yeah, usually only feeling tortured when considering the 20% import duty. But I was browsing the interwebs the other day and my eyes popped out of my head and I ran around yelling Yippee!!.. then dissolved into tears when I realized I had things set to USD not CAN....😫
huh weird, tantrum gif not working... throwing another tantrum for the broken gif now
I’m was pumped about the latest $299 Zelos release until I converted it to CAD and added the import charge so I totally understand lol
Spectacular list of watches!
I love all the choices and have experienced them all, except the Tuna. I'm not a Tuna guy - neither the watch or the fish.
The Monaco is a great mid-priced chronograph with a fantastic history. Great racing credentials.
Lorier makes some of the best vintage inspired watches for around $500 - great quality and designs.
Oris Aquis is a perfect dressy dive watch and I love the vanilla smell of the rubber straps - sometimes I take mine out just to get a whiff of that.
I'm a huge Squale fan - Squale - did you realize what an important historic brand this is? | WatchCrunch
You can never go wrong with the Bambino...perfect entry dress watch. I always recommend a Bambino for newbies interested in collecting but wanting to keep the cost down to a minimum without going quartz. The straps are a little inflexible and some of the lug widths are odd (as opposed to even...meaning 18mm, 20mm or 22mm). I usually change out the straps on my Bambinos for something a little nicer and more comfortable.
I am also a huge fan of Zelos, but you really need the wrist for most of the catalogue...they are large watches for the most part. They do have some really nice smaller sized dress watches and GMT. I joked earlier today about not being able to purchase one of the new Swordfish references that launched this morning despite adding one to my cart and attempting to checkout within one second of the launch - my joke was that Elshan had put an algorithm in the checkout link that denied me purchasing another Zelos because I have too many already.
Here are some of my favorites in the collection...
i dont have a chronograph yet, so i want one
this nivada chronomaster
or this oris diver 65 chronograph
or this lorier gemini if i cant bought nivada or that oris
i dont have a gada watch, so i want this 556. i love the esthetic so much, its like the purest form of watch no shenanigans
not that I wanna buy any watches right now since I just got one and is expecting another delivered to me soon (a Serica!), but I am quite interested in the Omega AT annual calendar (38.5 mm). Appears to be a great deal for what it is, and seems that it’s heavily discounted on Chrono24
Coo list… can’t argue with any of those. In particular the zelos and Oris appeal to me most.
I have a healthy supply of watches but my shortlist is as follows;
Seiko Land Tortoise green
Doxa 600t and 1500t
Oris big crown pointer date
Blancpain 50 fathoms bathyscathe
when or if these happen….?
The Doxa 600t could easily bump the Squale if I saw a deal or just encountered a retailer in my travels prior to getting the Squale.
not that I wanna buy any watches right now since I just got one and is expecting another delivered to me soon (a Serica!), but I am quite interested in the Omega AT annual calendar (38.5 mm). Appears to be a great deal for what it is, and seems that it’s heavily discounted on Chrono24
I had to unsubscribe from the Serica newsletters as that 5303 Diver was too tempting lol
i dont have a chronograph yet, so i want one
this nivada chronomaster
or this oris diver 65 chronograph
or this lorier gemini if i cant bought nivada or that oris
i dont have a gada watch, so i want this 556. i love the esthetic so much, its like the purest form of watch no shenanigans
All great options ... now that you mention it I sold my chronograph so there maybe an addition to my list to fill that gap. Yes I know the Tag but a round chrono also as a place.
Spectacular list of watches!
I love all the choices and have experienced them all, except the Tuna. I'm not a Tuna guy - neither the watch or the fish.
The Monaco is a great mid-priced chronograph with a fantastic history. Great racing credentials.
Lorier makes some of the best vintage inspired watches for around $500 - great quality and designs.
Oris Aquis is a perfect dressy dive watch and I love the vanilla smell of the rubber straps - sometimes I take mine out just to get a whiff of that.
I'm a huge Squale fan - Squale - did you realize what an important historic brand this is? | WatchCrunch
You can never go wrong with the Bambino...perfect entry dress watch. I always recommend a Bambino for newbies interested in collecting but wanting to keep the cost down to a minimum without going quartz. The straps are a little inflexible and some of the lug widths are odd (as opposed to even...meaning 18mm, 20mm or 22mm). I usually change out the straps on my Bambinos for something a little nicer and more comfortable.
I am also a huge fan of Zelos, but you really need the wrist for most of the catalogue...they are large watches for the most part. They do have some really nice smaller sized dress watches and GMT. I joked earlier today about not being able to purchase one of the new Swordfish references that launched this morning despite adding one to my cart and attempting to checkout within one second of the launch - my joke was that Elshan had put an algorithm in the checkout link that denied me purchasing another Zelos because I have too many already.
Here are some of my favorites in the collection...
You my friend have a lot of Zelos in your collection but all beautiful watches. I must admit I've had this in my cart a few times, not Bronze but the copper dial definitely appeals to me. I just do the exchange rate/import fee calc and talk myself out of it.
You my friend have a lot of Zelos in your collection but all beautiful watches. I must admit I've had this in my cart a few times, not Bronze but the copper dial definitely appeals to me. I just do the exchange rate/import fee calc and talk myself out of it.
Many thanks for the kind words.
Excellent choice! The watches are so well made and I have never been disappointed in any of them.
Have you heard of Arcus from Calgary, AB? They release really small batches of watches but they seem pretty interesting.
Have you heard of Arcus from Calgary, AB? They release really small batches of watches but they seem pretty interesting.
I have not hear of them just signed up for their newsletter. I like the Tropos model and I like supporting Canadian Brands specially those close to the prairies. I literally was just in Calgary visiting family.