Another Post About Watches - My 2024 State of the Collection

A few watches are permanent fixtures while others have moved on.

As my hobbies slowly dwindle down to zero, I figured it was time to document the state of my watch collection. Now that I don’t have a classic Porsche to occupy my time and money, I’ve been thinking critically about my watch collection. Specifically, what do I want to keep and what needs to go? This post is by no means a farewell to the watch hobby, rather, it’s a snapshot.

And I hate to call watch collecting a “hobby” because I believe you should get better at a hobby, like golfing, car racing, running, knitting, whatever. Buying watches and wearing them is hardly a skill. If anything, owning and wearing watches is a liability.

For the few of you that like my watch posts, this one’s for you.

1. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (reference 3750.50)

The 1861 movement in all of its glory. This movement is what makes this watch so special.

I didn’t tell you all but a new Speedmaster entered my life earlier this year. I sold my last Speedmaster to pay for medical bills incurred during the birth of my third child. Kids > Watches. Now that things have leveled off, I’ve made some positive career moves, and had some disposable income to spend on my all-time favorite watch. 

I picked up my new Speedmaster from Chrono24 from the second owner. I bought this watch for about $700 below market. The watch came on the original leather strap, along with original boxes, warranty card, and books—a full set. The Speedmaster was a little gross when I received it but it’s clean now and shines like new.

The Speedmaster has been my favorite watch for a long time. This watch is a fan favorite for many reasons but here are the top three:

1. The history is second to none. Buzz Aldrin wore an Omega on the moon during Apollo XI. 

2. The design oozes mid-century goodness that’s iconic and timeless. You can wear the watch in almost any situation and attire.

3. The watch offers an incredible value for money. A guy wearing a Patek Philippe 5172 Chronograph complimented my Speedmaster once. Those are the kind of watch enthusiasts that I like.

2. Casio G-Shock 5000U

5600 on the left; 5000U on the right.

What more is there to say about this near-perfect watch? It keeps millisecond precise time. It can withstand anything thrown at it or being thrown at. The watch will be cool in 40 years, if not cooler than it has been the last 40 years. 

I’m not wearing this G-Shock as much as I used to because of the aftermarket strap options. G-Shocks look and wear better on the OEM rubber two-piece strap.

I can confidently say that this watch won’t be leaving my collection. I’ve owned it for almost a year and haven’t felt the need to move it on. I find it to be the most useful watch I own. But it does lack the emotional connection I have with my Speedmaster.

3. Casio G-Shock 5600

I picked up another G-Shock on a Prime Day deal for around $40. These base G-Shock squares are fantastic little units. They are the perfect watches for people who actually need a watch. The stripped down utility of the 5600 makes this one of the best options for any watch under $100, if not $50. 

Now that I’m used to the 5000U, I do find the 5600 to be annoying because the menus are flipped. For instance, the light button is on the bottom-right versus the upper-right of the 5000U. It also doesn’t have multi-band 6 so the time creeps up over the month by about 15 seconds. Again, not a deal breaker but I’ve been spoiled with the 5000U. I like owning the two watches because they look the same at first glance but are entirely unique once you get to know them.

And that’s what I love about watches: the details are infinitely captivating.

4. WatchDives MilSub Homage

For $100, this watch shouldn't be this good.

Homage watches (or clones, let’s be honest) are a heated topic on watch forums. Some people like them while others loathe them. I think they are perfectly fine if you’re interested in owning a particular model of watch.

I’m a sucker for iconic watches and the Rolex Submariner has been on my “watches to own” list for years. What’s held me back from buying one are two reasons: the price and the perception.

A decent, used 14060 reference is $7,500 on the low end and $10,000 for a nice example. That’s a lot of money to drop on a watch. Secondly, tons of people own Submariners. Whenever I go to a car race or car show, I could throw a rock in any direction and hit a dude wearing a Sub. Sure, the Speedmaster is a popular watch but I see far fewer of them in the wild.

The real-deal 14060 Submariner on my wrist tempting me to make a horrible financial decision.

Plus, there’s the Rolex stigma. Most people associate Rolex with money or luxury. And it’s true, Rolex is the most recognizable luxury watch brand in the world. But I like the older Rolexes that were built to be used as tools and not to be worn by them. I hate the association the brand has with hype influencers in gaudy Lamborghinis. I’m more into the Steve McQueen and Paul Newman coolness–even though I’ll never be that cool.

These homage watches give me a taste of what it’s like to own a Submariner at a 1000% discount.

5. Timex Marlin

Proof that you don't need lots of money to buy a great watch.

My sister-in-law gifted this watch to me several years ago for my birthday. I love its 34mm case and art deco design. I’ve worn this watch about 10 times, usually for formal occasions. I paired the watch with a vintage-looking saddle leather strap. I love the plastic crystal and manual-winding movement.

I think every collection should have a dress watch. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a classy dress watch. You can pick up a Marlin for around $200 and it exudes class.

What’s next?

I’m saving up for a larger watch purchase in a few years. I’ve had my fun with Seikos, cheap Omegas and micro brands. I want to get another substantial watch for my collection. Ideally, I would like to have three heavy hitters that I can give to each of my sons when they grow up.

A Rolex is likely my next watch but I haven’t decided which one I want. A no-date Submariner is a likely choice. I do love the Explorer line, too. The 36mm Explorer is beautiful and timeless. The Explorer II is packed with functionality and you can get it with a white dial.

Long term, an A. Lange & Sohne, a Vacheron Constantin or a Grand Seiko would be fantastic to own. But those watches can be $20,000 and up. And more importantly, they’re not practical so they’ll likely be a retirement gift for myself.

And if you like wristwatches, what is in your collection? I love to learn about what people are wearing.