Hello everyone – welcome back to another of my articles. Today, I’ll be going through my personal watch collection, and showing what timepieces I’ve picked up over the past year.
I’ve previously done a 2022 Watch Collection article, as well as a Youtube video on it that’s garnered over 10K views to date. I thought it would be interesting to provide an update, showing which watches have left the collection and more importantly, what watches I’ve added. Without further ado, here’s my current watch collection.
My 2023 Watch Collection – Video
For those interested in seeing some hands-on footage of my 2023 watch collection, do check out the Youtube video below:
Stayers:
1) G-Shock Casioak “Rainbow Jellyfish”
When I saw Kei Nishikori wearing the “Rainbow Jellyfish” Casioak during the Tokyo Olympics, I knew I had to have one. Yes, it was expensive for a G-Shock, but it has since brought me so much joy that I don’t regret it at all. It’s currently my “legit” sports watch and accompanies me whenever I gym (new year resolution, so I try to go at least thrice a week). Light, comfortable, and eye-catching, it’s one that I wear on a weekly basis.
2) Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
Another staple in my collection is the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. There was a time when I considered letting it go, but I really appreciated its versatility and clean, legible design. For one, the Khaki Mechanical is a strap monster – it looks great on anything. I also liked its titanium case and the 80-hour Swiss mechanical movement beating inside, which makes it an insane value proposition.
3) Timex Marlin “Snoopy” 70th Anniversary
Timex has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts recently, and the model powering this return to form is undoubtedly the Marlin. When I saw that Timex did a collaboration with the Peanuts franchise, I knew I had to get one. It’s no replacement for a “Snoopy” Speedmaster, but it still holds its own well. This particular model depicts Snoopy on a typewriter, which resonates with me as a writer/journalist. I wear the Marlin when I feel a bit quirky – it never fails to make me smile.
4) Seiko 5 “One Piece”
I’m a big anime fan (Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, etc) but above all my favourite has to be One Piece, which I’ve followed ever since I was a wee kid. When I saw Seiko collaborating with the franchise, I knew I had to get one. I love how the watch pays homage to Luffy’s Gear 4 markings, yet in a subtle manner. To most, this is simply a stealthy, cool-looking watch – you won’t come across as a weeb if you’re spotted with one.
5) Swatch X MoMa “Starry Night”
Most think of Swatch watches as cheap and disposable, which is a shame. Swatch played an immense role in saving the Swiss watch industry during the Quartz Crisis – there’s a reason why the Swatch Group is named after it, and not any of the more prestigious brands. And since its inception, Swatch has blazed a path for itself by collaborating with artists and producing watches that are well, cool. That adjective certainly applies to the Swatch X MoMa “Starry Night”. With the entire watch transformed into a canvas for Van Gogh’s iconic work, the watch is quintessentially Swatch in the best of ways. I rarely wear it – it’s impossible to match clothing with this – but it’s beautiful to look at.
6) Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
I’ve previously written an article on the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. I won’t lie – the Tissot PRX is a purchase of the head rather than the heart. I don’t have any special feelings towards the PRX, but it simply represents unbeatable value at the sub-$1000 price point. Like many enthusiasts, I love the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711, and also the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo, but I’m unfortunately not a crazy rich Asian. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is the perfect affordable beater watch to scratch the itch, and it has done a great job of that thus far.
7) Longines Heritage 1945
I’ve considered letting the Longines Heritage 1945 go, as the brand seems to be doing nothing more than constantly revisiting its past catalogue nowadays. However, the brushed copper dial of the Heritage 1945 felt different enough from the throngs of recent re-releases for me to decide against selling it. It’s neo-vintage done well, and perhaps still the best watch Longines has made in the past 5 years. Every time I consider selling this, I put it on my wrist and it never fails to put a smile on my face.
8) Kurono Tokyo Toki
I’ve also done an article on the Kurono Toki. I really like its unique salmon-pink hue, as well as its versatility – I can pair it with a T-shirt and jeans, but also as a dress watch with a suit without any problems. Paired with a grey strap, it’s simply phenomenal on the wrist. It’s unique without being over the top, a trait that I look for when adding watches to my collection.
9) TAG Heuer Monaco
I’ve also done an article on my TAG Heuer Monaco, so do check that out if you haven’t done so. I love that it’s a grey dial, not the commonly seen blue variant. I’ve personally not seen a grey Monaco in the wild, which makes this piece feel slightly more special. In fact, I find its brushed dial more eminently striking as compared to the matte blue dial of the regular Monaco. It’s currently my “big boy” watch – I wrist it on days when I desire an added boost of confidence.
10) IWC Mark 18 “Le Petit Prince”
Once again, I’ve previously elaborated on my IWC Mark 18 “Le Petit Prince” in an article. Admittedly, I don’t wear it often, but it’s a sentimental timepiece that reminds me of friendship (a close friend gave me the novel for my 21st birthday). It also has a stunning sunburst blue dial that leaves a smile on my face every time I see it, so it’s a keeper – though I have toyed with the idea of trading it for a Portugeiser “panda” chronograph.
11) Omega Speedmaster “Hot Chocolate”
My Omega Speedmaster “Hot Chocolate” is one of the “oldest” timepieces in my collection. I’ve had it for a few years now, and I’ve never gotten sick of it. An iconic design, rich history, and that lovely chocolate dial that subtly sets it apart from the regular black Speedmaster – it continues to capture my heart.
Newcomers:
12) Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue
Like the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, the Tudor Black Bay 58 “Blue” is a head-over-heart purchase. I realised that I didn’t have a dive watch in my collection, and the Tudor Black Bay 58 was a clear choice. It’s great bang-for-buck (in-house movement with a silicon hairspring) for under S$5000. It’s eminently versatile as well, and pairs well with literally everything from a T-shirt to a suit. I love the blue dial as well – it’s more youthful than the black gilt dial. I did a written article on it here.
13) Ming 17.09
Wah So Shiok started reviewing Singaporean microbrands, so when I knew I had to have a Ming – the microbrand from Malaysia that has made it to the world stage by winning a GPHG award. As a fan of microbrands, I’m proud to own a Ming. It started with an affordable offering, differentiated itself with a signature aesthetic, and grew leaps and bounds to develop more refined timepieces and win accolades along the way. It’s a case study on how a SEA-based microbrand can be wildly successful, and I hope more follow in its footsteps in the years to come. I’ve also written an article on it here.
14) Grand Seiko SBGA413 “Shunbun”
I really love the Grand Seiko SBGA413 “Shunbun”. It’s definitely a top three in my collection. It packs value in spades – the level of finishing punches way above its price point – with a beautiful dial that’s enticing but also subtle. It’s underrated by the mass market, but admired by true enthusiasts. In other words, it’s a watch that you buy for its inherent beauty and craftsmanship, not one you buy because of the hype, brand name, or market value. I featured it in an article here.
15) Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch “Mission to the Sun”
The MoonSwatch is arguably the watch of 2022 – no other release has gotten the “hype” amongst the mainstream masses. Out of the 11 models, I would wager that the “Mission to the Sun” is likely one of the less popular MoonSwatch variants. And that’s a shame – like its namesake, I believe it to be the star of the collection. Not only does it possess a sunburst dial which glistens in the sunlight, the MoonSwatch “Sun” manages to capture the playful ethos of Swatch, while remaining faithful to Omega’s iconic Speedmaster. In other words, it strikes a perfect balance, and should be celebrated as a result. I just published an article on it here.
16) Rolex Datejust ref. 16234
A Rolex is a must-have in any watch collection, but I knew I didn’t want a mainstream Submariner or Explorer. I wanted something a little different, and ended up with this Datejust. The Datejust is arguably the most iconic Rolex design, and I believe the ref. 16234 to be the perfect example. It has that vintage aesthetic (with the slightly ratty bracelet to boot), but with modern engineering in the sapphire crystal and quickset 3035 calibre. But above all, I simply fell in love with the salmon dial, which cannot be found on the modern Datejust 36. It’s a slightly left-field Rolex, and it’s one of my favourite watches to wear. Oh – it’s even a birth year watch!
17) Cartier Tank Jumbo ref. 15716
Last but certainly not least, I’ve recently acquired this Cartier Tank Jumbo ref. 15716 which is currently the pride of my collection. I’ve lusted over this since Theo & Harris featured this exact reference 6 years ago, but could never find one for sale in Singapore. That changed recently, and I immediately pulled the trigger on it. It’s in pristine condition for the age, the Jumbo sizing is perfect for modern wear, and I love that it’s the rarest “New York” reference. According to a thread on WatchProSite, only around 2500 were ever produced, and undoubtedly far fewer remain in good condition today. In fact, I believe my example to be the only one of its kind (with the Tank’s iconic white dial) in Singapore – it’s a conversation starter, even amongst seasoned watch enthusiasts. I love it to bits.
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
