Discussion
This is not a thread about a faulty watch...
I realise this will only make sense to a handful of people. I'm not an investor, I buy watches because I like them, but this doesn't necessarily mean I feel the need to wear them. I know I'm lucky to have a little bit of disposable income to spare, and I understand some people find watches that cost more than £50 ridiculous. This thread isn't for those people.
With that disclaimer out of the way, I'll get to the point.
I'm going to put my collection away and wear one watch for August.
I've decided that this will be a Seiko Marinemaster (an SBDX017 for those who find this level of detail essential).
I typically wear my Doxa most evenings and weekends, then rotate various other bits when I'm at work. Sometimes I like something dressy, sometimes something plain, sometimes something old. There are watches in the box that come out once every couple of months, some that come out twice a week. I enjoy them whether they're regular or not - some I have because I like how they look, or because they have history.
Back to the point. The rationale for choosing this watch.
The Seiko is on a grey canvas strap.
Its smart and sensible enough for work, but casual enough for everything else.
The finishing is excellent and it feels special to me - the mono lock case is magnificent.
Its clearly very robust.
It reminds me of how I got into the hobby via vintage and JDM Seiko.
Its not so expensive that I worry about it.
I have kept two other watches 'out'. An OP39 and a Bronze Yema Superman. I'm going to try to ignore them until September, but if I get frustrated through lack of choice, they're second options for work and home.
The experiment is to see how much I miss the choice, to see if this changes how I feel about having a collection, which watches I miss the most, and how my emotions towards the Seiko change. Will update as I go.
Anyone else done a watch fast before?
I realise this will only make sense to a handful of people. I'm not an investor, I buy watches because I like them, but this doesn't necessarily mean I feel the need to wear them. I know I'm lucky to have a little bit of disposable income to spare, and I understand some people find watches that cost more than £50 ridiculous. This thread isn't for those people.
With that disclaimer out of the way, I'll get to the point.
I'm going to put my collection away and wear one watch for August.
I've decided that this will be a Seiko Marinemaster (an SBDX017 for those who find this level of detail essential).
I typically wear my Doxa most evenings and weekends, then rotate various other bits when I'm at work. Sometimes I like something dressy, sometimes something plain, sometimes something old. There are watches in the box that come out once every couple of months, some that come out twice a week. I enjoy them whether they're regular or not - some I have because I like how they look, or because they have history.
Back to the point. The rationale for choosing this watch.
The Seiko is on a grey canvas strap.
Its smart and sensible enough for work, but casual enough for everything else.
The finishing is excellent and it feels special to me - the mono lock case is magnificent.
Its clearly very robust.
It reminds me of how I got into the hobby via vintage and JDM Seiko.
Its not so expensive that I worry about it.
I have kept two other watches 'out'. An OP39 and a Bronze Yema Superman. I'm going to try to ignore them until September, but if I get frustrated through lack of choice, they're second options for work and home.
The experiment is to see how much I miss the choice, to see if this changes how I feel about having a collection, which watches I miss the most, and how my emotions towards the Seiko change. Will update as I go.
Anyone else done a watch fast before?
I've never fasted however it's clearly evident which watches I wear and which I don't and that the latter shouldn't exist in my collection. I've also noticed that over the past few months I've stuck to one watch for a few days each rather than swap daily or even within the day, I'm currently on my 3rd day with Sinn's EZM13 and seeing as I'm not back at work until Wednesday next week I'll see if it stays on until then... Not exactly a month with one watch though, granted.
Many people, including myself, have occasional thoughts on consolidation, in either dropping most of what's owned to concentrate the collection on just a few already in the watch box or selling the lot to fund two or three higher end, maybe even grail, pieces. I can see myself doing the former, possibly sooner rather than later, however I've yet to decide on my own personal definition of "just a few"
It'll be interesting to hear how you progress through this. Great choice in the SBDX017 as well, every time someone mentions Marinemaster (in the SBDX model range sense) I have pangs of regret selling my 001 version yet to buy a replacement now would cost be a chunk more than I sold mine for.
Many people, including myself, have occasional thoughts on consolidation, in either dropping most of what's owned to concentrate the collection on just a few already in the watch box or selling the lot to fund two or three higher end, maybe even grail, pieces. I can see myself doing the former, possibly sooner rather than later, however I've yet to decide on my own personal definition of "just a few"
It'll be interesting to hear how you progress through this. Great choice in the SBDX017 as well, every time someone mentions Marinemaster (in the SBDX model range sense) I have pangs of regret selling my 001 version yet to buy a replacement now would cost be a chunk more than I sold mine for.
Edited by CardShark on Thursday 30th July 16:21
CardShark said:
I've never fasted however it's clearly evident which watches I wear and which I don't and that the latter shouldn't exist in my collection. I've also noticed that over the past few months I've stuck to one watch for a few days each rather than swap daily or even within the day, I'm currently on my 3rd day with Sinn's EZM13 and seeing as I'm not back at work until Wednesday next week I'll see if it stays on until then... Not exactly a month with one watch though, granted.
Many people, including myself, have occasional thoughts on consolidation, in either dropping most of what's owned to concentrate the collection on just a few already in the watch box or selling the lot to fund two or three higher end, maybe even grail, pieces. I can see myself doing the former, possibly sooner rather than later, however I've yet to decide on my own personal definition of "just a few"
It'll be interesting to hear how you progress through this. Great choice in the SBDX017 as well, every time someone mentions Marinemaster (in the SBDX model range sense) I have pangs of regret selling my 001 version yet to buy a replacement now would cost be a chunk more than I sold mine for.
I think we have a similar view. Through lockdown I was able to change watches in the day because they're in my home office, and enjoyed it. Many people, including myself, have occasional thoughts on consolidation, in either dropping most of what's owned to concentrate the collection on just a few already in the watch box or selling the lot to fund two or three higher end, maybe even grail, pieces. I can see myself doing the former, possibly sooner rather than later, however I've yet to decide on my own personal definition of "just a few"
It'll be interesting to hear how you progress through this. Great choice in the SBDX017 as well, every time someone mentions Marinemaster (in the SBDX model range sense) I have pangs of regret selling my 001 version yet to buy a replacement now would cost be a chunk more than I sold mine for.
Edited by CardShark on Thursday 30th July 16:21
I often have thoughts about consolidating, but I also like choice, and I'm a natural collector. I covet interesting things, and watches are a passion. Would I be happier with a few, higher end pieces? I'm not so sure. I don't even know what they'd be. Doing this experiment might help me find out.
You might have seen from my other thread that I actually bought a second 017 for this endeavour! It was going for a good price and the stars seemed to align at the right time.
As with most things hobby related, the planning and the deciding are half the fun. Will report back as my opinions form, but the MM has been on since last Wednesday and I'm still enjoying it.
As always: nice Sinn
I'm not so sure I'd have fewer higher end pieces either, despite the value of my current collection being what it is the thought of having that same value held in maybe 3 watches doesn't feel comfortable with me, for now anyway. I feel OK with £X on my wrist, I'm not so sure about £XX, and I don't have any real grails as such. I enjoy having a wider choice, a greater what-am-I-in-the-mood-for today option list, though I'm also aware that there was once a point where I felt sufficiently sated with a collection smaller than it is now.
My collection, if that's even the correct word, is made up of those I wear and those that I either wear on the rare occasion or just don't wear at all. There's no theme other than do I like them, or at least did I like them at the time of purchase. Others concentrate on, for example, just issued watches or on a particular movement type, there's one occasional poster here who has a good few of a certain chronograph movement yet he wears the same watch for 99% of the time. I admire that, to take an specific interest in a particular aspect, and for me that's a true "collection".
I guess that's where my "shouldn't exist" comment came from. I don't have any specific interest in a particular aspect, therefore I see little point for me to keep all I have when I don't use them. They're not part of my what-am-I-in-the-mood-for today option list.
Out of interest are you keeping the MM on that one strap or are you keeping strap options open?
My collection, if that's even the correct word, is made up of those I wear and those that I either wear on the rare occasion or just don't wear at all. There's no theme other than do I like them, or at least did I like them at the time of purchase. Others concentrate on, for example, just issued watches or on a particular movement type, there's one occasional poster here who has a good few of a certain chronograph movement yet he wears the same watch for 99% of the time. I admire that, to take an specific interest in a particular aspect, and for me that's a true "collection".
I guess that's where my "shouldn't exist" comment came from. I don't have any specific interest in a particular aspect, therefore I see little point for me to keep all I have when I don't use them. They're not part of my what-am-I-in-the-mood-for today option list.
Out of interest are you keeping the MM on that one strap or are you keeping strap options open?
Edited by CardShark on Friday 31st July 00:09
Ah yes, that makes sense.
Straps: yes, but unlikely I'll want to. I really like the grey canvas one. It doesn't fill the lugs as nicely as the grey canvas nato, but on balance I prefer it. My other 017 is on a black Crafter Blue, which is awesome, but I'd rather something less rubbery for work! The Uncle Seiko tropic also goes really well on this watch, so that might make an appearance if I get bored mid month.
The second watch on the shortlist was the GS 245 which was probably in pole position, until the 'spare' 017 was offered. I'd probably have put it on the same strap.
I have a new Breitling showing up fairly soon, which may be hard to resist...
Straps: yes, but unlikely I'll want to. I really like the grey canvas one. It doesn't fill the lugs as nicely as the grey canvas nato, but on balance I prefer it. My other 017 is on a black Crafter Blue, which is awesome, but I'd rather something less rubbery for work! The Uncle Seiko tropic also goes really well on this watch, so that might make an appearance if I get bored mid month.
The second watch on the shortlist was the GS 245 which was probably in pole position, until the 'spare' 017 was offered. I'd probably have put it on the same strap.
I have a new Breitling showing up fairly soon, which may be hard to resist...
Yeah, something similar here, and coincidentally a Seiko too. My Samurai PADI Prospex will be on the wrist for the coming few weeks.
Having put it back on the bracelet it reminds me how much I like it!
I was going to swap back to the Vostok Amphibian for holidays but as this was only just over £220 and is much nicer, I don’t think I’ll bother.
Having put it back on the bracelet it reminds me how much I like it!
I was going to swap back to the Vostok Amphibian for holidays but as this was only just over £220 and is much nicer, I don’t think I’ll bother.
GC8 said:
Did you buy an orange Samurai last year?
Im trying to get a grey J1 too.
OP, I have done something similar for the last year. I wear an old 2000/Aquaracer for work and a red Mk2 Hydroconquest if I want something smarter, and that is it.
Yes, on Amazon. I found it too orange for my fat, middle-aged persona, so sold it on. Im trying to get a grey J1 too.
OP, I have done something similar for the last year. I wear an old 2000/Aquaracer for work and a red Mk2 Hydroconquest if I want something smarter, and that is it.
I have been working from home since Mid-March. Since then I have only worn the two watches pictured below.
I have 2 Pateks, 2 Omegas, 2 Grand Seikos, 1 Rolex and 1 JLC all locked away that I haven't laid eyes on since March. The reason is that a few times a day I will invariably go for a wander in to the garage/workshop/garden/log store and then start tinkering with something. I have ruined quite a few pairs of jeans, shirts and jumpers over the years this way and I know I would damage a watch at some point.
The G-Shock is worn if I am doing stuff that involves vibration/shock (eg. a day of chainsaw action), the SKX007 is worn all other times (and usually taken off mid-job and left somewhere random until I remember where I put it):
I have 2 Pateks, 2 Omegas, 2 Grand Seikos, 1 Rolex and 1 JLC all locked away that I haven't laid eyes on since March. The reason is that a few times a day I will invariably go for a wander in to the garage/workshop/garden/log store and then start tinkering with something. I have ruined quite a few pairs of jeans, shirts and jumpers over the years this way and I know I would damage a watch at some point.
The G-Shock is worn if I am doing stuff that involves vibration/shock (eg. a day of chainsaw action), the SKX007 is worn all other times (and usually taken off mid-job and left somewhere random until I remember where I put it):
I have been on an unintentional fast - haven't worn a watch since lockdown started.
I often think of all the cash I have tied-up in them doing nothing, but that hasn't stopped me adding one to my collection though
I do think about consolidating them all to a gold Day-Date or RG YM (whatever my flavour of the month is at the time), but yeah, like you, I enjoy the choice and 'collection' side of things.
I often think of all the cash I have tied-up in them doing nothing, but that hasn't stopped me adding one to my collection though
I do think about consolidating them all to a gold Day-Date or RG YM (whatever my flavour of the month is at the time), but yeah, like you, I enjoy the choice and 'collection' side of things.
I was doing pretty well with my EZM13, over the last couple of weeks or so I'd only worn both my BB36 and A-13A once each other than the Sinn (needed something smart-ish on one occasion and a friend wanted to see the A-13A), unfortunately the Einsatzzeitmesser will now be taking a break.
And I do mean "break". I played golf on Wednesday, a sport I usually take my watch off for, not for the fear of damaging it through shock transmission or whatever but because I don't like the physical sensation of wearing one when playing. We were having a swift half at the 19th when I checked on the time, it was getting quite dark yet the watch hadn't past 8 o'clock... Pulled the crown out to investigate and noticed that the handset has completely locked up - @rse. Looks like something has been shocked loose within the mechanism, I was always of the opinion that the combination of shock protection within the movement plus the damping effect of the flesh around my wrist would be enough to cope with the game however it appears I may be wrong, or I've just been extremely unlucky. I'll be sending it off next week for a look see, my Pelagos has since taken over where the EZM13 left off, a First World problem admittedly.
And I do mean "break". I played golf on Wednesday, a sport I usually take my watch off for, not for the fear of damaging it through shock transmission or whatever but because I don't like the physical sensation of wearing one when playing. We were having a swift half at the 19th when I checked on the time, it was getting quite dark yet the watch hadn't past 8 o'clock... Pulled the crown out to investigate and noticed that the handset has completely locked up - @rse. Looks like something has been shocked loose within the mechanism, I was always of the opinion that the combination of shock protection within the movement plus the damping effect of the flesh around my wrist would be enough to cope with the game however it appears I may be wrong, or I've just been extremely unlucky. I'll be sending it off next week for a look see, my Pelagos has since taken over where the EZM13 left off, a First World problem admittedly.
Oh, thats really unfortunate. Best of luck with the repair, I'm sure it'll be sorted soon enough, and the Tudor is a nice fallback to have.
I'm about 4 weeks into my Marinemaster fast, and still aiming for the end of August. I've loved it, but am missing some of the other watches quite a bit.
If I'm honest, I'm still a bit precious about the MM, and don't like to see it accrue wear and tear at the rate things do when you wear them non stop.
However, I'm very much enjoying having it with me all the time.
I think the obvious answer is to find a different daily, that's perhaps a little less prone to showing wear. I don't like the execution of ceramic bezels in some cases, but the truth is they don't show the micro scratches metal bezels pick up.
I do like the black and steel dive look, so the obvious answer would be an SLA021 but have to say I'm tempted by the SLA023 in blue. They're a bit cheaper too.
The GS diver alternative hasn't cut over to ceramic yet, but I keep looking at the SBGH213 as a simple daily. Its 40mm, no bezel to scratch, looks anassuming on a fabric strap, but is such a quality product. £5k though, and maybe a bit dressy.
I don't love the Seamaster, which would be a decent shout - I can see why people who want one watch go with them. In all black they do a great job. Might take another look when I'm next able to.
A no date sub would be worth a try, but getting one is tricky. Have asked for one at my AD - its a shot to nothing so let's see what comes of it.
Then there's a bit of me that says if you're going to be a one watch 90% of the time person, why not go a bit silly. I think the skydweller may be a good answer... let's see if I can get hold of one.
Still no sign of the Superocean 57 in the post
All in I'd say the last 4 weeks have been a success.
I'm perfectly happy without the variety 90% of the time and I've really enjoyed the Marinemaster. I have sneaked into the safe to look at the box a couple of times, but thats not breaking the rules!
I'm about 4 weeks into my Marinemaster fast, and still aiming for the end of August. I've loved it, but am missing some of the other watches quite a bit.
If I'm honest, I'm still a bit precious about the MM, and don't like to see it accrue wear and tear at the rate things do when you wear them non stop.
However, I'm very much enjoying having it with me all the time.
I think the obvious answer is to find a different daily, that's perhaps a little less prone to showing wear. I don't like the execution of ceramic bezels in some cases, but the truth is they don't show the micro scratches metal bezels pick up.
I do like the black and steel dive look, so the obvious answer would be an SLA021 but have to say I'm tempted by the SLA023 in blue. They're a bit cheaper too.
The GS diver alternative hasn't cut over to ceramic yet, but I keep looking at the SBGH213 as a simple daily. Its 40mm, no bezel to scratch, looks anassuming on a fabric strap, but is such a quality product. £5k though, and maybe a bit dressy.
I don't love the Seamaster, which would be a decent shout - I can see why people who want one watch go with them. In all black they do a great job. Might take another look when I'm next able to.
A no date sub would be worth a try, but getting one is tricky. Have asked for one at my AD - its a shot to nothing so let's see what comes of it.
Then there's a bit of me that says if you're going to be a one watch 90% of the time person, why not go a bit silly. I think the skydweller may be a good answer... let's see if I can get hold of one.
Still no sign of the Superocean 57 in the post
All in I'd say the last 4 weeks have been a success.
I'm perfectly happy without the variety 90% of the time and I've really enjoyed the Marinemaster. I have sneaked into the safe to look at the box a couple of times, but thats not breaking the rules!
Since Late Feb, I haven't worn anything that cost me over £200.
All I've been wearing is a Casio that was £9.99 or one of the G-Shocks in my collections.
All the "OMG, how much...!" Watches have been put away and not seen the light of day. This doesn't mean I don't want to wear them but don't see no point during the current situation.
All I've been wearing is a Casio that was £9.99 or one of the G-Shocks in my collections.
All the "OMG, how much...!" Watches have been put away and not seen the light of day. This doesn't mean I don't want to wear them but don't see no point during the current situation.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff