Contend with my apple watch I had absolutely no inclination,
fascination, interest to whatsoever in wrist mechanical watches. It's been a
180-degree change in my attitude. To be in awe of the dials, to comment on
watch types, to narrate the history of watch brands, to appreciate the
movements and dials, having YouTube/Google feed filled with watch videos,
checking out what watch a person is wearing at first look and more importantly
thinking of watch as piece of art that retains (or appreciates) its value and
brand prestige - it's been a fascinating watch journey so far. Loving this
'vice' and as often substituted for 'mid-life crisis1
It started at Istanbul airport in October 2021. I was there for my
hair transplant - post on it for later. My friend Jaffar who is a huge watch
lover and Omega fan too me to Omega store. That was probably the first time I
stepped inside a watch boutique!
I started building my knowledge base with Omega - the history
being worn by astronauts, brand ambassadors being George Clooney - but that the
designs, models and brand perception resonated with me. I deliberately didn't
invest in anytime learning about the obvious choice Rolex - wanted to steer
clear away from the cliched path. Not that during pandemic it has become out of
reach and selling multiples of MSRP but yea - that is also one of the main
deterrents lol.
In embarking watch journey, I wanted to develop my taste and the motivation to write this post is to revisit and add more content and see how my taste has evolved ever since.
Sieko Kinetic - SQ50
This watch I received as a wedding gift from my Father
in law in 2007. He had bought this watch back in 1992 when he was working in
Saudi Arabia with the intention of giving it to his son-in-law aka Me one day
:) This was my first proper respectable formal watch which I still love it. I
still have the original box, warranty card, and manual.
Movado Museum
This watch I again received it as a wedding
anniversary gift from my wife in 2017. This was to commemorate our 10th wedding anniversary. This was my first entry-level luxury watch as you can say it. I
enjoy wearing this watch.
It is called Museum after the very first version was selected by New York's
Museum of Modern Art for its permanent collection in 1959. A minimalist design
defined by a single dot at 12 o'clock to symbolize the sun at high noon.
Tissot PRX80 Automatic
I brought this watch in Oct 2022 from Mirani Jewelers in Oakville Place Mall for 988.75 CAD. At this point I was well versed with the Swiss brands. Instead of shooting directly for the stars I got into watches with price range around 1k.
Tissot is a respectable brand with history and its new PRX80
Automatic which was reincarnated version of its Seastar design. PRX stands for
Precision Robust and Roman numeral X or 10 – indicating 10 bar of water
resistance. It has a power reserve for 80 hrs.
I love the blue waffle dial with integrated bracelet. The textured dial does give
an impression of AP Royal Oak but that’s where the similarity ends.
Baltic HMS 002
I was introduced to Baltic by Jaffar
who bought the limited Baltic MR 002. Although I liked MR 002 but HMS 002 piqued
my interest. It is a sector dial watch with leaf hands. I simply loved the dial
with off-white color dial and blue leather straps. This is more casual watch. I
got it from Baltic website and paid 539 CAD along with 72 Cad Import fees. This French watch is more for the design rather than movement. Movement is outsourced from Miyota 8315.
The dome is halite giving it a distorted look but never compromising the legibility of the time. 38 inch case size and 60 hr power reserve and 50m water resistance. This is watch has it all without breaking the bank. Its high-end competitor would be Longines Heritage Classic.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
