SOTC23 1/3 - The watches that didn't make it

Finally I found the time to write my state of the collection review. But instead of starting with my current collection, I would like to briefly mention (more or less) all the watches that did not make it to the final selection. The 15 or so watches would be a nice collection on their own...

The trends in my collection are clear:

• Smaller watches

• More expensive watches

• No "substitutes" of watches I can't afford (yet)

• Do not always follow the trend

• Do not always follow the hot deal

• Only watches that I wear at least 1-2 times a month

On the last point, I have to say that after an initial phase of my collection, I have become very price sensitive. Used watches are more and more common and I rarely buy watches at retail price. I always try to buy the watches far below the retail price, so that in case of doubt I can sell them again well.

After getting my first "serious" watch as a gift in 2013 (Tissot V8 Chrono) for my Bachelor degree, I also found my first "serious" part-time job as an analyst. I was immediately fascinated by mechanical watches and couldn't understand why Seikos were so good and cheap. Since Seiko were hardly available in Switzerland, I imported two from longislandwatch.com and was happy with them throughout my Masters degree.

After university came the first internship with temporary employment as a research consultant. I wanted to buy something good and bought the SKX009 (also longislandwatch) and I wanted to buy the Tissot LeLocle Chronometer. But it was out of my budget with 1'200 CHF, so I bought a LeLocle Mother of Pearl for 1/4 of the price.

I wore the SKX to death, and was able to sell it for double after 5 years, and the LeLocle was then replaced with the Chronometer version (which is currently also in my collection), which I always wanted to have.

After a few difficult years, professionally but also health-wise, I got a new job, got married and everything turned out for the best. My wife bought me two chronographs: a Tissot XL and a Swiss Military Hanowa Arrow. Both extremely worn, both unfortunately much too big for me. Last year, they were also sold, but in consultation with my wife. ❤

In 2021/2022 we built our first house, our son was born, we both changed jobs and so the biggest changes happened. The new watch collection started with my Longines Spirit 40mm in blue and my wife bought a Rado Hyperchrome with Mother of Pearl and diamonds. When I realized that the new job was not for me, I bought as a "fuc** off" watch, the Longines VHP in white. The watch has now also been sold as firstly it is too big for me and secondly I am over the "fuc** off" phase and don't want to remember it.

A period of exploration then followed. Blue Seiko SNK was replaced with a green one. The small Seiko Sport 5 with a SRPG, it was joined by a Victorinox (my first watch I sold on Chrono24.com) and a PRX, and a Moonswatch.

Most of the watches were sold because I realized I didn't have them on enough. The Seiko SRPG was supposed to be a GADA replacement for the more expensive Spirit, but I always preferred the Spirit. The Moonswatch I could buy at a Swatch store without waiting in line. Unfortunately, I realized early on that I didn't want the Moonswatch, I wanted a Moonwatch! The SPB147 was a replacement for the SKX. Unfortunately, there was never love between us and when the Oris Aquis Upcycle (hammer deal!) came, that was her death sentence.

Also the Speedtimer, while a great watch, was NEVER worn. Again, it was just a replacement for a Speedy and it was never worn. Then when the Tag Heuer Monza and the Speedy came, it had to go.

What I regret?

The Certina DS Podium Square was a great watch that was worn too little. But since quartz, I could have kept it longer, it does not break down so quickly. On all photos where I have them on, she looks great! Also the PRX was great, unfortunately this form factor is not for me 😢

So that was my collecting journey from 2014 to today. There was the time without a budget, there was the time of the buying frenzy, there was the time of the substitute watches. There was a moment when I had almost 30 watches, now there are 12 approx.

What I did not mention: Watches of my family (Certina Nautic of my grandfather, Swiss Military Flagship of my father) and various Adidas/Nike watches etc. Also my FlikFlak which has accompanied me from 6 years, missing 😜

At first I wanted to do a collection A and a B, but it doesn't make sense for me to keep watches that I never wear. Rest in peace my watches! All have of course found a (happier) wearer ✨