If you ask anyone who knows me, you would hear that I have a fascination, borderline obsession with watches. I got into the idea of wearing a watch as a younger kid, maybe 12-13, and have been collecting from that point on. It slowly became more and more of an addiction, and at this point I have somewhere between 10-12 watches. I obviously can’t talk about them all in depth here, but I’ll do my best to share any stories I have about them before moving on. This will be longer than 1000 words, but it’s my last post so I don’t care. Read it or don’t. Here we go:
I’ll be labeling the watches 1-10, from left to right top and bottom if you want to see which one I am talking about.
- Skagen Hagen (Top Left)
For starters, I’ll say that I’ve only ever bought one watch with my own money, and the rest of the watches seen here have all been gifts from all sorts of people in my life. The Skagen is a gift from my grandmother for my 14th birthday. What makes it special is that it is technically a “Smartwatch”, and is advertised as a hybrid. It connects to my phone so I never have to set the time, and there are three pushers that have some extra functions. For example, the top pusher will move both hands to a number on the chapter ring (circumference of the dial) to represent the date, the middle pusher will pause my music, and the bottom pusher will make a noise on my phone for when I lose it. I like to wear this watch when I know I’ll be doing some physical activity but don’t want to wear my Apple watch, because it also tracks my steps. Overall, a great addition to my collection.
- Nixon X Star Wars Sentry SS “On My Command”
Likewise, this watch was also a gift from my grandmother. She had come to visit and when we were out shopping, I saw it in a display case, and she just bought it for me, not saying a thing. We really don’t deserve Grandmas. Anyway, I like this specific model because it is Star Wars themed: The dial displays a TIE fighter window, the seconds hand is a blaster firing a laser, and the case back on the back of the watch has a stormtrooper engraved into it. I like wearing this one when I have a long day because it’s super comfortable and sometimes it sparks a conversation.
- Victorinox 26004CB
The one that started it all, this watch was a gift from my parents for my 13th birthday, after I begged for it for months. The crystal is scratched to high hell and the crown and dial are way too small for me to wear now, but I still like the watch. I don’t wear it much anymore, but I hope to one day fix it up, buy a new crystal, and make it look nice again. For now thought, it will continue to sit in my box.
- Treehut Classic Boyd
Yes, you are seeing that right, this watch is almost entirely made of wood. A gift from my aunt for my 15th birthday, this watch is super cool. I had never seen anything like it, and when I got it I was super excited. I don’t wear it to school much because, being wood, it’s light and fragile, and I’m worried about scratching it, but I’ll wear it if I go out to dinner and I’m wearing a polo shirt and Khakis in the spring or summer. Unfortunately, I lost the extra links to the bracelet so it’s a little tight, so maybe I’ll go out and buy some replacements so I can wear it again, because it’s so cool, now, it sits in the box.
- Bulova 98A230
The first of my two mechanical watches, this watch uses a spring to provide the energy to run in rather than a battery and quartz crystal, like the other 8 in the box. This watch was a 16th birthday gift from, you guessed it, my Grandma. What’s also cool about this particular watch is that it’s what’s known as an automatic meaning that it will actually wind itself. The watch has a rotor that sways with the natural motion of your wrist, and just by wearing it, it will wind itself to full, which is super cool to me. I’ll wear this one for a medium-high level fancy meal, or to school if I know if I’m feeling it. I really like the exhibition caseback, because it shows all the inner workings ticking away. Overall, I’m really glad I own it.
- Chicane Racer Chronograph
The first of my three chronographs (a watch with a stopwatch function), this watch has a super interesting story. I actually didn’t buy this one or receive it as a traditional gift. I got it from a golfer I caddied for, someone I know well and am friendly with, when I was 14. He noticed that I liked watches, and brought it for me one day, said he didn’t wear it anymore, and said it was mine. It’s the only square watch I own, and I’ll wear it from time to time, but I need to buy a new strap for it. Still, a cool watch with a cool story.
7 & 8. Michael Kors MK-8661 & Fossil FS5378 “Townsman”
The second and third chronographs, the first a gift for my 16th birthday from a family friend and the second being a Christmas gift at some point. The MK has a nice black dial, and I like the Fossil’s navy blue dial, and I think they go well with the leather straps I have on them. That’s really it. Nothing crazy, just reliable watches that I’ll wear from time to time if I wake up inclined to do so.
- Ball Engineer Marvelight III
My pièce de résistance, this watch was an 18th birthday gift from my Grandparents, and is easily my favorite watch that I own. I could spew about how I love the green dial, the bracelet that has alternating brushed and polished links, the COSC mechanical chronometer certification, or the incredible history behind Webb C. Ball and how the Ball Watch company started, but that could be a post on its own, so I’ll just talk about what I think is the coolest aspect of not only this watch, but every watch in Ball’s arsenal: Tritium. All Ball watches have tiny gas tubes filled with Tritium, a measurably radioactive isotope of hydrogen that glows visibly. Most of the other watches in my collection have “lume” luminous material that glows when charged with UV light, but Tritium will glow indefinitely until its half-life of 12 years depletes its glow. I really like the design of the watch, and when I have enough money, I can totally see myself buying more models from the company in the future.
- Casio MDV106B-1A 1V “Duro”
This is the only watch in my collection that I personally have researched, purchased, and modded with my own money. I wanted a dive watch (a watch with high water resistance certification and rotating timing bezel), but didn’t want to break the bank, and found the Duro, a watch that had everything I wanted in a $46 dollar package. I bought it and wore it for a few weeks, but I absolutely scratched the ever living shit out of the crystal, so bought a new, sapphire crystal and replaced it. I’ve had this watch for a few months, and I still wear it. For it’s price, it’s an absolute steal, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get into watches
If you made it this far, you’re either Stano or the options for posts to comment this month must have been really boring because you just read me yapping for almost 1400 words. I hope you enjoyed the read, and if you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them. For now, I gonna go but I hope I didn’t waste your time.
P.S. I also have an Apple Watch and a Garmin that tracks all my Golf data but I didn’t think I should include those
Your passion for watches shines through in your detailed descriptions! It’s fascinating to hear about the stories behind each timepiece in your collection, especially the sentimental value they hold as gifts from loved ones. From the Skagen’s smart features to the unique design of the Nixon X Star Wars Sentry SS, each watch seems to reflect a different aspect of your personality and interests. Your dedication to maintaining and even modding your watches, like with the Casio MDV106B-1A 1V “Duro,” shows a commitment to your hobby beyond just collecting. It’s impressive how you’ve researched and personalized your collection to suit your preferences. The Ball Engineer Marvelight III sounds particularly special, not just for its design but also for the intriguing Tritium feature, adding a unique touch to its luminosity. Your post not only shares your enthusiasm for watches but also offers insights into the stories and memories that can accompany cherished possessions. It’s clear that each watch in your collection holds its own significance and adds depth to your passion.
Hi Gabe. I think your collection is particularly interesting. Just to have a collection of somethings to be proud of and being so knowledgeable about each and every one of the different watches. Additionally, the generational value of some of your watches like the Skagen Smartwatch gifted by your grandmother. Or the significance of the Bulova 98A230 which is your first mechanical watch. Now I have no idea about any of these watches, so the information that you provided was very interesting. I’m not one to wear a watch, but if I’m ever in the market I think I’ll ask for your expert opinion. I also think it’s neat that you have personally researched, purchased , and modded your own watch. This shows off some important life skills that are needed for things way beyond watches, like buying a home or looking at a car. Very nice blog Gabe, I thought it was well put together.