Why have I started to collect watches? Well the main reason I like watches and like any collection that is why I started. I use to have a very small collection years ago of 4 or 5 watches that I would wear. I then sold most of them leaving only one watch. Which I regret doing as with a year my final watch got stolen. One of these watches was my first watch I was given as well as my first watch I bought for myself.After that I just stopped wearing a watch.
However a few years back I decided I wanted a smart watch to wear to work... now hear me out. I work in a loud workshop and I couldn't hear if my phone was ringing or text message from the boss when he was out and about. So to combat that I got smart watch that links via bluetooth to my phone and I can now feel the vibration a lot better when there is a phone call or message. I also use it to track steps and all the other stuff that smart watches do. But all that did was spark my love of watches again... So I am now desperately trying to replace my old watches especially the one that got stolen all those years ago.
I like more the Chronograph style watch and my collection is going to more towards that style of watch however not all like the Magrette Pacific Waterman ,is more a sports adventure watch
I currently only have four watches with a fifth on my radar very soon. (and yes I do count my smart watch) My current watches are;
| Brand | Model | Movemet | Cost NZD | Link | Note |
| Magrette | Moana Pacific Waterman GMT Titanium | Miyota 9075 automatic GMT with jumping local hour hand | $1500.00 | https://magrette.com | A Kiwi micro brand watch and is one favorite watches. |
| Fossil | Coachman Chronograph |
Quartz Chronograph Movement |
$320.00 | https://brentweatheralljeweller.co.nz |
I bought this watch as a EDW (every day wear) or hack watch so if I scratch it or beat it up I am not to bothered. It was also the watch that bought me back to wearing a nice mechanical watch instead of just a smart watch. |
| Belmoto | Trackday SBB - Matte Black | Seiko VK64 Chronograph Hybrid Meca-Quartz Movement | $841.00 | https://www.belmoto.gt | A sub brand of Magrette and also again up there as on of my favorite watches. |
| Samsung | Galaxy Watch Active2 | Digital Smart | $399.00 (now 1/2 that) | https://www.noelleeming.co.nz | As I said got this for work and track steps (which now I don't really bother as much) |
| Seiko | 5 Pepsi Auto | 4R36-07G0 | $350 (2nd Hand) | http:www.trademe.co.nz | The story behind this wath is that when I was in the Navy I had a Seiko watch similar to this that was stolen and this is a modern version of the watch I had. |
| Casio | W-59-1V | Casio 590 Digital Module | $59.00 | https://www.showcasejewellersmosgiel.co.nz/ |
Pure nostalgic... Came out at the same time as as the more common F-91W in July 1989. |
Now I have a 7-1/2" to 7-3/4" wrist which means I can wear most watches comfortably, just the not the extreme smaller or extreme larger watches. This actually makes it easier buying and wearing watch.
Other watches that are on my radar include Seiko 5, Alpina Start Timer Pilot, Tissot, Hamilton, Christopher Ward and even Citizen Promaster, Timex, Casio - G Shock etc.
Am I wanting a to get any of the luxury brands like Rolex, Omega etc... well first off luxury is relative and it is very subjective, it is in the eye of the beholder. Some people will say my Megrette watch is luxury, where as I don't. So my short answer is "No" however I am not going turn down one if an opportunity comes my way get one that I afford. They are just currently not on my radar.
Here are some of the watches that are on my radar;
| Brand | Model | Movemnt | Cost NZD | Link | Note |
| Belmotto | Tourer -GBG - Rose Gold | Miyota 9015 with hacking seconds | $1180.00 | https://www.belmoto.gt/ | Love the style of this watch. |
| Alpina | Startimer Pilot | AI-372 Caliber, Quartz | $1750.00 | https://www.christies.co.nz/ | |
| Seiko | Coutura | 8T63, Quartz | $1051.56 | https://cambridgejewellers.co.nz/ | Love the dial and the carbon fibre look. |
| Seiko | Solar Divers | $950.00 | https://cambridgejewellers.co.nz/ | Bit of a classic look. | |
| Tissot | PRX Powermatic 80 | POWERMATIC 80.111 Automatic | $1325.00 | https://www.christies.co.nz/ | Stylish dress watch. |
| Hamilton | Khaki Field Titanium | Automatic | $1290.00 | https://www.chrono24.co.nz/ | |
| Citizen | Promaster MX | Eco-Drive technology | $850.00 | https://preciousmetals.co.nz/ | |
| Beaufort | Seatreaker | Swiss Made STP 1-11, Automatic | $1049.00 | https://www.beaufort-watches.com/products/seatrekker-green | Another Kiwi micro brand and love the style and look |
| Beaufort | Aerotimer | Swiss Made STP 1-11, Automatic | $899.00 | https://www.beaufort-watches.com/products/aerotimer-white | I want one of the other colours but have missed out due to being sold out and I not having the cash available when I wanted one. |
| Olympic |
Pinnacle Collection - Chronograph |
Ronda Swiss movement | $940.00 | https://olympicwatch.com/collections/gents-watches/products/29089 | Another kiwi brand but all swiss made watch |
In general I do like the chronograph style of watches and I do tend to gravitate towards them. I also prefer a strap either leather or NATO style over a bracelets. However that does not mean all my watches will be or will have chronographs. Also I am not just a automatic or manual or quartz person and I will buy a watch based if I like the looks of it...
