So how have your tastes changed?
I started getting into watches about eight years ago. Shortly after I retired I gave myself a challenge, and that was to spend £500 on watches and double my money. I did this, but that's another story. Along the way I would pick up the occasional very cheap watch, normally quartz, and normally a heap of 5h1t. Things started to get a bit more serious about a year later, when I believed bigger was better, and I was buying brands such as Seiko and Tissot. After buying my first Christopher Ward, a C60 automatic 43mm version, I discovered the wonders of mechanical movements. My collection grew and grew, with the majority of my collection being fairly large dive watches. I then started to watch YouTube channels, and realised that perhaps my watches looked a little daft on my 17cm wrist, as well coming to terms with the fact there was an entire variety of watches that I may like. I learned about movements, case finishing, bezels, bracelets, and clasps etc. Before I new it I could carry out minor repairs and regulate watches with the help of a timegrapher. A few years ago I even started a YouTube channel.
Because I am a lover of value for money, my collection is now almost solely microbrands, and the largest watch I have in my collection is 41mm, with an average size of about 38mm. My collection has a bit of most things, although I still hate digital displays and resin cases.
What about you?
My SOTC
I own approximately 30 watches, ranging from budget through to Rolex. I also have a YouTube watch channel
I first got into watches in the 70's and I still like what I liked then. I have warmed to larger watches quite recently just as the trend started to go the other way. I've recently reduced my collection from around 30 down to just 6.
15 year old obsession started with big sport watches and now I can only wear 36-39 mm dress watches and my chronograph that is it. Just cannot wear a diver
From bracelets to leather straps, from vibrant colors to subtle ones, from sports watches to field watches
Mine has not changed. I still love a dive watch on a NATO and pilot watch. I have moved into some vintage pieces. I always liked them but was just scared of them.
I was really into dive watches initially, as I spend more time in watches my tastes seem to skew smaller and simpler. That is also where the zeitgeist is pointing so perhaps I’m just following the trend.