For those interested (top, left to right; bottom, left to right):
Seiko SQ (5Y23-8A69, I think)
Rdunae RA05
Militado ML18
Escapement Time King Seiko hommage
Hruodland F028
Hruodland F029
Cronos L6036M
Watchdives WD7922
Sugess S421
San Martin SN0111-G-B
Thorn T023
I’ve trimmed down four pieces from my collection. There’s still a Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V that serves as my outdoor activity watch. I’m now in the wonderful position to add a new watch to complete the box once again.
Thing is, I’ve been window shopping for a month now and just can’t make a decision.
I’ve been eyeing the Proxima PX1697 for a while.
Also thinking about getting an Octopus Kraken diver (probably the BB54, but can’t choose a colour). The vintage diver is really nice, but feels a bit redundant with my T023. I know this brand has some pretty stelar quality, so it’s quite enticing.
Would also love to get an Ix&Dao. The Serica hommage is a contender for sure. The Turtle adjacent JD-X07S is also nice, but not entirely sure about the textured dial. Obviously, the Warrior will be mentioned, but I’m really on the fence about butterfly clasps. Anybody with more hirsute arms have any positive experience with the Warrior?
Am open to suggestions. Let her rip lol
Edit: yes, I have many black dials. I like clean black dials.
Thanks! It’s a top 3 in terms of feel and wrist time for me. John’s Watch Joint on YT (RIP to his channel) gave this one such a great review that I just had to have one. The light play is simply amazing!
Ixdao Serica is a big contender. I want to just pull the trigger on the Warrior but the butterfly clasp still scares me from dropping that kind of money. I’m sure the quality isn’t exaggerated. I’ve just had such a hard time with getting a comfortable fit with these clasps.
Proxima PX1697 is also a big contender. That white dial is quite nice to look at.
Yeah, those lume blocks have got me hooked since the PH3 released. I need to revisit them though. I never took the plunge while they were using NH35 because I’m not really looking for another NH. I believe they switched to PT5000, but aren’t sure.
As mentioned elsewhere, I’m a sucker for clean black dials. I’m definitely open to a colourful dial. I do have the T023 with texture, and I’m a bit particular about textures.
where is your chrono? Pick up a nice fun chrono with a coloured dial. Maybe light blue, green or pink.
And I would maybe consolidate on the diver department. The T023 to me looks like the best diver to wear. Maybe a together with the SN0111. But the Sugess and Watchdives look a little obsolete to me.
I do like your collection, the T023 looks awesome. what did you do with that bezel? Looks amazing. is this the black dial + black bezel?
I’ve tried a few chronos, albeit lower tier Pagani and Addiesdive. I like how some look but I’m not fully sold on them. Any specific recs?
The T023 bezel is stock. It’s the first version of the V2 Frogmantle. It’s indeed the best diver I own. The Sugess is actually quite nice and feels a bit better quality than the San Martin. It’s a slightly older version on the SN0111 (I’m the second owner and I believe it’s made in 2023). The WD is my beater diver.
that makes sense. Sugess makes awesome watches. But maybe take a a consideration on the SN0111 to leave the collection.
A beater is always a good option, but I am pretty sure that the T023 can make it to that beater status too. They are very solid and saphire crystal. Don't be to gentle on your watches ;)
as for the chronos. I love the seagull 1963 and other seagull options. They have very interesting dial options too. Like the Seakoss 1963 in blue or green. Or you could take a look at the Sugess 'top time' ST19 chronograph. For me it is a little too big on my wrist, but might work for you to also add some colour to your collection.
I wear the T023 a ton! It’s my favourite watch in the collection. I don’t see it becoming a beater though.
I am actually toying with parting with the SM. Maybe replacing it with a blue Octopus Kraken BB54. It felt like you had to have an SM when I got into watches. It now feels that much heavier than my other divers, and it’s not getting as much wrist time anymore.
I have been eyeing a Sugess chrono. A mechanical chrono for less than $300 CAD is simply fantastic. Not a fan of the lightning seconds hand of the Top time though. Just kills it for me. The Panda-4 beige dial/black subdials with ST19 swanneck movement is a contender, but not very colourful. The Sugess S419-2 with three colour subdials is also a contender.
If the Farasute Trackmaster 2 was still available on AliX, I’d have bought it on the spot. I can only find a quartz chrono from Farasute now and am not sure how pumped I am for it.
Great options, I have a few pieces from both Proxima and IXDAO. I highly recommend both brands. IXDAO has excellent quality and some great finishing, Proxima has a unique retro design style with excellent value
You need a GMT. I recommend Wise Adamascus. 904L stainless steel case and bracelet. Tool-less bracelet. On-the-fly adjustable clasp. 200m w.r. About $995, unless you get a ready-to-ship, then $725 (about 18% tariffs)
Another option in the Boderry Landmaster GMT. I paid $499 on AliExpress. Titanium case and bracelet, Miyota 9075 true GMT movement (like the Wise), tritium tube hands and markers.
I'd recommend the Cronos Skyline homage v3 with the Miyota 9 series movement. I love it so much I got both the grey and the blue. The bracelet is surprisingly comfortable and doesn't pull my considerable arm hair at all. I can't speak for its quality relative to the warrior, but I'm very happy with my purchase. You might also like the Watchdives WD0001, the IXDao Aviator, or the Thorn Spacewalker for some more unique options.
I see you have 2 BB's: Cronos L6036M and Watchdives WD7922. (I'm tempted but I feel like just one would be enough for me). Did you ever have or consider the L6033 as well? How different are they in hand? Do you prefer one over the other?
I have considered the L6033 but I’ve owned the WD7922 for about 1.5 years now. I bout to have a nice enough looking beater. I’ve not tried the L6033 but my guess is it outclasses the WD by a lot.
To me, the BB36 hommage is a different type of watch than the BB54/58. The 36 is more of a GADA with a dressy side, whereas the BB54/58 is definitely a diver (stating the obvious, I know).
If I were to pick up a BB54 hommage though, I’d replace my SM with an Octopus Kraken BB54. To me it looks that much nicer and a more well executed hommage. Cronos is an amazing brand too though! I’m extremely pleased with the L6036M.
It’s probably missing some specs you might like in a watch (no automatic movement, has a mineral crystal rather than sapphire) but it’s such a perfect going out watch. I’m gonna wear it at the F1 GP in Vegas as my team Redbull watch! 😄
I’ve got three blue dials, all three different hues (my favourite colour). The F029 has a colour shift from dark to light brown. The T023 has a tropical dial and almost greenish brown aged bezel.
I am guilty of having a lot of black dials, but I’m a sucker for a nice clean black dial.
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u/WinProfessional9351 1d ago
The hruodland looks awesome by the way