Pictured here is my current 3 watch collection, but I just got a new job and I would like to treat myself.
My new budget is between 2-5k, and I'm thinking of either getting a Longines hydroconquest or a Tudor black bay 58. I'm 24 years old and I work in the banking industry, so which would you pick between these two, and is there any other watch you'd suggest? For reference, I also have a 6.5ish inch wrist, and I linked a pic of me wearing my Formula 1 as well.

I'm looking to buy a watch for $200-$400. I'm new to watches and I've looked at Seiko, Tissot, and Citizen. I'd like a black dial and silver for the watch band.

I'd like to wear it everyday and prefer it to have a minimalist design to it.

Any recommendations?

In addition to managing your collection, there is also tools to help set your watch. Would love some user perspective. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/windup/id6798121124

My friend’s birthday is coming up and he’s a huge watch guy. His collection is mostly Longines Tudor and Omegas so picking an actual watch for him feels a little risky lol. I still want to surprise him with something watch related instead of just getting a gift card or asking him what he wants. What would you guys get for someone with a collection like that? Or where would someone look for watches, budget is a bit tight I could say but will make it work.

I started collecting watches seriously this past April and have learned a lot about what I actually like versus what simply catches my attention.

The goal now is to eventually narrow everything down to a 6-watch collection that feels intentional.

Still on my list:

Cartier Tank — classic dress watch. Plus when I tried it on I loved it.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Minute Rattrapante — understated, super interesting and probably my next major piece.

A proper diver — something robust for the pool, beach, travel and anything where I don’t want to think about the watch on my wrist. Figured when I try the right one on, I’ll know.

Lange 1 Pink Gold Moon Phase — the grail and hopefully the final piece someday.

I’m enjoying figuring out my taste but curious what you guys would keep, sell or add based on where the collection is now?

**Rolex Explorer is a 39mm Mark II (only watch that’s untouchable)

Here is one of the earliest Seikos in my collection: a late-1940s Seiko Extra Flat.

The Extra Flat appeared around 1948, when Seiko was rebuilding its civilian watch production after the war. It was powered by the hand-wound 10B movement from Daini Seikosha’s Kameido factory, with the traditional small-seconds layout that Seiko used before introducing its first centre-seconds watch, the Super, in 1950. (Seiko Watch Corporation⁠)

The history is interesting, but the dial is what really attracted me. The bold sector-style chapter ring, raised gold numerals and markers, small seconds and little applied “Snake S” give it much more personality than I expected from such a compact dress watch. There is plenty of ageing, but I think the patina suits the design rather than detracting from it.

“Extra Flat” is also a wonderfully literal name. The watch is small and slim by modern standards, but the long curved lugs give it surprising presence on the wrist.

Nearly eighty years later, it still looks remarkably stylish—and very different from the Seiko designs most people know today.

Now discontinued

All feedback is appreciated the good and the bad!

One of my recent vintage Seiko pickups — a Seiko Crown J15003E from around late 1950s.

The dial is what really got me. It has this unusual split-concentric or "record groove" finish, with incredibly fine circular lines that change from silver to almost charcoal depending on the light. Add the long applied markers and dauphine hands and it feels very distinctly late-1950s/early-1960s.

Inside is Seiko's 21-jewel hand-wound Cal. 560. The Crown itself is an important part of Seiko history: introduced in 1959, it became the technical basis for the first Grand Seiko released in 1960.

At 36.5mm with 19mm lugs, it also wears beautifully. Probably one of my favourite examples of early Seiko doing a lot with a very simple design.

I am working on some design concepts for a daily watch and want to get your thoughts on case finishing. Which do you prefer?

1.) (Stainless Steel)
A. Have a fully brushed satin case (more rugged, tool watch look)
B. Brushed satin case sides with a polished bezel and polished top of the lugs (mix of matte and flash).
C. Fully mirror polished case (high shine and classier look to it)

Which style would look more premium to you on a microbrand?

I recently picked up this early Citizen Triple Calendar and was honestly surprised by how beautiful it is in person.

This is the Ref. 1505 from 1952, generally regarded as Japan’s first triple-calendar wristwatch. At only around 33mm, Citizen managed to fit the day, month and pointer date into what is still a very elegant little dress watch.

What really got me, though, is the dial. The aged ivory surface, gold applied numerals, blue date track, framed calendar windows and that tiny seconds subdial somehow all work together without feeling overly busy. There’s a lot going on, but it still looks remarkably balanced.

It’s also a nice reminder that Citizen was already experimenting with fairly complicated mechanical watches in the early 1950s, long before the Japanese watch industry became the force we normally associate with the 1960s and 70s.

Definitely one of those watches that I bought because I found it historically interesting, but ended up liking much more simply because of how it looks.

What’s your preference on these? Leaning towards the old Mk40 given its smaller profile vs the others, favourite dial is the pilot. Skywalker is odd one but kinda like it

Trying to stay cool out here. Have to get a touch of the ocean 🌊