The first thing you may notice in my watch box is the absence of any Panerai. What’s going on? Have all of my Panerai been sent back to Switzerland for a service? Sadly, the answer is no. My current lack of Panerai is a result of serial trading in relentless pursuit of the perfect PAM, flipping, and a gross mismanagement of my collection. I once said that my collection is never static and I plan on adding the perfect Panerai again at some point.

In the meantime, I am writing this blog as sort of a therapy. I am trying to convince myself that I have a solid collection and that I can wait until my 40th birthday for a big score. Much like alcoholics in AA have support groups, watch addicts also have support groups. We call them forums. And just as alcoholics in AA have sponsors, we watch addicts have support people… let’s call them therapists. My therapist is named Baris and I met him on our partner forum, CWC. Sometimes I find myself at a function and caught in a conversation when all I can think about are watches. I often excuse myself from said conversation and hide in the bathroom so I can text Baris. I share with him whatever watch I discovered that day and he will always remind me to WAIT and SAVE and go for the big 40th birthday score. Whether that becomes a Rolex or a Panerai is irrelevant — Baris is resolute. His message is to wait for the great. In this way, Baris saved me from many costly little purchases.

While my 40th birthday is just over a year away, I hate waiting. I crave instant gratification — a quick fix. So I decided to open up my watch box and examine the role of each piece in my collection in an attempt to convince myself that I have a good lineup for a while. I think we all know where this will end up… Let’s begin.

TAG Heuer Link Quartz

OK, OK, let’s not spend too much time here. It was the first watch I ever bought for myself and I had no idea what I was doing. Although I find the case and the bracelet extremely beautiful, I just cannot get any pleasure out of wearing a quartz. I wear this once or twice a year and I consider it my backup plan.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer automatic chronograph

This is the only watch I ever kept long enough to require a service! It was my wedding gift and, in addition to its sentimental value, it has always been my most worn watch. It is a perfect and comfortable fit, although it is too thick for many dress shirts. This is a rugged and classic sports watch and is a great travelling companion. This piece is great for smart casual situations.

Meccaniche Veloci Corsa Corta

This is a wind-up toy — nothing more, nothing less. The strap is garbage but the case is remarkably beautiful. This piece is fun for a change… two or three times per year.

Bulova Marine Star

This was a helluva bargain for an automatic and I really like it for beach vacations, swimming and rugged activities. It really serves a purpose and looks great on the wrist.

Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Ultra Slim

I don’t wear this one a lot, but it is quite perfect. This is an ultra slim, formal timepiece with a wonderfully appropriate manual movement. No seconds or date- just class. The gorgeous raised numerals and applied indices add to the understated elegance of what I call “the perfect gent’s timepiece.” Yes, this timepiece makes me think I might be able to hold out until my 40th birthday.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 6 COSC

Much like the Montblanc, this is a nearly perfect timepiece for dressy situations. If I am wearing a suit or shirt (or shoes) with blue, then this is my default choice. The compact 39mm case has just a touch of racy sportiness while housing a COSC-certified movement. I really like this timepiece and it has a gorgeous sunburst dial with applied indices. It is a great timepiece for dress shirts.

JeanRichard Terrascope

I got this piece in a steal on our partner forum, CWC. I still can’t believe how much I enjoy it. For such an affordable piece, it has amazing design detail and I love the rugged, versatile and neutral stainless steel look. This is my go-to piece when I just need variety or when I can’t decide what to wear. Black shoes, brown shoes, sandals, t-shirt, hoodie — this JeanRichard can do it all. This is a large, fun and beautiful watch that can complement any outfit.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 – new 43mm model

I had the original 45mm model with the skeleton dial. I traded it away to try something else and now I find myself with the new 43mm Heuer 01 with a traditional dial. This piece is, of course, the current top dog in my collection with its brand new in-house movement and ceramic bezel. This watch is a great piece of engineering and is really just a fun racing machine for the wrist. It won’t fit under every shirt cuff, so I wear it more with casual clothes when I want to express my love of watchmaking and motor racing. This is the racing chronograph that combines my passions in one sweet package.

So there you have it. Can I last until I turn 40? Have I convinced you? Have I convinced myself? Do I need to make changes? Should I be keeping my eyes open for a new addition? As always, the fun seems to be in the search…

Yours truly,

TimeCaptain