It hasn’t been a long journey yet, but there have been plenty of watches already.
In early 2022, I picked up a Seiko chronograph without thinking much of it. I just wanted a solid, good-looking watch. Fast-forward a few years, and I’ve fallen deep into the watch rabbit hole — Seikos, Hamiltons, Steinharts, divers, pilots, field watches, my own custom builds… you name it.
I’m not expecting to fall for the more expensive luxury brands any time soon. For me, there are enough great options in the affordable watch segment.
Here’s how the journey has unfolded so far:
1. The Spark (2022)
It started simple: one Seiko, then another. My first was that Seiko chronograph, followed by a Seiko SRPH33 pilot — both practical and easy to wear. It wasn’t “collecting”; I was just learning what I liked. Turns out, I had a soft spot for functional tool watches right from the start.
2. The Gateway Divers (2023)
This is when things got serious. I went through a full Seiko phase — SKX031, SKX007, SKX009 — and even did my first mod. I picked up a black/orange G-Shock and a MoonSwatch too.
The G-Shock is still in my watch box, but the MoonSwatch I instantly regretted. I opened the box, held the watch for 20 seconds, realized it was just a piece of plastic crap, put it back, and sold it without ever wearing it.
I was experimenting, buying what caught my eye, and figuring out what made a good everyday watch.
3. Tool Watches (late 2023–early 2024)
By the end of 2023, I started leaning toward serious tool watches — things like the Helm Vanuatu, Seiko Ninja Turtle (SRPC49), and Hamilton Cooper. I was all about the designs I liked. Among others, there was also the ultimate summer watch, Seiko Turtle Grey Dawn (SRPD01), which I still regret selling.
4. Refinement (mid–late 2024)
Somewhere in 2024, my taste started to settle. I picked up a Hamilton Khaki Field Officer and a couple of Steinharts (Ocean Two Black and Ocean One Vintage). It started to make sense — I wasn’t just buying random watches anymore. I was starting to find the red thread, with a mix of field and diver styles.
5. Current Core (2025)
This year has been about refining things. I added pieces like the legendary vintage Seiko Turtle 6309-7049, the first-generation Seiko Sumo (SBDC001), Hamilton Khaki Field Auto, Hamilton Khaki Navy Day Date, and the Seiko Flightmaster (SNA411). I also briefly owned a Christopher Ward C8 Flyer — a beautiful piece I got in a flip, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Alongside those, there have been a few super affordable Seiko SNZG field watches and some of my own builds, such as the Blacksmith Spork.
I’ve gone back to older designs and first-gen models — the kind of watches that have history and personality. Some models I’ve owned multiple times, like the SKXs, SNZGs, and even a few Steinharts and Hamiltons. I’ve learned that 42 mm is the perfect size for me. Some of my watches, like the Turtles, are bigger, and I can wear 40 mm pieces too — but anything smaller just doesn’t suit my wrist.
I’m an impatient watch guy and usually end up selling watches I haven’t worn in a few months. I get super excited about new finds, but just as quickly lose interest in some of them.
Some of the watches above I still have, but many have been sold. And those are just examples — there have been plenty more coming and going. My Seiko mods and custom builds deserve a whole post of their own someday.
Anyway, the collection currently feels like me: mostly divers and field watches, with a few pilots. My goal is to keep the collection at roughly ten pieces — enough to wear them all.
6. Next? (2026)
I have some ideas for my own designs that I want to pursue next. I’ve been using Tokeilab, DLW Watches, and Namokimods as suppliers of quality parts — and will continue to do so. Finding good suppliers for custom dials, however, has been much more challenging. I have a few ongoing experiments in that area, and I’m curious to see how they turn out.
I’m not starting a microbrand, but I love it when people buy my own custom watches, not just Seiko mods. For now, watches are a beloved hobby, and I’m glad my family’s wellbeing doesn’t depend on them.
Leave a comment below where you started and where are you know. 🙂