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 2021 Watch Collection article, as well as a Youtube video on it that’s garnered over 11K views to date. I thought it would be interesting to provide an update, showing which watches has left the collection and more importantly, what watches I’ve added. Without further ado, here’s my current watch collection.
My 2022 Watch Collection – Video
For those interested in seeing some hands-on footage of my 2022 watch collection, do check out the Youtube video below:
1) Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36
Like most watch enthusiasts, I’ve always yearned for a Rolex. I was planning to wait till graduation to get one – a Rolex typically commemorates a special occasion after all – but as I saw the prices rising, I decided to pull the trigger on one ASAP. I initially wanted a six-digit modern Datejust 36 (with a fluted bezel), but finding one for four figures was next to impossible. I soon realised that my options were limited to either the Oyster Perpetual 36, or the Explorer 1 ref. 114270. Rather fortuitously, I chanced upon this Oyster Perpetual 36 “Pink Explorer”, which felt to me like the best of both worlds. It has the iconic 3-6-9 layout of the Explorer, but with playful pink indices that make it less austere than the 114270. Yet, it’s still more subtle than the candy pink dial of the current Oyster Perpetual. It won’t be my forever Rolex, but it’s definitely a great place to start.
2) Santos de Cartier Medium
I just wrote an article detailing my reasons for purchasing the Santos de Cartier, so I’ll keep it short here. The Santos de Cartier has now become one of my most worn watches, for a simple reason – it’s eminently versatile, easy to wear, and fits most occasions/clothing. There’s a timeless nature to its design that few watches possess.
3) Kurono Tokyo Toki
I’ve done a similar 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. It’s unique without being over the top, a trait that I look for when adding watches to my collection.
4) 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 the 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. It’s currently my “big boy” watch – I wrist it on days when I desire an added boost of confidence.
5) IWC Mark 18 Le Petit Prince
Once again, I’ve previously elaborated on my IWC Mark 18 “Le Petit Prince” in an article. To be honest, I don’t wear it that often anymore, 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 (at least for now).
6) Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’ve also written an article on the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. 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. It’s now my beater watch – the perfect grab-and-go.
7) G-Shock Casioak “Rainbow Jellyfish”
On to more affordable purchases! When I saw Kei Nishikori wearing the “Rainbow Jellyfish” Casioak during last year’s 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 work out (trying to work out 3-4 times a week to be fitter). Light, comfortable, and eye-catching, it’s one of my favourites in the collection – definitely the most worn!
8) Timex Marlin “Snoopy” 70th Anniversary
Fun fact: my first watch was actually a Timex Ironman. The brand has seen a resurgence in popularity amongst enthusiasts recently, especially for its mechanical vintage re-issues. One of those is the Marlin, and 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 don’t wear the Marlin much, but it never fails to make me smile.
9) Seiko 5 “One Piece”
Those who know me personally know that I’m quite a big anime fan. I watch plenty of anime (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. So when I saw that Seiko had done a collaboration with the franchise, I immediately ordered 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. Another fun fact: Badminton World Champion Loh Kean Yew also has one, so I guess I’m in good company.
10) Swatch X MoMa “Starry Night”
The last of my new purchases is a Swatch. 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.
11) Omega Speedmaster “Hot Chocolate”
As you can see, I’ve sold off 2/3 of my watch collection in the past year. While I’ll certainly miss some of the pieces, it has also made me fall deeper in love with those that I consciously chose to keep. Chief amongst which is my Omega Speedmaster “Hot Chocolate”. An iconic design, rich history, and that lovely chocolate dial – it continues to capture my heart.
12) Nomos Tangente “Red Dot”
Another that I chose to keep is the Nomos Tangente “Red Dot”. Nomos is a brand that I have tremendous respect for – I think they make some of the best watches under $5000. With a minimalist Bauhaus design, an in-house movement, and a striking salmon dial, the Tangente “Red Dot” is a fabulous watch. The fact that it pays tribute to my home country is the perfect icing on the cake, making it unique enough to warrant staying in my collection.
13) Longines Heritage 1945
I’ve considered letting go of my Longines Heritage 1945, but ultimately decided to keep it. I wanted to let it go as I wasn’t a fan of the brand anymore – Longines seems to be churning out vintage re-releases with little innovation implemented. 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.
14) Hamilton Khaki Mechanical
Another watch that I was thinking of letting go (I actually listed it on Carousell for a while) is the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical. I’m not an outdoor field guy at all – you will never find me hiking – so it felt like there was a personality mismatch between the watch and me. However, the more I wore it, the more I grew to it. For one, the Khaki Mechanical is a strap monster – it looks great on anything. I also like its legible white dial, and appreciate how it’s the de facto field watch. I’m still on the fence on whether to sell it, but for now it’s staying.
Conclusion
I hope it was interesting reading through my personal watch collection – I certainly had fun sharing my taste with you guys. I do have a Ming 17.09 (blue dial) and a Tudor Black Bay 58 (also blue dial) on the way, so do watch out for content on those soon. I’m also actively looking for a Rolex Datejust 116234, a Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original, and a Grand Seiko SBGA413 “Shunbun”, so if you have any of these three watches for sale please do drop me an email.
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.S.S.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.
