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Main Forums => Watch Gallery => Topic started by: JPSP on January 14, 2013, 04:16:02 PM

Title: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JPSP on January 14, 2013, 04:16:02 PM
Well, since I’ve just bought my first watch in 2013 I thought it’s a good time to reminisce my journey. It all started in 2005 when I bought a casual watch (omega speedmaster racing) because I’d only a Rolex Datajust then. After the purchase, it kind of triggered my interests and i started researching on watches. Eventually the poison crept in unknowingly in heavier doses over time.

It’s been 8 years. I’d blown away money to own and enjoy quite a fair number of brands/watches. Below is the list:
Anonimo Millemetri, Audemars Piguet RO, Azimuth BIT, BR 02-93, Breitling Chrono Avenger, Chopard GTXL PR, Chronoswiss Kairos, Corum Bubble GMT, Franck Muller Casablanca Jumbo, Frederique Constant Carree Moonphase, Glycine Airman, GP Sea Hawk II, IWC Portofino, JLC Master Control, JLC Master Control RDM, Omega Great White GMT, Omega PO, Omega Speedmaster Racing, Oris TT3, Pam 120, Rolex Datejust X 2, Rolex TT Sub, Rolex YG Day Date, Sinn U1, Tag Heuer Monza, Tag Heuer Carrera GMT, Tudor Heritage Monte Carlo, U-Boat Classico, UN Quadrato GMT and Zenith Defy Classic.

All the above watches were sold at some point in time to make way for new pieces. In 2009/2010, I decided that it didn’t make sense to own 28 watches when some of them didn’t get the attention they deserved. So I went through a painful process of consolidation, selling away many of them to make way for my so called “one watch per brand - perfect” collection. I wanted to have only 15 pieces that will provide me with a good variety and for different occasions.   ;D

Grail(s) were moving goal posts frankly. After a Cartier, I wanted a PAM, latest Rolex Hulk, Breguet, an AP ROO then I wanted to own the holy trinity. After the trinity, I wanted a YG dress watch from A.Lange…the disease relapsed again...more expensive pieces that breached mental price barriers after barriers, and more money blown away (senselessly or not). It’s until the birth of my baby girl in September 2010 that it brought some senses to me, gave me a valid reason to exercise self-restraint, to behave more rationally, and slowed the momentum. I bought only 1 watch in 2011 (Hublot Aerobang Skeleton) and a JLC Navy Seal Alarm in 2012. I fared well in areas of discipline.  :Dancing_banana: :Dancing_banana:

With only 2 slots left in my watch box (after this new piece), the incoming pieces have to be more well-thought out. I’m planning to call it quits before or when I hit 40 yrs old (I’m 38 now). The last timepiece that lands in the last slot will be something that is meaningful (maybe an Omega because it’s the culprit that started me to craze over watches – notice I don’t have an omega timepiece in my current collection yet?) or something that will WOW myself (maybe a watch from an independent brand – MB&F, RM, HW, Urwerk or etc). I’ll know eventually when the right watch appears.  :thumbsup:

Oh before the photos of my current collection, here’s a warm welcome to my first purchase in 2013 (possibly the only one?) - a strike-off on one of the watches in my 2013 wish list. A watch with a long history, decades of technical prowess, superb detailing, quality workmanship and possibly a “must have” high-end iconic diver watch in one’s collection.

The Blancpain FF (aka Dark Knight).

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8380222566_7cdb2f1ed5_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8379177495_406eac8c17_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8379192857_fc0d605a43_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8379194605_6e6887a4c6_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8379204747_3edcb0d481_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8380237706_cc5b90ccc4_z.jpg)

Now in my collection are the following pieces:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7861513584_5c0fb181d9_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7861536096_11d2d61508_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7856823200_06c0f6185f_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7856827890_36148b8437_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7856837460_2d09e28503_z.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8446/7856833096_3145411ab0_z.jpg)


What’s next to fill up slot 14 before the Grand Finale? Maybe a Grand Seiko or rose gold dress watch that’s lacking in my collection from H.Moser/Harry Winston/De Bethune? The exciting journey continues…   :Jumping:

Cheers

James
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: G.MAC on January 14, 2013, 05:15:45 PM
very sexy collection you got there. Love the AP themes black, PP 5711, Breguet Type XXI and the VC Overseas.
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: TheHobbit on January 14, 2013, 06:20:19 PM
Very nice collection indeed. Envy of many I am sure. A review of the type xxi?
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: davidtth on January 14, 2013, 07:14:28 PM
awesome collection ! really cost a fortune for this sort of collection  ;D

congrats on your new dark knight, real black beauty  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: ranj85 on January 14, 2013, 07:56:40 PM
Lovely watches bro, drools! Congrats on the new purchase...... :Cheers:
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: sm on January 14, 2013, 08:12:46 PM
Bro

A very impressive collection, well thought out. Big bucks.
May I ask why daytona is not amongst the keeps?


Sm
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: rainmaker81 on January 15, 2013, 06:24:39 AM
Very very nice! You almost have a timepiece from each of the top luxury brands. If you dont mind sharing may I know if buying a piece of the different brands is a conscious decision right from the start?
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JPSP on January 15, 2013, 07:06:08 AM
Very very nice! You almost have a timepiece from each of the top luxury brands. If you dont mind sharing may I know if buying a piece of the different brands is a conscious decision right from the start?

Yes it's deliberate to have one watch per brand 

Bro

A very impressive collection, well thought out. Big bucks.
May I ask why daytona is not amongst the keeps?


Sm

Cos no date la bro. I prefer to have a date function in all my watches. That's one of the criteria.

Cheers

Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: Godzillaz on January 15, 2013, 07:41:03 AM
Independent brand heh ... ... that's nice. I can think of a few. In your list I'll pick the De Bethune. My grail as well.

I'm looking at DB25L
(http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w501/TdBean/DB25LWV1_zpsb9a6097e.jpg)

Or maybe a PSM  ::)

Of course if you need a date on your watch then the H.Moser P1 is no brainer.

Regard
Tyler
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: eltontan on January 15, 2013, 08:06:32 AM
love the see though back design you just grab.. nice shell design..good one...
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: tonykpk on January 15, 2013, 01:15:32 PM
Bravo n congrats, one of the best collection i've seen consider your age.. well done , smart choice. regards tony.. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JPSP on January 15, 2013, 08:04:19 PM
Independent brand heh ... ... that's nice. I can think of a few. In your list I'll pick the De Bethune. My grail as well.

I'm looking at DB25L
(http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w501/TdBean/DB25LWV1_zpsb9a6097e.jpg)

Or maybe a PSM  ::)

Of course if you need a date on your watch then the H.Moser P1 is no brainer.

Regard
Tyler

Oh i prefer automatic watch vs manual winding too  .  hahaa...
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: Godzillaz on January 15, 2013, 08:37:11 PM
Oh i prefer automatic watch vs manual winding too  .  hahaa...

That can easily be solved  ;)

Although well executed manual movement is really a sight to behold.

Regard
Tyler
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: meoramri on January 16, 2013, 11:03:43 AM
Very impressive collection you have there. Well done.
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: nasa on January 19, 2013, 11:58:58 AM
Now thats what I call quality over quantity!! Drooling... So envy of your collection bro James...If I have even half of yr collection it will definitely make my day..Hehehe.. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JPSP on January 19, 2013, 06:18:46 PM
Now thats what I call quality over quantity!! Drooling... So envy of your collection bro James...If I have even half of yr collection it will definitely make my day..Hehehe.. :thumbsup:

Thanks bro...it's 8 years journey with hits and misses ...Rome was not built in one day. I'm sure eventually all of us and you will achieve the ideal collection based on individual watch collecting philosophies.

Cheers

James
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: 1to12 on January 20, 2013, 07:56:03 AM
WOW!! Must have been an eventful and exciting 8 years, especially each time you get a new piece (or heartwrenching when saying farewell to ex-loves).  :Jumping: :Jumping: :Jumping:

Many can only dream of such an exhilirating journey.  :thumbsup:

What's the Holy Trinity? PP, AP and VC? 
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: RaymondT on January 20, 2013, 08:42:26 AM
My dream collection  :thumbsup:

Bro , mind sharing more on the VC ? Not a watch we see posted everyday on this forum..
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JOS2012 on January 20, 2013, 03:20:06 PM
Vacheron Overseas collection, some using JLC ebauches.

My dream collection  :thumbsup:

Bro , mind sharing more on the VC ? Not a watch we see posted everyday on this forum..
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JPSP on January 20, 2013, 03:59:59 PM
Vacheron Overseas collection, some using JLC ebauches.

My dream collection  :thumbsup:

Bro , mind sharing more on the VC ? Not a watch we see posted everyday on this forum..

yes that's right for non-chronos. For chronos and dual time - F.Piguet movements
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: ShaunP on January 24, 2013, 10:43:49 PM
Ur collection makes me drool  :-X
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: ninja on January 25, 2013, 06:46:59 AM
One of the nicest and diverse collection I've seen here
Wear them  all in the best of health
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: satishnair on February 05, 2013, 09:56:34 AM
Thats an inspiring collection. Surprisingly lot of newer models instead of vintage. All great models though. Nice JLC models too. Congrats and wishing you add more to it in this year.
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: veege on February 14, 2013, 07:37:53 AM
Bro James, you have  a great collection!!  :Cheers:
Thanks for the sharing
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: mr.jim on February 15, 2013, 06:13:48 AM
Bro, u have a very nice collection of watches! since when did you start collecting?
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: Empty Tree 8 on March 04, 2013, 11:42:03 AM
Great collection...drool inducing.....must have been very tough selling the previous pieces....enjoy the exquisite timepieces!
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: bezelnut on March 04, 2013, 01:54:14 PM
Very impressive collection you got there.

May I know what watch is that shown beside the IWC?

Also, since you owned a Speedmaster racing, can you please share your view on that? Some people told me that only the Speedy Pro worth getting. Any truth in that?

Thanks.
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JPSP on March 05, 2013, 11:12:27 AM
Very impressive collection you got there.

May I know what watch is that shown beside the IWC?

Also, since you owned a Speedmaster racing, can you please share your view on that? Some people told me that only the Speedy Pro worth getting. Any truth in that?

Thanks.

Thanks. That's a Hublot Aerobang Skeleton

I very much prefer the new speedmaster racing with red dial. It's a decent co-axial movement and a good size of 40mm. Yes most omega fans prefer Pro because it's the "iconic" watch of Omega.
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: bezelnut on March 05, 2013, 12:52:57 PM
Noted.

red dial with co-axial is decent indeed. My eye is on the speedy date thou. Maybe I'll go against the fans for a while...  ;)
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: bezelnut on March 06, 2013, 10:16:13 AM
Another punch for me, ouch. Seems like the Speedy Pro is always gonna win.

Quote from this week's Askmen Watchsnob article:

Any other Omega
Q: I thoroughly enjoy reading your column, which I find remarkably self-deprecating (as a reflection upon myself, that is) given my current state of horological knowledge. Here's my specific question: Why is the only Omega to buy the Speedmaster Pro? Although not much less expensive, I like the look of the Speedmaster Date a bit better (but not the look a true watch fan would give me for wearing it). Is there something about its case or mechanism that's not up to par? Has it come off the assembly line without the handmade attention of its bigger brother?

A: Omega painted itself in a corner with the Speedmaster. It created its most iconic and arguably best watch in 1957 and hasn’t really changed it since, and that’s a good thing. Meanwhile, it has churned out hundreds of versions of its other watches, most forgettable fads. The brand had its high point in the 1960s and, really, any of its watches from that era would be fantastic today, if they had been left unchanged.

Omega should have taken a page from Rolex and frozen its designs in time in 1967. Instead they’re still riding the wave of glory from the moon landing that is quickly becoming ancient history. But even without its space connection, the Speedmaster is Omega’s most honest watch, with the most undiluted DNA from its best years. While it is focusing on coaxial this and LiquidMetal that, the Omega everyone wants is the one that’s the same as it was 40 years ago. There’s something to be said for keeping things simple. Once Omega takes that to heart, I’ll start taking the brand more seriously. Skip the Speedmaster Date and get the real thing.
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: sky1977 on March 20, 2013, 10:07:45 PM
hi friend you have a very good taste in watches must cost a bomb for all these.
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: Oltaschindl on March 22, 2013, 04:07:49 PM
I am jealous  ;),  wish these watches could be the part of my collection..  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: porkbelly on April 09, 2013, 06:43:47 PM
hey bro! why not trying out Maurice Lacroix or Frank Muller? the Cartier Santos 100 is sucha killer!!
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: G.MAC on April 13, 2013, 08:20:47 PM
Looking at your collection, I want to ask this, how does it feel to own the trinity?
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: CKL1213 on April 13, 2013, 08:39:04 PM
superb collection  :thumbsup:

GS should be next
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JPSP on April 16, 2013, 11:41:00 AM
superb collection  :thumbsup:

GS should be next

Yup...the green Seiko spring diver gmt.. :Cheers:
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8390770795_8226dbc753_z.jpg)


Looking at your collection, I want to ask this, how does it feel to own the trinity?

now no feel..  :HammerHead: but when I first got them...I spent days admiring the pieces.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: JPSP on April 16, 2013, 11:41:41 AM
superb collection  :thumbsup:

GS should be next

Yup...the green GS spring diver gmt.. :Cheers:
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8390770795_8226dbc753_z.jpg)


Looking at your collection, I want to ask this, how does it feel to own the trinity?

now no feel..  :HammerHead: but when I first got them...I spent days admiring the pieces.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My first watch in 2013 and the state of my current collection
Post by: CKL1213 on April 16, 2013, 12:21:16 PM
even your GS is not the ordinary GMT but the Green GMT, marvelous