Collection Philosophy
I am not a fancy person. I drive pick-up, ride a motorcycle, wear jeans, cut my own grass and drink bourbon… I am pretty sure my only suit is 2 sizes too small. I do not need a dress watch or feel the need to collect complications… as a matter of fact most date windows are too small for me to see on my wrist… but I do like quality and I am willing to pay more for it.
Watches can be symbols of success or be reminders of the past, but they by definition unnecessary. For a watch to be in the collection it must…
- have practical use distinct from rest of the collection.
- be widely respected in terms of reliability, accuracy, and brand/watch history.
- acquired in fiscally responsible manner.
- make me happy.
Rolex Explorer 40
Rolex as a company has been a pioneer with the first water proof watch, first chronometric certification for a wrist watch, and 1st self-winding movement. They have tested their product supporting athletes and explores breaking records. And they represent quality as a physical tool that can be passed through generations.
As a business they have vertically integrated and control nearly every aspect of production from smelting medals to owning retailers. They are master marketers and have managed to create a premium product, in limited supply, while also dominating the luxury watch market.
For a long time I thought Rolex made watches that were obtainable, or maybe obtainable but wasteful; as my phone was cheaper more accurate, could make phone calls, send text’s, play videos… Now the money isn’t an obstacle, the idea of a non-electric device and human craftsmanship is more appealing and I appreciate the simplicity of the design.
I still don’t understand the precious metals, or trendy colors… but a perfect field watch made from quality materials I get… or will soon I’m on the list.
| Reference Number: | 224270-1 |
| Movement: | 3230 Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding |
| Case Diameter: | 40 mm (Cough) |
| Weight: | 4.889 oz |
| Water Resistance: | 330 ft |
| Special Features: | 4hz, Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing), ~70 hr Power Reserve |
Tudor Black Bay 41 “Monochrome”
The Monochrome is said to be very reminiscent of the 5 digit Rolex Submariners. This like the Explorer 40 could easily be a one watch collection and can be worn in any situation I would find myself in.
On the wrist if feels a little chunky but it isn’t as blingy as my other diver. I think the jubilee bracelet and the aluminum bezel do a lot to make this watch feel dressier as well.
I purchased this watch “on accident.” I made a low-ball offer with the mindset of if it gets accepted I’d be happy to buy the watch at that price… and it was.
| Reference Number: | m7941a1a0nu-0003 |
| Movement: | MT5602-U |
| Case Diameter: | 41 mm |
| Water Resistance: | 200 ft |
| Special Features: | METAS Master Chronometer certification, ~70 hr Power Reserve |
Garmin Venu 3
The Garmin Venu 3 is less a watch and more of a fitness tracker. With the standard black silicone strap and the screen off to save power, it is a featureless black watch. Thankfully the screen comes to life as you turn your wrist to view the 1.4″ screen.
Being a fan of field watches, I created a custom face with white leaf style hands and faux tritium markers both in the hands and hour markers on a dimmed face after sunset. Additionally the face shows progress towards my daily step goal and remaining body battery in blue and red arcs. Instead of the typical Day-Date it displays my current heart rate and remaining battery life is show via 9 small dots below the 6:00 indicator.
Longines Hydroconquest
Longines has the oldest registered trademark for a watch brand logo that is still in-use today and like Rolex has a long history as a time keeper in sports.
Visually the Hydroconquest uses similar applied numbers to the Explorer 40, but as a dive watch it boasts a 300m water resistance and a ceramic elapsed time dive bezel. Like the Explorer or the Submariner, this Hydroconquest would also make a good single watch collection choice.
For me the Longines is not as identifiable as Rolex, making it less likely to draw attention; cost 25% as much, making this watch more wearable in higher risk locations and has proven to be a great secondary market buy.
| Reference Number: | L3.781.4.56.6 |
| Movement: | L888 |
| Case Diameter: | 41 mm |
| Weight: | 6.55 oz |
| Water Resistance: | 990 ft |
| Special Features: | 3.5hz, Ceramic Dive Bezel, ~64hr Power Reserve |
Casio G-Shock 5610 (Modded)
The watch my wife calls “a kids watch” might actually be the most perfect watch ever built by man. Not only is it quartz and more accurate than an automatic, it automatically resets to the atomic clock every night. Additionally, it doesn’t need wound because it has a solar power battery so it looks after itself. Finally it is a G-Shock with 200m of water resistance.
My only gripe was I didn’t want a plan black resin watch and the 5600’s available in white are reverse dial and not 5610’s. So I ordered a white replacement band and GWM5610TR bezel to get the black text and created the perfect “kids watch.”
| Reference Number: | GWM5610U-1CF |
| Movement: | Quartz |
| Case Diameter: | 46.7 mm |
| Weight: | 2.08 oz |
| Water Resistance: | 660 ft |
| Special Features: | Shock Resistance, Solar, Atomic Time Keeping, Day-Date-Month, Timer, Alarm. |
| Modifications: | Casio Watch Bezel for GLX-5600-7, Casio Replacement Band for GWM5610TR |
Seiko “Arnie”
This a remake of the watch warn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando and Predator, which is how it got its nickname.
It’s size gives it immediate presence and if you replace the plastic shroud with a metal one, and maybe throw it on a leather band you have a very cool, mad max style watch.
I found mine on ebay and placed a bid of $255, thinking there was no way I would win it, and if I did I could sell it if I didn’t like it.
| Reference Number: | SNJ025 |
| Movement: | Quartz |
| Case Diameter: | 47.8 mm |
| Water Resistance: | 200 m |
| Special Features: | Solar, Shroud, Day-Date-Month, Timer, Alarm. |
Possible Future Additions
Citizen
Ref: QA4091-56A
Cartier Santos
Ref: WSSA0018
IWC Mark XX
Ref: IW328208