Collection
Andrea~, a valued contributor to the WatchProSite community, shares a deeply personal reflection on his watch collection, marking his 2000th post. His journey into horology, spanning just four to five years, reveals a distinct preference for simpler, smaller timepieces, a deliberate contrast to his high-tech professional life. This article distills his insights and the community's appreciative responses, offering a unique perspective on building a collection driven by passion and personal philosophy.
For my 2000th post I have decided to write a few words about my collection. I am grateful and proud of the 7 watches I managed to collect during the last 4/5 years. Each of them represents a facet of my taste. As you will see, I have a preference for simple and smaller watches. This is because I work with things that are at the bleeding edge of technology every day, so I want to take a break from that when I look down to check the time. I find complications fascinating, but they don't fit my lifestyle and, for now, my budget.
I started with a Rolex 1603 from the early 70s that kept stopping and had franken parts (I was still a noob and, as you know, buying vintage without knowledge is suicide), so I sold it and decided to aim for a modern datejust.
The datejust is my favorite watch of all time, because it combines the perfect 36mm size with what I consider to be the most versatile design ever conceived.
After that I decided that I wanted something sportier. I was looking at Omega because as a kid I always dreamt of owning one. I was skeptical about the 42mm size, but after trying on the seamaster I knew I wanted it.
An everyday watch, a sports watch and... a dress watch was missing. I went for the Nomos tangente in 35mm because I love the design and the movement is incredibly good value.
I then stumbled across a Black Bay 58 that was waiting for its intended owner to pick it up. It was back when it was still a waitlisted model. The dealer decided to sell it to me instead because the guy waiting for it didn't want it anymore. I love the gilt accents. It's the most versatile out of my sports watches.
A few months later I was surprised by the Omega AD: my Ed White had arrived. This is my only chronograph. I'm not a chronograph guy, but the speedmaster is one out of a few exceptions. Having a speedy feels like owning a piece of history, especially considering the importance of the 321.
Up until this point I had collected a few watches, all round. I wanted something different, something from a brand I loved and respected that could be a sign of my love for horology. I purchased the Reverso Classic Medium Duoface Small Seconds and it has become one of my favorite watches since. The JLC boutique was so nice that they even invited me to visit the manufacure. A fantastic experience overall.
I wasn't over my shaped case phase yet. This period coincided with the begginning of my love and appreciation of Cartier. After going back and forth between the Stantos Dumont and the Santos De Cartier, I landed on the latter, in the medium size of course. I adore this watch. Its bracelet is comfortable and looks fantastic. It's so chic, but it flies under the radar because of how thin it is.
Well... this concludes my journey, for now. I am waiting for a Snoopy that will never come and for a batgirl that will hopefully be mine within the end of next year. While I have my eyes set on many more watches, I decided to slow down and enjoy the timepieces I already own.
Thanks for reading. WPS is fantastic, a community this kind and informed cannot be found anywhere else. Looking forward to 2000 more posts to come!
The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126710 was introduced in 2018, marking a significant update to the GMT-Master II line. This reference is notable for reintroducing the Jubilee bracelet to the GMT-Master II collection, a feature previously associated with earlier GMT-Master models. It is distinguished by its Cerachrom bezel insert, available in specific color combinations, and the updated movement, enhancing its precision and functionality within the professional watch range.
This reference features a 40mm Oystersteel case, characteristic of Rolex's robust construction. It is equipped with the Caliber 3285, an automatic movement developed by Rolex, offering a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 100 meters, ensuring durability and legibility under various conditions. The bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel facilitates the tracking of multiple time zones.
The 126710 appeals to collectors interested in modern Rolex tool watches with historical design cues. Its introduction with the Jubilee bracelet provided a new aesthetic option for the GMT-Master II, complementing the existing Oyster bracelet variants. The availability of different bezel color combinations, such as the blue and red "Pepsi" or black and blue "Batman," further defines its place within the contemporary Rolex catalog.
Of the pieces that you have I think my 2 favorites are the Santos and the Reverso. The Santos because I want a Cartier so bad and the Tank will be my next watch purchase, and the Reverso, well because it is a Reverso. All of your others are equally as nice, those two really catch my attention.
The reverso and the santos are my favorite too, alongside my datejust. Both of them pack a lot of character into a small form factor.
I wear it fairly frequently.
It's a great configuration. I miss the jubilee, that's why I put my name down for the batgirl instead of the batman.
I loved the first datejust, but it was clearly off... Franken parts and a movement that would frequently stop. I had to let it go.
I love your collection. You know my love for the Tudor 58 and a Reverso is on my wishlist. But I must say that your blue DJ sits so pretty on your wrist. ๐๐ป Looking forward to the next 2000. Enjoy!
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