A lot of people have been asking me about my watches so I figured I'd write something about them. My fascination with watches started with my father. He didn't have a lot of them but those he had were beautiful and elegantly made. When he wore them there was just this sense of power that I think sparked my interest in these timepieces.
Just a heads up, if you're reading this and you're expecting to see Rolexes and Patek Philippes you are going to be disappointed. The watches that I have I bought them because of how I feel about them and not just because of the brand. I'm the least brand conscious individual you'll ever know. You'll understand what I mean in a while. I will also be showing you some of the watches that my fiancee have as she has just started her own collection with mine.
Alright, for those who are thinking of starting their own collection, I advise getting a watch box to keep your timepieces clean and organized. Also, some watches have magnets in them and keeping them separated prevents damage on the pieces. This watch box is made of Abaca fibers varnished with a deep brown finish and a glass top. I got this one from an eco-bazaar a couple of years ago.
Starting the list is one of the two automatic watches that I have and this one is the most special as well. It is the Rado Diastar that my papa handed down to me before he passed away almost a decade ago. My mama gave this to him as a gift and I can't remember a time that he wasn't wearing it. This was his favorite watch and I have to say mine too. Every time I have this on my wrist I feel like I can be the man that my father has always wanted me to be. This watch can make me feel like I can do anything!
This Tag Heuer Carrera 36 is the second automatic watch that I have in my collection. I've always wanted a Tag ever since I was in high school. I see them on Esquire and FHM and I always thought that this watch can make any man into a ladies man. The workmanship and details on this timepiece is drop dead gorgeous.
Moving on to my quartz collection, the next on the list is probably the oldest one. This Timex Expedition was my very first watch and this was a gift from my mama when I was still in high school. This watch is incredibly reliable and had battled the test of time. From the time that I had this I was only able to replace the crown and the original strap with a brown leather one also from Timex. One thing I find fascinating about this watch is that this is the only quartz timepiece that I need to go to an authorized Timex service center for battery replacements and repairs. Apparently, Timex has their own specialized tools for their watches. Interesting.
This Tommy Hilfiger piece is very memorable because this was the very first watch that I bought with my very first pay check. I originally wanted to get a Tag Heuer back then but that would have meant not eating for months so I decided to get this beautiful fashion watch instead. The simplicity of a white dial in a rectangle case made the watch very versatile that I can wear it with any attire.
This Q&Q quartz watch was a piece that I got from a novelty store named Wadhus in Cagayan de Oro. Wadhus was where I used to wait for a jeep to go home and one day I just noticed this watch from their display and the blue dial just caught my attention. Not to mention the square case that I was found really unique in watches at that time. The original strap on this watch was made of faux-leather and eventually it snapped and I had it replace with a blue leather strap which matches the color of the dial. This is the watch that I wear when I just want to go around the neighborhood in a shorts and shirt.
The white dial Casio quartz on top was a birthday gift from my fiancee. A couple of years ago when she got her job as an auditor in one of the biggest banks in the country, she wanted to get a watch that was classy but not flashy to complement her uniform. And since classy but not flashy is what Casio is for me and it was that period when "couple" stuff was a thing so I decided to get the same model she gave me on my birthday. Sadly though, the store didn't have the white dial model and only the black dial one was on stock. But as soon as she showed me the piece, I liked it! It was simple and minimalist and I thought it would be perfect for her. Even though the "couple watch" didn't push through but I'm glad I got this instead because I can also wear the watch whenever she's not wearing it.
This Calvin Hill quartz actually came with a tie and money clip that my mama brought from the states. The strap is made of excellent quality faux-leatherand but the chronographs actually don't work and are just there for aesthetics. But I still love this watch. The design reminds of a 1950s rolex and it matches with almost any semi-formal or business casual attire. I have this watch for years now but it's still works perfectly fine and I haven't replaced the strap yet considering its faux-leather. American craftsmanship. Impressive.
Have you ever had that officemate that brings Avon brochures at work and because you're too bored with what you're doing you actually find time to browse the pages? Yes. That's what happened with this one. This A.L.I.V.E fashion watch is from Sophie, a direct selling company from Paris, and initially I really didn't like this watch that much but because of the sales talk and I was also looking for a black watch at that time so I went ahead and ordered it. Considering it's a fashion watch I'm quite impressed that it's still working until now.
Who've read the Twilight Saga books or watched the movies? I did. Don't judge. This Esprit New Moon limited edition watch was among the series of limited edition watches specially made by Esprit for the Twilight franchise. The black ruff calf leather strap and the zirconia and onyx bezel were enough reasons for me to get this timepiece.
I have two Casio G-shocks in my collection. I'm not really a fan of G-shocks but when the Transformers movie came out and Casio started releasing their G-shock versions I had to get the Bumblebee model as a gift to my fiancee. Look at how cute that is! But recently, I realized that we needed more than one sports watch so I decided to get her another G-shock now with the black case and strap with a rose gold dial. But don't tell her that I also use them from time to time. And also, did you know that an authentic Casio G-shock has an autolight feature? I just found out myself. Cool stuff.
Oh you're gonna love this! This Ben10 watch is the most inexpensive watch that I have in my collection, I think I got this for only a 100 bucks but it is the most fun of them all! Just take a look at the features! It has a freakin' projector! A freakin' projector of Ben10 photos! How incredible is that? And not only that, it also has a series lights option that plays Auld Lang Syne! What other watch does that? Come on! I wore this once in the office and even my workmates can't stop playing with it. It's super fun!
This Fossil Gunmetal is I think the most versatile watch that I have in my collection. It literally matches with anything I wear may it be a shorts and a shirt or a coat and tie. This timepiece has that perfect combination of rugged and tough yet classic and modern look that's always a head turner. This piece is always a conversation starter whenever I wear it. It's just beautiful.
Speaking of conversation starters, this Diesel Amber timepiece is that watch people stop and ask "What's wrong with your watch?" and then "Oh wow! The glass is amber-stained? That's so cool!" I have to give it to Diesel for making unique timepieces. I had the original rubber strap replaced with a brown Veloci Italian Leather strap just so because it looks more badass with it.
I just noticed that we already have three Michael Kors watches in the collection. The topmost is the my go-to watch for casual business wear while the gold New York Limited edition is her go-to watch. The one in the middle, well, it's a little bit too feminine for my taste and too flashy for hers but we still use it from time to time specially those crazy days.
This Zoo York square case is one of those spur-of-the-moment purchases. It was just one of those days in the mall with money to spare and nothing else to buy. But I love the canvass strap on this one and the ZY bezel on the face which is now gone and I have no idea how.
If the Ben10 watch is the most fun that I have in the collection, this Bamboo watch is definitely the most unique. This timepiece is made out of Bamboo with pure cow leather straps. This one is made by Kawayan watches which is a local Cebu brand.
Last but definitely not the least on my list is this Rudy Project sports. I can't remember the details on how we got this watch but I think this was one of those credit card giveaways where in they give you a gift whenever you reach this particular amount on your credit card purchases. Well anyways, its a simple sports watch nothing really fancy. The bezel doesn't actually move unlike those of a diver's watch and the strap is made of rubber. But this watch is a good everyday piece when you're just going outside for a walk or a jog.
These last two watches are exclusively for her, the topmost is a Femini fashion watch and the one above is a DKNY bracelet watch which I think is one of her favorite timepieces.
Alright! So there you go! That's all the watches in our collection and we're still looking forward to add more to the family. Next on the list, I'm thinking of either the Oris skeleton or the Panerai Classic. What do you think should I get?
Oh and before I end, let me part with this tip: When you're not using the watch, pull the crown to stop the time and save the battery. Trust me, you don't want to be changing twenty batteries all the time.
