I don’t really have a watch collection compared to ‘collectionneurs’. I lack knowledge to value quality or pedigree of a watch brand. I owned several simple watches before I started buying watches with a distinct appearance mostly based on a mood or idea how a watch could show in a specific setting. I don’t buy or am interested in watches as ‘investment’ – although I know it is a good investment and probably some of my watches will increase in value over time. I’m ‘afraid’ or reluctant to spend heaps of money on a watch. I like Omega and a like and maybe I will buy more expensive watches in the future. The most expensive watch I bought is the Wakmann shown below. 

Ulysse Nardin. 

First watch I bought when I started my studies in Amsterdam (around 1989). Bought it for 250 Dutch guilders when I was about 19. I bought it at a inventory sale (the NOS collection of a former Amsterdam jeweler; KIEK Amsterdam. The watch is branded (ELKA). I never had it serviced and it still runs perfectly. I don’t wear it often. It has a very simple and basic design (not at all what you’d expect from U. Nardin!).

 

 Omega Constellation. 

Bought in Hong Kong (450 USD) on a trip through China with my than girlfriend (now wife) Titia. I have worn this watch for years. As you can expect from a originally Chronometer certified watch , it runs very well – in the almost 17 years I have it I gave it 3 full services (which becomes more challenging in Amsterdam). Nice dress watch! 

Eternamatic 3000 gold.

I inherited this watch from my father in 2008 who inherited it from his uncle. I very nice gold/green outspoken look. This watch runs way better than the Omega although I think it has a lower esteem than the Omega. I remember this watch from my Uncle Andre when I was (very) young. My brother left it for me when my father died -although he was entitled to it- he thought I could appreciate it more. This is to me my most precious watch I own. Runs well, has a certain outdated seventies look. 

I should have a picture of Andre with the watch. At Christmas in Brussels at the apartment of my grandma. It shows my two brothers the little guy on the back is from 1969, so I guess this dia is made on Christmas 1974. The little fellow is indeed the brother who left the watch to me. Here it is…

Wakmann 70’s.

 I real funky looking seventies Chrono. I’ve been told it is a ‘Breitling for the US market’ with a Valjoux ..73 calibre (will deepdive on the net later). I need to do a little research. Since a few years I have it a a green leather straps, killer looks! . Now with the green strap it has become more a statement watch which combines very well with a nogalance ‘fit for all purpose’ quality appearance. Don’t be fooled, it is definitely not fit for all purposes; bezel is stuck, probably not waterproof but the Valjoux movement runs well!  It  has a bit of the old Formula 1 appeal, this watch is screaming for a (metal) rally (skeleton)  strap!

Some (modern) automatic watches: 

Tissot Visodate reissue. 

Received this one as a gift from my wife. It had initially a brown strap but I replaced it with a black one, which lifted the watch enormously in my eyes. Great value for money and a brilliant application of the ETA 2802 movement. Runs and handles super-duper. I think I have it 7 years or so. Workhorse, clean, what you see is what you get kind of an affordable quality -look and feel. It runs very well, is comfortable, you can actually set and read the date  very easily. Something I don’t even try with most of the vintage watches I buy these days. Last year I bought an original Visodate, a gold coloured with black dial. Super duper happy with that one. Will post a pic as soon as I can find it in my mess.

EC Anderson, North Sea. 

Update: Sept 22. I sold this watch. It was not really for sale but a friend got enthusiastic about it. And to be honest it suited hem better then me. Sold it with a nice mesh bracelet.

It’s another modern watch application with ‘workhorse movements” such as ETA, SEIKO and Miyota. I bought this watch for it’s distinct modern style. At that time I was fascinated by luminescence (military style) and ‘mesh’ bracelets. 

After a few years my mood still swing from , this watch has it… to… has it not. With the mesh bracelet I will make a statement for sure, but not as subtle as I would desire in a watch.

Citizen Eco Diver

On the note of utility and usability (so if I would wear a watch for time keeping and keeping time was essential for my well being)  this Citizen Eco diver has it all. A military watch with solar charge, sapphire Chrystal, very rudimentary dial with mucho ‘glow in the dark”. On a Nato strap (dries quickly) my watch for hiking, windsurfing and holidays for I think a year or five (?). It’s a quartz movement that doesn’t even require a battery. This case has never been opened, look at it! I think a paid 120 EUR back than, let me check…

yup, still for sale, discard the green strap asap for something descent I you have a very adequate and accurate time keeping machine for every purpose.   

I have an appreciation for the simplicity and practicality of quartz. This is why I (and you should too) don’t consider myself as a connoisseur or true watch aficionado. A watch I hunted for a while on the net is my Omega Seamaster Professional 200m. The Pre Bond off course. Just bought it half year ago from a friend (who I had bought it for on ebay 8 year ago!). 

Omega Seamaster Professional (pre bond so 200m)

Omega ‘Jumbo’

My 50th anniversary gift received from my wife. Super isn’t it? I really think this watch has a certain class over it, simple elegant and a very strong design.,