5 Years of Collecting: Hororgasm's Watch Evolution

Hororgasm reflects on five years as a PuristSPro member, offering a retrospective on his watch collecting journey and how his tastes have evolved. He presents a fascinating comparison of watches acquired in 2007 versus 2012, revealing a shift towards independent brands and a more nuanced appreciation for horological innovation.

howdy folks,

today I "celebrate" 5 years of my existence on Ppro. I thought it would be a good idea to see in relative terms, what i bought in 2007 versus 2012. I do not generally "recycle" my watches, and I hang on to good and some bad buys 90% of the time, so I wanted to see if I have matured horologically. Strickly speaking, I started in 2004, in the old Purists where I posted a grand total of 4 times, all enquiring about the UN Freak. I credit Bernard Cheong for inducting me into forum life by responding to my queries on the Freak. I felt I have nothing to contribute to this august forum in the early years, and spent my time just reading. from Jaw to Suitbert to A.Ghobti to TM to SJX(apols if I left out some names), I have learnt so much, and am still learning.....

here's a selection of several pieces from the class of 2007 versus the class of 2012.

The Shaq is one of the few remaining AP ROOs limited editions. I still like them, and I think they are making a "comeback", but I sold most of my limited edition ROOs. this Hublot I picked up today to commemorate my fifth year here. Most people know I am generally critical of limited edition marketing, but even then, I am not immune to it....the Hublot Ferrari in titanium with the new Unico movement, like me ManU Hublot, at least has a certain club and car affliation pertinent and meaningful to me.

Next up, my first Independent piece; from Berhard Lederer's BLU versus something from my favourite Indie brand MB&F. couldnt have more contrast between the two. One seek to be fuctionally useful, whilst the others focus on what conceptually and horologically what can be done differently. the fortunes of the two Indies are markedly different as well -

one thing that hasnt changed is I still buy one Omega Speedmaster from the 70s and 80s once a year. There is a story here, involving my grandfather, but thats for another day. One thing about collecting Speedies is their prices are generally relatively stable, except that year that Antiquorum had the Omegamania auction. but even then, their prices never got to Rolex sports models "crazy" levels.

what can I say....the FPJ date did not work in 2007, and still do not work in 2012, even after trips back to factory...I have given up on fixing it, and now rather like the fact that my "piece unique" FPJ jumps 11 days at a time! The LF is such a beaut...mark my 2 cents worth...they will dethrone Dufour one day - the LF is really timeless elegence with technical accompishments to boot. think blonde birds with brains!!

the Mazzuoli is a fun piece, with a great design, inspired by a utility object. there is a certain Italian coolness to it, something that Panerai has lost a bit over the years, in its relentless drive to grow its market share. the Bronzo however, is in a cool class of its own...its not the first bronze watch, Genta an Anomino done it before, but damn....the 382 created single handedly this year, the explosion in the bronze genre, with all sorts of small brands latching unto it.

the below is a wonderful and generous gift that I received today......I am speechless - the Marc Newson Hourglass

hope you guys enjoy this short class 07 versus class 12 compario. please chime in and share your watches then and now, and if Ppro has horo-influenced you in anyway.

best,

Horo