Well.. Ive found a new hobby... obsession.. love..

35TH LE · 02-06-07, 10:55

Not that Im giving up detailing.. HECK NO!

Ive found something else.. and its possible ALL thanks to detailing. My detailing side work has abled me to afford another passion of mine, watches. Ive always been into watches.. but never got really into it because I simply couldnt afford it. Well... my weekend detailing has allowed me to start collecting.

Heres my collection so far..

Please excuse the photos.. my host doesnt allow me to hotlink full size pics and Im getting used to my new Canon S3IS. I think its time to find a new provider so I can show these off full resolution.

Citizen Nighthawk, Eco-Drive, Black Ion Plated.

ESQ Beacon, Swiss Quartz.

Seiko Criteria Chrono, Team Honda Racing F1.

Seiko Premier Perpetual Calendar.

Citizen Calibre 9000, Eco-Drive, Minute Repeater.

Seiko 5, 7s26 Auto.

And this Seiko 5 Sports, 7s36, is on its way in the mail.

01bluecls · 02-06-07, 11:03

Cool Pics...I dont even have a watch lol. I just use my cell to tell time. I guess when I can afford a really nice watch I will get one eventually.

TigerMike · 02-07-07, 05:31

It is definitely an obsession! I have caught the bug lately as well, to the disdain of the wife, lol.

No pics, but my current collection includes 2 ESQ swiss quartz, a Freedom model and another model (can't remember the name, but diver style). Acquired both of these years ago, long before I became obsessed as well. Also, the wife got me a Fossil last Valentines, although I rarely wear it. For mechanicals, I have an Invicta 8926, Seiko 5 (Rolex Presidential style), and my latest, a Tissot Le Locle with black dial and Romans. The Tissot is just beautiful and an absolutely fantastic value for a Swiss ETA. It is my most accurate mechanical watch to date, and I swear it runs within COSC specs. For just under $300, it is a real bargain.

As to future purchases, I am trying to locate a Seiko White Knight, and am looking at some of the newest Seiko 6R15 Spirits. I would also like to find a nice moon phase at a reasonable price. Oris has a few, but they are a tad expensive. Other brands have piqued my interest (Archimede, Orient, etc), but nothing emminent that I will buy immediately. I would also like a nice inexpensive power reserve (something I think ALL mechanicals should come with). I know Orient makes several, and the new Timex auto even has one. But, I'm undecided about those too...

Your collection is very nice, and it's good to see fellow watch enthusiasts here. Watch collecting, I have found, is very much like wax collecting. You can never have enough!

Regards,

Mike

TigerMike · 02-07-07, 05:42

By the way, you probably already know these, but in case you (or others do not), here are some of the better watch sites that I frequent.

TimeZone: Forums -- I mainly stay in the Public forum and the Seiko forum

Watchuseek Watch Forums -- the "Affordable watch" forum has really good info, and I like the Tissot subforum there too.

'Poor Man's' Watch Forum - Foro de Relojes Para el 'Hombre Pobre' - Horlogeforum voor de 'Arme Man' - Message Index

35TH LE · 02-07-07, 07:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by TigerMike

By the way, you probably already know these, but in case you (or others do not), here are some of the better watch sites that I frequent.

TimeZone: Forums -- I mainly stay in the Public forum and the Seiko forum

Watchuseek Watch Forums -- the "Affordable watch" forum has really good info, and I like the Tissot subforum there too.

'Poor Man's' Watch Forum - Foro de Relojes Para el 'Hombre Pobre' - Horlogeforum voor de 'Arme Man' - Message Index

Thanks for the compliments guys.... much appreciated.

Mike.. I think it was you that first recommended ESQ to me a while back. Im glad you did because it was one of the reasons I kept my eyes open for ESQ watches. To date.. my ESQ Beacon is my favorite purchase.

I do visit the watchuseek forum.. mostly the public and affordable forum. Great people and great site. Ill have to check out the others you mentioned. Thanks!

My next purchase might be a Swiss Army Ambassador auto.. hopefully the deal I have going will go through.

mrzeee · 02-09-07, 10:43

this is what my GF just bought for me for Valetines(sorry for the giant pic)

Spilchy · 02-10-07, 09:29

I'm a huge watch fan here.

But unlike you guys, I go vintage. So not only do you have to shell out the coin for the watch, getting them overhauled and restored is another expense.

One thing I have learned is that there are a billion watches and you can't have them all! So it takes discipline and patience to seek out "the one." Or, try to pick out a genre of watches or particular maker that you admire and acquire them that way.

I'm not a fan of many of the new watches even though I'm wearing my new Seiko weekend watch! I can bang it around and not be worried.

If there is a new watch that I like and can afford after a couple weekend details, it is the Seiko Premier but with a real alligator band PREMIER | SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION

Not to be snooty, but I was fortunate to have a 40 year old Rolex that was handed down to me. So for me, most other stainless steel watches don't compete in my opinion (even though I have a few of them like Seikos). But, I can still appreciate the craftsmanship of the movements and respect the fact that Seikos are fully built in house.

Oh, you can't pay me to wear a quartz movement!!!

ZaneO · 02-10-07, 02:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spilchy

One thing I have learned is that there are a billion watches and you can't have them all!

So far, it's proving impossible for me to learn this...

I've fallen in love with Hamilton watches and currently want 4 or 5 that are very similar.

06E90 · 02-11-07, 06:42

LOL, when I saw the title, I thought: "watches"! TigerMike, My couple of "nice" watches resemble yours: an Invicta 8926, a Tissot and a Seiko. I'm looking into buying some vintage warches when I can. 35thLE, your collection is really good, I like the style on all your watches.

docker · 02-11-07, 06:54

Nice collection! Years ago I had the bug also, until the 12 Seiko's I had were stolen in a breakin. Got everything back but the watches, ugh.

klnyc · 02-11-07, 06:55

I bet you guys any amount of money..Sekioguy going chime in on this one

I think he has some collection of watches.

DETAILKING · 02-13-07, 08:44

Couldn't pass up a sweet deal on ebay, got this Luminox Night Ops Tritium Watch.....really liking it.