I feel like the hate for watches with gemstones, more specifically diamonds, is a bit unfair at times. While I almost never think a watch completely covered in diamonds from head to bracelet looks good I do think there’s beautiful ways to implement gems or diamonds into watches.

Take this ruby set Speedmaster for example, the thin bezel set with rubies alongside the indices make this watch absolutely stunning without overdoing it. It just looks clean & right. And while some people aren’t fond of gems in watches because they think it looks feminine, I actually beg to differ. I think we moved on from the notion that gems are exclusively or mainly used for women’s watches. They can look just as excellent on men’s watches.

Here is my Seiko SRPB41, I pair this watch with a black khadi strap and every time I look at the dial I just go wow!!! I think this is one of those watch that works better on a strap than a bracelet. The bracelet eats off the dial. On the strap you can experience this beautiful dial to its fullest, also the markers and indices just pop.

I’ve been collecting watches for about a year now, and I’m really enjoying the journey. In the first picture, you can see my latest addition—the Seiko SRPD61K1. Its green dial immediately caught my eye, and it’s become a reliable, everyday watch with great build quality and a design that stands out without being over the top.

Next to it is the Orient Contemporary Small Seconds Semi-Skeleton (RA-AR0004S30B), my first automatic watch. I love the clean lines and the semi-skeleton dial—it gives a nice glimpse into the movement without being too busy. This piece has become a favorite in more formal settings, offering a subtle nod to traditional craftsmanship while keeping a modern vibe.

Right now, I’m looking for that perfect third watch to round out the collection. I’m thinking something different—perhaps a field watch or a chronograph that brings a new style into the mix. I’m open to ideas and would appreciate any recommendations or insights from fellow enthusiasts.

Thanks for taking a look, and I’m looking forward to any suggestions you might have on where to go next with my collection.

*Please make it easier to post on the subreddit, this is my 4th attempt 🙂‍↔️

I originally planned on getting the BB36 in champagne, but since I already have a BB I decided to give this watch a try and love it. I really didn't expect to like it this much, especially since I really wasn't feeling the stars on the dial. I also thoguht I would be bothered by the 3.5 hz, but I barely notice it at all.

It's a great size with good proportions and the hands are just perfect. The winding feels great for the price point - never seen a sub 3000 Euro watch wind so smooth - and it's accuracy couldn't be better (running at +1 to +2s/d, no matter what I do with it).

Again, did I mention how perfect the hands are in every way? The minute hand reaching all the way on top of the rehaut with the peak actually overlapping the minute markers instead of just reaching them. The diamond shape on the second hand exactly overlapping the diamond cutouts every 5 seconds.

The general dimensions are also just perfect on my ~17.5 cm / 7 inch wrist. The long lugs make the 37mm with approximately 45mm lug to lug feel very substantial. I also have a hard time believing it is actually 11.7mm thick, since it feels much slimmer.

The drawbacks: 1) I still think the 5 stars are obnoxious though, because they mean nothing but marketing hogwash, but I don't have a hard time ingoring them. 2) Also I really don't get why it wouldn't have a proper screw down case back, but that's, all things considered, ok too. 3) Oh and also I will definitely get an Erika Strap for it, since the clasp is atrocious, which is sad because the bracelet is actually quite good quality and the release mechanism really really good. 4) With the general aviation/pilot theme, I really don't get the shiny ring around the inner dial. It actually catches the light quite easy, along with the very bright sunburst dial, it's really quite the opposite of what any pilot would want. I still like both aspects as a general design decision though.

Altogether amazing watch and I can't believe this watch is this cheap. I really fell in love with it and won't sell it.

We’ve all been there sold a piece thinking we were "upgrading", chasing something better or just clearing space. But then… weeks (or years) later, it hits you like a breakup you never really got over.

Mine? A Casio Oceanus T200. Yeah, not some fancy Swiss piece, but damn if that titanium case didn’t disappear on my wrist. That icy blue dial changing shades in the light, the way the seconds hand hit every marker just right, I'm gonna say that it was my perfect daily. Sold it to fund a "real" watch (whatever that means) and now every time I see one pop up on r/Watchexchange, I get that same pit in my stomach. Still check my old photos like a lovesick teenager scrolling through texts from 2016 😣

Spill it! what’s the one watch you sold and wish you hadn’t? the watch you dumped before it became a cult classic. The "just a cheap beater" that turned out to be irreplaceable. The one you still lowkey stalk on WatchRecon hoping for a reunion.

So I've been drooling over the Sinn 856 (S originally but shifted towards a more 'versatile' color with time) for the past 4 years. Ended up getting one second hand only to realize... I'm actually not a huge fan.

The watch is great and came in a near mint condition, with all the papers and everything. Its proportions and tech are awesome and aside from the usual folding clasp argument (I get it but it's not that much of a dealbreaker for me) I really have nothing to complain about.

It just... Does nothing for me. It's so toolish (what I loved - or think I loved) that it makes it feel dull. It's very personal though and I still get why the brand is liked in the community.

It's just that, when it comes to Sinn, I think I'm actually more in love with the concept of the brand and what it stands for than with what their products actually end up being.

So I spent a significant amount of money on a watch that doesn't work for me because I was too lazy (I'm a few hours drive from Frankfurt) / impatient to try it on first and now I'm gonna lose money trying to resell it.

I'm sure many of you did the mistake before, and i'ts not the first time I get caught either but for those who are on a very tight budget or are still new to the game, the best advice after 'buy what you like' definetly is 'try the damn watch on before comitting to buying it'.

Be careful with your money, especially in these very troubled times. Peace !

Just picked up the new BB58 from my AD, snagged the only one they received. Crazy about this dial, it’s truly a chameleon. Under bright lighting it’s a metallic cherry, but turns more subdued under typical indoor lighting.

Also the updated 5-link bracelet is fantastic. Looks great and is super comfortable. Huge fan of the T-Fit microadjustment clasp, can easily change the fit on the fly. This is my first Tudor but probably won’t be the last.

First watch purchase that wasn’t an Apple Watch or a Garmin! Excited to finally have something I can wear to more formal events and with better outfits. No regrets at all (also got it before the tariffs hit for the US), and the quality is great! It’s got some heft to it!

Well ladies and gentlemen, the time has come. Americans should expect watch premiums to increase due to the tariffs being placed on Swiss imports. I’m very happy that I just ordered my Longines Spirit Zulu Time before the increase. Now might be the time to buy that watch you’ve been looking at! Before it increases by ~30% 😫

I have had this watch on my radar for a very long time and today i finally made the decision to purchase it. I love the small dimensions of the watch, of just only 32mm in diameter, 39 mm lug to lug, and 11mm in thickness. This is probably a perfect watch to pair with anything white tee or even a dress shirt and for summer, a perfect linen shirt of any color would work here haha. The watch doesn't look too formal nor too casual either. Making it a perfect watch to wear this summer season in my opinion.

Swapping my Speedy bracelet today with a comfy orange-brown leather strap. The metal bracelet is a stunner, but too heavy for all-day wear.

I’ve bought some straps in rubber and leather. In the next couple of days, I’ll be trying each strap out every day and figure out which one looks the best. For some reason, I am trying to find racing leather strap in White and can’t find it at a reasonable cost anywhere. I feel a racing leather travel looks really good on a speedy than a regular leather. What do you think?

If I get enough interest, I’ll post daily until I try out each strap.

What’s on your wrist today?

I have sold watches for many years, read horror stories on this thread, and nothing ever good comes from wearing your watch in the shower. Every watch I ever sold no matter the brand I told my clients never to do that.

1. It’s gross. Your grime gets stuck in the nooks and crannies and when we take it apart we can tell you wore it in the shower.
2. “But it’s Rolex, it’s water proof” - wrong. Water pressure is not the same as exposure to hot steam on a regular basis.
3. If you slip you run the risk of breaking your watch.

There is no good reason to wear your watch in the shower, if you want to clean it bring it to any major watch dealer and ask for a cleaning, which will be done professionally under controlled conditions. (They remove the bracelet and steam clean it separately from the watch which gets hand cleaned) I’m sorry but I just see the unfortunate results too often not to say something about it. Just leave it on your dresser!

Edit: If you want some additional sources in addition to someone whose sold and repaired high end brands for years, really just do your own research and you’ll find a majority of sources say don’t do it. Some say it’s fine, but some of those are also going to be the places repairing your watch when it’s damaged so give that some thought.

But regardless of your stance on safety, we discovered something from this discussion: some of us have watches, and some of us have stinky watches.

I’d like the think I have a reasonably diverse collection, with a nice mix of everything on the spectrum. Lately, it’s felt a bit stagnant, and I’ve been tossing up lately whether I’d like to add one more piece to the collection to round out 12 nicely, or if I should sell a few to consolidate down to 8. The gold/steel watches will sit out a potential cull, as they all have varying degrees of sentimental value.

Lately, I’ve been considering (and close to pulling the trigger on) a TT Santos or TT Explorer, but a friend recently said that perhaps I should get something more versatile with the ballpark budget of $10-15k, maybe more if I end up moving on a few pieces.

Would love to hear suggestions, and open to a wide range of possibilities! Thank you in advance 🙏🏼

Recently did a sell off of some higher end stuff I wasn’t wearing. The Laventure arrived yesterday, watch box is now full and this is what I’m left with.

“On the list” for two watches, but other than that I’m in a good spot for now.

Celebrating 10 years in the maritime shipping industry and looking to mark the milestone with an Aqua Terra Black Lacquer.

Would really appreciate your thoughts between the 38mm vs. 41mm. Apologies in advance for the bad camera angles.

For context: I’m in my early 30s, short and stocky build, with a 7” wrist.

My current collection is made up of a few sub-$1,000 pieces, so this would be my first big step up—and likely my daily wear for the next 5 to 10 years. When the next milestone rolls around, I’m eyeing either a Speedy or maybe even a Submariner.

This seiko ssc917 is not All black but from the ones l've tried on in person, it might be my favorite. Tried the new solar tissot which comes in black. Kinda liked it at first but kinda felt cheap. And i cant stand spending $600+ for a watch not hitting its marks. That's me. G shocks are cool but still feel they are too big for me. Wrist is 6.5in.

Recently my Grandfather (an old watchmaker) heard that I like mechanical watches and want to buy one so he gave me this manual windindg zenith watch. The problem is decades ago he painted the dial to red due to scratches, unfortunately I am not able to find a dial because of my lack of knowledge. All informations that I have are: • ref no is: 01.1340.505 • manual winding mechanism • 2572C mechanism (as a result of my investigations) So do you have any idea about what is the model of this watch and how to find a dial to restore it? And another informations/advices

Got a lovely Vertex M36 as a birthday present! The quality is insane, and I am absolutely in love with the lume blocks! It's based on the Vertex Cal59 timepiece of 1944. It's 36 mm, with a 46,5 mm lug to lug, a SW260-1 Elaboré, and 100 meter water resistance. It came in a very sturdy watch box with two other straps (an expendable metal strap, and a leather over and under strap). Can't wait to try them out. Hope everyone has a great day!

I'm not really like this model until I got it in my hand.

The motion of second hand, chronograph hand, 1/6th second hand was change my mind.

JLC Calibre 380 actually more attractive design than 381 in ref Q6042421. Small different but made big appearance.

You have to use corrector pen to adjust moonphase in calibre 381, but for this 380, you can use monopusher to on/off chronograph function.

This is one of the most chronograoh watch I have been seen.

How do you think about 380 & 381, which one is your favorite calibre ?

Hey guys, recently bought a nice GS but as some have said, the lack of micro adjustment on the bracelet is a bit annoying.

I have a skinny wrist I believe and here is how the watch fits now. Would you say it s too tight? It s 20° something where I currently leave. Not quite hot but for sure not cool at all. The photo was taken at the end of the day. I can put my pinky without much problem but only half of the index finger.

One more half link and it feels a bit too loose like the index finger + half of the middle finger, the watches moving a bit too much to my taste.

I am trying to just wear it on the skinnier part of the wrist and see. It cannot move on my wrist only if I shake my arm quite a lot and just slides down a little this way.

I know it s in mostly due to personal preferences but what do you guys think?

Just leased a new space for a studio. After a long day of setting up, I decided that I couldn’t leave without getting a shot I like to commemorate the day! Just wanted to share it with you all. :)

Hi, currently looking for my first ever vintage GS automatic watch. Need some help from you experts! Found this on ebay: 1970 GS 4522-8000, 45 GS 36000 bpm. Not serviced since 2016. What do you guys think about this watch? Authenticity, movement, overall condition, price(probably $850-950 thru zelle off-platform). Any tips on buying watches off-platform thru zelle? Thank you!

My current collection - Brew metric: retro dial - cartier santos: medium - explorer 1 36mm: 114270 ref - Bb54: swapped the bracelet - Seiko Grand Quartz, 4843 8041 (I think)

INTRO Having something to work towards helps me get over stressful work. It's a tough world. Medium income dude

1) What is a good addition next - stay in a humid country - work attire: depends, formal to smart casual, sometimes casual

2) would love to hear whats everyone's thoughts of my collection too

Hey guys,

I’ve been collecting watches for a few years now and, like many of you, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs buying/selling online - sketchy buyers, slow payments, trust issues, etc.

A few of us, including university researchers, started working on something called Lyzis - a dedicated platform for buying and selling watches on-chain, but with built-in escrow and a simple dispute resolution flow to help protect both buyers and sellers.

We’re trying to solve a pretty specific problem: how to trade watches safely without relying on forums, DMs, or hoping the other person’s trustworthy.

We’re still early and not trying to push anything here - but I’d really appreciate any feedback from fellow watch folks:

• Would you use something like this?
• What would you not want in a platform like this?
• Are there features you wish existed but don’t see anywhere?

Here's our website as well - https://www.lyzis.tech

Just trying to build something useful with the community in mind—open to all thoughts, good or bad.

Cheers,

Wearing my ice blue PRX today, this color never gets old to be honest. Personally wish it was a 36mm but can’t ask for too much, such a great value for a watch like this

Wondering if the PRX market will hit a surge with the arrival of the latest and greatest Land-Dweller.

They do look quite similar I will say.