I've been a watch enthusiast since I can remember reading the time.
It is a fascination difficult to explain to anyone who doesn't understand this addiction to watches. My collection started with a TAG Formula one quartz that I got as a birthday present from my parents when I was 14. As mechanical was not in reach, I then got a Citizen America's Cup Promaster (1992) that had six timer and chronograph functions. It was the closest to complication watches I could afford. With my first salary savings (talk about cliche) I bought an Omega Speedmaster Reduced that I wore everyday for a decade. After that the Rolex Explorer I and the Rolex Explorer II, with a Carrera in the meanwhile as a wedding present.
Once I got the Explorer II, in my opinion the second to perfect watch (after the Sub 16610), I though my collection was done. But then the bug started biting. As I had decided to stop buying expensive watches, already having a great collection with a few watches that were not getting wrist time, I started looking at affordable options. This is when I decided to give Seiko an opportunity, at an otherwise difficult sell, and finally Microbrands.
I started with Steinhart and Dan Henry, while looking into many others in a list too long to mention. The point is that Microbrands offer great value for the specs, with interesting designs, and it is easy to convince oneself that buying these watches is a smart decision, when in fact the point should be made on how many watches should you have in a collection.
My theory is that, despite its merits as good quality watches, Microbrands have become the most affordable way to scratch the itch of getting a new watch, with incredible value for money to justify the decision. But its affordability is the problem, because it is possible to save for a shorter period of time to get another, and another.
This is why I decided to save my hard earned money (sell a few watches in the process) to get a longtime desired watch, the Longines Master Collection Moonphase, instead of buying Microbrand watch after watch. And I tell you it was a great decision. Once you achieve a collection that you are proud of, these are the watches that make all the difference.
It is a fascination difficult to explain to anyone who doesn't understand this addiction to watches. My collection started with a TAG Formula one quartz that I got as a birthday present from my parents when I was 14. As mechanical was not in reach, I then got a Citizen America's Cup Promaster (1992) that had six timer and chronograph functions. It was the closest to complication watches I could afford. With my first salary savings (talk about cliche) I bought an Omega Speedmaster Reduced that I wore everyday for a decade. After that the Rolex Explorer I and the Rolex Explorer II, with a Carrera in the meanwhile as a wedding present.
Once I got the Explorer II, in my opinion the second to perfect watch (after the Sub 16610), I though my collection was done. But then the bug started biting. As I had decided to stop buying expensive watches, already having a great collection with a few watches that were not getting wrist time, I started looking at affordable options. This is when I decided to give Seiko an opportunity, at an otherwise difficult sell, and finally Microbrands.
I started with Steinhart and Dan Henry, while looking into many others in a list too long to mention. The point is that Microbrands offer great value for the specs, with interesting designs, and it is easy to convince oneself that buying these watches is a smart decision, when in fact the point should be made on how many watches should you have in a collection.
My theory is that, despite its merits as good quality watches, Microbrands have become the most affordable way to scratch the itch of getting a new watch, with incredible value for money to justify the decision. But its affordability is the problem, because it is possible to save for a shorter period of time to get another, and another.
This is why I decided to save my hard earned money (sell a few watches in the process) to get a longtime desired watch, the Longines Master Collection Moonphase, instead of buying Microbrand watch after watch. And I tell you it was a great decision. Once you achieve a collection that you are proud of, these are the watches that make all the difference.
 |