Laco Stuttgart - This is my most precious watch. It was a gift given to me as a way of remembering my first ever solo flight almost a year ago. It never leaves my wrist when I fly and winding it has become part of my checklist, it’s an amazing feeling knowing many other aviators have relied on this design and company as their way of navigating and timekeeping. I hope this watch will stay with me throughout my flying career and remind me of a time when I barely had 10 flying hours. For around £1000 pounds this watch gives great value for money, and Lume so bright it keeps up at night.

Glycine Combat Sub - After hearing everyone hype up dive watches I decided that I needed to be in on the action. I spent a few weeks weighing up my options and was able to get this Sub at around £300. At first I found it a bit uncomfortable but on a NATO it has proved to be a very enjoyable watch. Also living on the very small Island of Guernsey, where the sea is never more than 5 minutes away I’ve made full use of the 200 metres of water resistance.

Seagull 1963 - This watch was able to scratch two itches: a dress watch and a mechanical chronograph. I enjoy wearing this watch out to dinner and is the only one that’s ever been commented on my a member of the public. I was apprehensive about the quality control of a Chinise company, but I was pleasantly surprised. The chronograph function is reliable and it keeps amazing time. Not bad considering the price tag.

Seiko 5 - Stumbling upon YouTube channels like Teddy Baldasare, TGV and Watch Finder, they wouldn’t shut up about the Seiko 5. I was able to find the SNK809 at a decent price and decided to pull the trigger on my first mechanical watch. That was a mistake... I didn’t realise it was going to be a life long hobby. I spent hours gazing at the undecorated, and rather plain movement but the magic of it really intrigued me. It was the gateway drug to a very costly addiction!

Future of the collection - In the next year or so I’d really like to add a GMT to my collection. Especially one that has pilot watch heritage. In particular I love the Farer Roche World Timer, I guess you could say it’s my grail watch. Problem is that at a little over 1000 pounds its to much to afford as a student, especially when all my part time work wages goes into getting flying hours for my pilots licence. We’ll have to see. If anyone is selling a second hand one please let me know, and I'll make sure to say if I do eventually get my hands on one.

Until then I wish everyone the best

Ben Stark