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Why did I delve into the world of watch collecting? Well, it's a tale woven with a passion for timepieces and the allure of building a captivating collection. Once upon a time, I had a modest assortment of 4 or 5 watches that adorned my wrist. However, life led me to part ways with most of them, leaving only one faithful timekeeper by my side. Little did I know, this decision would later haunt me when my last remaining watch was pilfered from my possession after a mere year.

Among those watches was not just any timepiece, but my inaugural gift watch and the first I ever purchased for myself. Their sentimental value transcended mere functionality, and their loss left a palpable void, leading me to abandon wearing watches altogether.

Yet, fate intervened a few years back when the cacophony of my workshop drowned out the subtle chimes of my phone calls and messages. Determined to bridge this auditory gap, I welcomed a smartwatch into my life. Synced seamlessly with my phone via Bluetooth, it not only alerted me to incoming notifications with gentle vibrations but also doubled as a fitness tracker, monitoring my every step and heartbeat.

However, rather than quelling my desire for watches, this foray into smart technology reignited my passion for the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional timepieces. Now, I find myself on a fervent quest to resurrect my lost treasures, especially the one stolen in days gone by.

I currently only have a few watches with a few more on my radar very soon. (and yes I do count my smart watch) My current watches are;

Make Model Movement Cost NZD Link Note

Fossil Coachman Chronograph Quartz Chronograph Movement $320.00 https://brentweatheralljeweller.co.nz This watch got me back into analogue watches. I bought this watch as a EDW (every day wear) or hack watch so if I scratch it or beat it up I am not to bothered.

Magrette Moana Pacific Waterman GMT Titanium Miyota 9075 automatic GMT with jumping local hour hand $1500.00 https://magrette.com My second watch I bought and added to my A Kiwi micro brand watch and is one favorite watches.

Belmotto Trackday SBB - Matte Black Seiko VK64 Chronograph Hybrid Meca-Quartz Movement $841.00 https://www.belmoto.gt A sub brand of Magrette and also again up there as on of my favorite watches.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Digital Smart $399.00 (now 1/2 that) https://www.noelleeming.co.nz As I said got this for work and track steps (which now I don't really bother as much)

Seiko 5 Pepsi Auto 4R36-07G0 $350 (2nd Hand) http:www.trademe.co.nz The story behind this watch is that when I was in the Navy I had a Seiko watch similar to this that was stolen and this is a modern version of the watch I had.

Casio W-59-1V Casio 590 Digital Module $59.00 https://www.showcasejewellersmosgiel.co.nz/

Pure nostalgic... Came out at the same time as as the more common F-91W in July 1989.


Beaufort Seatrekker - Green Swiss Made STP 1-11, Automati $1049.00 https://www.beaufort-watches.com/products/seatrekker-green

Another Kiwi Microbrand


Belmotto

Tourer - Rose Gold

Miyota 9015 with hacking seconds $908.00 https://magrette.com/shop/tourer-rose-gold?in=159048171600 A sub brand of Magrette and also again up there as on of my favorite watches. This will most likely become my main dress watch.

Komrade Automatic Urban Diver Mk2 Japanese NH36A $295.00 EoL special https://www.komradewatches.com/product-page/urban-diver-mk2-dive-orange A kiwi micro brand. They are rebranding to KTW - Komrade Titanium Watches.
I bought the orange one to be different.

Pulsar 2020 Limited Edition Supercars Seiko Movement $120.00 2nd Hand https://www.grahams.com.au/products/pulsar-2020-supercars-limited-edition-chronograph-pt3a67x-30260495 Buying off a friend

Komrade Automatic Palancar Reef Blue  ST1901 Movement $1350.50 https://www.komradewatches.com/product-page/copy-of-palancar-reef  Komrade slowly rebranding to KTC Only two of these watches in each color were ever made, and I was lucky enough to snag one in dazzling blue. The Palancar Reef chronograph, with its shimmering blue dial, was crafted during the COVID lockdown.

Initially, 80 pieces in this color were planned, but rebranding halted production. This serendipitous twist means I now own an exceptionally rare and unique timepiece.

This is quite a large watch from lug to lug and just boarder line for my wrist.

Draken Watches Tugela Seiko NH35A automatic $728.00 https://www.drakenwatches.com/shop/tugela/tugela-red/ Yet another micro watch brand from New Zealand originally from South Affrica.

Draken did not want to be just another homage watch company, but rather to walk a fresh new path with distinct original designs.

 Bradford Exchange Peter Brock Commemorative Watch Quartz $125.00 (2nd Hand)   Back in the day, I was glued to the TV for the Bathurst 1000, the epic race around Mount Panorama, when Peter Brock was dominating the track. This watch brings back those electrifying memories. Although I don't wear it often (it needs a new battery), and is a cheap time piece it still holds a special place in my collection.

     Total: $7316.50    

Watches that being bought soon.

Panzera FLIEGER 46C Miyota 6S20 Quartz Chronograph $1136 https://panzerawatches.com/products/flieger-46c An Australian micro brand
           

With a wrist size ranging from 7-1/2" to 7-3/4", I find myself in a comfortable middle ground, able to adorn most watches with ease. While extreme sizes at either end of the spectrum might pose a challenge, this moderate wrist measurement offers a versatile canvas for watch selection. It simplifies the shopping process, eliminating the need to navigate through options tailored exclusively to petite or oversized wrists. This balanced range allows for a diverse array of styles and designs, ensuring both comfort and aesthetic appeal in my watch choices.


Moana Pacific Waterman GMT Titanium. - This is a limited edition of only 300 units. I have unit 148 of 300. It has the Miyota 9075 movement.

Coachman Chronograph. - I bought this watch as a EDW (every day wear) or hack watch so if I scratch it or beat it up I am not to bothered. The movement is not the best, the alignment of the movement is also not the best the illumination is not that great either. But it tells the time and is surprisingly comfortable.

Belmoto Track-day. Belmotto is a sub brand of the New Zealand Micro Brand Magrette

Samsung Smart Galaxy Smart Watch Active 2. - I wear a smart watch to  sometimes to work or when I am walking to track steps etc. At work it helps with at work in the noisy workshop answering phone and text etc as I can fell the vibration

Among the watches catching my eye are the Seiko 5,  Alpina Start Timer Pilot, Tissot,  Hamilton, Christopher Ward, and even the Citizen Promaster, Timex, and Casio - G Shock lines.

Now, you might be wondering if I aspire to own luxury brands like Rolex or Omega. Well, luxury is a subjective concept, varying from person to person. What one may consider opulent, another might not. For me, while I appreciate the craftsmanship of renowned brands, they're not at the forefront of my desires. That said, I wouldn't dismiss the opportunity to acquire one if it presented itself within my means. They just aren't currently on my radar.

Pure nostalgic... the Casio W-59-1V. I have this watch pure for nostalgic reasons no other reason.

This is a modern take of a watch I had that was stolen back when I was in the Navy.
Seatrekker - Green by Beaufort
Belmoto Tourer Rose Gold.
EoL Special Komrad Urban Diver Mk2 watch

Here are some of the watches that are on my radar;

Brand Model Movemnt Cost NZD Link Note

Alpina Startimer Pilot AI-372 Caliber, Quartz $1750.00 https://www.christies.co.nz/  

Seiko Coutura 8T63, Quartz $1051.56 https://cambridgejewellers.co.nz/ Love the dial and the carbon fibre look.

Seiko Solar Divers   $950.00 https://cambridgejewellers.co.nz/ Bit of a classic look.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 POWERMATIC 80.111 Automatic $1325.00 https://www.christies.co.nz/ Stylish dress watch.

Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Automatic $1290.00 https://www.chrono24.co.nz/  

Citizen Promaster MX Eco-Drive technology $850.00 https://preciousmetals.co.nz/  

Beaufort Aerotimer MKII Swiss Made STP 1-11, Automatic $899.00 https://www.beaufort-watches.com/products/aerotimer-mint  

Olympic

Pinnacle Collection - Chronograph

Ronda Swiss movement $940.00 https://olympicwatch.com/collections/gents-watches/products/29089 Another kiwi brand but all Swiss made watch

As I gaze towards expanding my collection, my sights are set on a diverse array of chronograph-style watches, each one a testament to precision engineering and timeless elegance. While some may lean towards the rugged allure of adventure, like the Magrette Pacific Waterman, others beckon with sophistication and grace.

And so, my journey into the world of watch collecting continues, fueled by nostalgia, utility, and an unquenchable thirst for horological splendor.

Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

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