reintitan's 2018 Watch Collection Retrospective

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In this retrospective, reintitan shares an impressive year of acquisitions, showcasing a diverse collection that spans military-issued pieces, anti-magnetic watches, and notable reissues. His detailed account offers a window into the collecting journey of a seasoned enthusiast, highlighting both planned and serendipitous additions. Readers gain insight into the motivations and considerations behind building a varied and personal watch collection.

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Here's my retrospective from a watch collecting/accumulating perspective for this year:

2018 started with delivery in January 2nd of a watch I pre-ordered back in September 2017. It arrived at the U.S. AD on Dec. 27, 2017, but due to the New Year's holidays was not delivered until after 2018 started.

EZM 1.1 from Sinn. 43 mm case Ø, Tegimented stainless steel, and the Sinn SZ01 movement vs 40 mm Ø case, titanium, and Lemania 5100 movement of the original EZM 1

Next came the Tutima Commando a full titanium case watch powered by the legendary and discontinued Lemania 5100 movement.

Quickly after the Squale Militaire C3 50 Atmos arrived from the Netherlands. This is the second edition of this watch made especially for Amsterdam Watch Co. in a numbered series of 40 watches. I got the same number xx/40 for both editions. Squale made the famous Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bund 3H for the German Navy in the 1970s. This is as close to a reissue of that watch you can get.

Then a full set IWC Porsche Design Ocean Bund ref. 3509 joined my other Ocean Bund references.

The following watch was a vintage IWC Ingenieur ref. 666 sourced from France

Anti-magnetic watches were a mini-theme (last year I got the Omega Railmaster 60th Anniversary) as the next incoming was a brand new Rolex Milgauss white dial (now discontinued)

Another military-issued watch in the form of the CWC General Service watch aka "Fatboy" issued in 1980 came next

My first Kickstarter-backed watch was this ZRC Grand Fonds "North Adventure"

My favorite Seiko is this year's 1968 300m Diver Reissue: In Japan it's the SBEX007 and everywhere else it's known as the SLA025

I bought a second one to store safely for future generations while I wear the other

I also added two SKX009J (Pepsi) to my SKX009K, but ended up returning one of the J's due to bezel misalignment.

The Omega Seamaster 300 60th Anniversary was an unplanned purchase, but I had an itch I needed to scratch

It was a bonus that I was able to source a brand new full set at a good price

The Cruxible is an A-11 spec homage watch from Bill Yao over at MkII watches

Ultraman! 'Nuff said

Finally, my Summer watch arrived in Winter. Zodiac Super Sea Wolf on blue rubber strap

I think that's it for watches this year. I did also get a vintage Seiko World Time mantle clock, but the focus is on wrist watches here. I have two other watches that are fully paid for and now I'm just waiting for delivery including the Hodinkee 10th Anniversary Omega Speedmaster. I don't know if I'll get them before the new year, but I doubt it.

The theme for 2019 is going to be Restraint. I want to buy a lot less watches and sell some watches I'm not wearing and those I'm no longer feeling (thinning the herd).

About the Omega Ref. Lemania5100

The Omega Speedmaster Mark II, introduced in 1969, represented a significant design departure from the original Speedmaster Professional. It was conceived as a potential successor, featuring a distinctive tonneau-shaped case and an integrated tachymeter scale beneath the crystal. This model was part of Omega's effort to update the Speedmaster line while retaining its core chronograph functionality.

The Mark II houses the manually wound Omega Caliber 861, a cam-actuated chronograph movement operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Its robust case design offered enhanced water resistance of 120 meters, a notable improvement over its predecessor. The dial variations included a standard black, a grey with orange accents (known as the 'Racing' dial), and a rarer gold-plated version.

For collectors, the Speedmaster Mark II offers a distinct aesthetic from the more common Professional models, embodying late 1960s and early 1970s watch design. Its relatively short production run from 1969 to 1972 contributes to its appeal, particularly for those seeking a vintage Omega chronograph with a unique case profile and the reliable Caliber 861 movement.

Specifications

Caliber: 861

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 41.7mm

Dial: Grey, Black, Gold

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Mineral glass

Key Points from the Discussion

The Zodiac was a highly anticipated summer watch, but its late delivery from the Authorized Dealer (AD) was a source of frustration due to unmet expectations.
MkII watches, initially known for high-quality Seiko modification parts, evolved into producing homage watches for vintage and discontinued models. They've used movements like ETA 2824, 2836, 2893, Soprod A10, and now primarily Seiko NE15 (6R15 ebauches).
A significant challenge with MkII watches is their extended delivery times, often stretching into years.
The Sinn EZM 1.1 and the IWC Porsche Design Ocean Bund ref. 3509 were particularly admired additions, along with the Ultraman and the ZRC Grand Fonds "North Adventure" models.
The diversity of reintitan's acquisitions is notable, with many pieces complementing each other well.
The Zodiac is highlighted as a perfect timepiece for a summer vibe, resonating strongly with other collectors.

The Discussion

Brandon Skinner

Dec 26, 2018

What a killer year!

I love many of your pickups... love the Sinn but have to say the Zodiac really resonates with me. Looks like a really perfect watch for the Summer time vibe. Here's to a 2019 full of restraint!🙈

reintitan

Dec 29, 2018

Thanks thegrailwatch

I need to use the dictionary definition of restraint in 2019 I'm a little irked about the late delivery of the Zodiac as it would have been a great Summer watch for the pool and beaches, but that's what happens when expectations aren't set properly by ADs.

amanico

Dec 27, 2018

Wow, the Ocean Bund and the Ingenieur! A great year you had! [nt]

reintitan

Dec 29, 2018

Like Jello there's always room for Ocean Bunds :-)

Thanks my friend!

cazalea

Dec 28, 2018

You are rapidly catching up to me

I can't remember a year when I did 15-20 watches ... I lost count on the double orders and returns and not yet delivereds. I know how it goes. Mike

reintitan