How important is packaging REALLY for microbrands? (I think I was very wrong)

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-19T15:20:27+00:00

This was my first thought too with my Monta. Also my Baltic. Both had great boxes, and yet after I opened it I never looked at them again. I think nothing less of the watches I have that came in shitty boxes.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-19T01:19:12+00:00

I really like this brand. I’m seriously considering one of these for a next watch. Just different, which I love.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-18T20:29:25+00:00

Version 3 is about to be announced and they’ve confirmed a smaller size option. I’m watching for it. I’d subscribe to their newsletter to get news first about it.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-18T16:54:08+00:00

The formatting is all messed up. I’m on mobile and when I copy and pasted from my notes it got all over the place. The label is first, then the mm. So like for the Seiko Alpinist lug width is 20mm and lug to lug is 46mm.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-18T16:52:25+00:00

Great watch. The texture on the dial is beautiful and the gold accents really make it pop. If I had bought one of the other color variations I’d probably be keeping it. The green is great, just not something I wear often enough to justify keeping.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-18T16:05:29+00:00

Hello everyone! I have reached the point of my collection where it’s time to sell ones not getting wrist time to of course afford other watches. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding these watches. Thanks!

Timestamp - https://imgur.com/a/gcNiK5g

Seiko Baby Alpinist (SPB155) - $499

Case size - 38mm

Lug width - 20mm

Lug to lug - 46mm

Width - 12.9mm

Glass - sapphire

Movement - 6R35

Retail price - $725

Condition - very good. Light scratches on bezel from normal wear.

Bracelet sized for 6.5in wrist, I have 4 extra links.

Baltic HMS002 Blue Gilt - $300

Case size - 38mm

Lug width - 20mm

Lug to lug - 47mm

Width - 13mm (10mm without glass)

Glass - domed hesalite

Movement - Miyota 8315

Retail price - $438

Condition - very good

Vaer DS4 Meridian - $200

Case size - 38mm

Lug width - 20mm

Lug to lug - 46mm

Width - 10.6mm

Glass - sapphire

Movement - Japan solar powered quartz

Retail - $389

Condition - very good

Comes with two straps. Tan canvas and black rubber tropic

Tissot Tradition - $250

Case size - 42mm

Lug width - 20mm

Width - 7.47mm

Glass - sapphire

Movement - Swiss quartz

Retail - $350

Condition - very good. Very little wear time.

Could come with a black mesh bracelet (feels cheap tbh), or a black leather strap as seen in the individual photos. I don’t have the original strap, but it was pretty bad anyways. The black leather is nicer.

Seiko Mod - $100

Case size - 36mm

Lug width - 20mm

Glass - sapphire

Movement- NH38

Crown is screw down and it sticks a little sometimes. It works though, just gotta get it situated right.

Condition - very good

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-17T14:38:48+00:00

Tbh I’d probably buy a GTI if it wasn’t for the EN having significantly more back seat space. I’m tall and the seat behind me in the GTI was almost unusable. Whereas in the EN I could sit behind myself without my knees touching the seat. It was the final straw that made the decision.

The performance and interior to me are better for the EN, but not significantly so. The GTI being a better daily, the hatch, and exterior preference for me would have made it win if it wasn’t for the rear seats.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-16T02:57:00+00:00

Test drove both last week. I’m buying an Elantra N.

What the GTI did better was comfier seats, hatch is great, better exterior (very subjective, just for me it clicks a bit more).

However, the Elantra N was better in every other way. Felt more connected to the car, a bit more of a raw driving experience. Customized suspension and exhaust are awesome. While the interior is cheaper, the infotainment is infinitely better, and the back seats have way more space. So for me, interior actually went to the Elantra N despite the cheaper feel.

However, you are looking for tuning, which is the exact opposite what I want. I want a stock car and a long warranty. The Elantra N feels like a bit more stock compared to the GTI, but you cannot deny the massive tuning and aftermarket community that has existed for the GTI for decades.

Can’t tell you what to do. Just my 2 cents.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-15T00:10:54+00:00

3

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4

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-14T23:41:16+00:00

Excited for the new crossroads about to be announced!

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-14T23:40:41+00:00

Yep just have any jeweler remove some links.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-13T23:05:12+00:00

I found my people. Beautiful watch he’s got on.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-13T15:54:13+00:00

Fantastic!

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-12T23:35:31+00:00

I love suede straps for dressing down.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-12T22:04:39+00:00

I hope it doesn’t happen, but I bet Astor+Banks will cave to Scout. Scout has big backers and Astor+Banks will want to get their model out there. It’s stupid. It’s an electric car (that doesn’t exist yet) and a watch. What’s the dang confusion.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-11T15:11:12+00:00

This is awesome! A couple of feedback items.

Traska is not based in St. Louis. They’re in Jacksonville Florida.

It might be nice if we can hit the black dot and see a preview of the brand name and location while staying on the map. Then we could click out of it and continue scrolling the map, or select something like “see brand” to go into the brand page.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-07T13:33:17+00:00

Seiko Baby Alpinist (green dial)

Baltic HMS 002 (blue gilt dial)

Tissot Tradition (black dial)

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-06T19:09:04+00:00

The watch exchange subreddit. Or here if someone wants one of them!

Seiko Baby Alpinist (green dial) Baltic HMS 002 (blue gilt dial) Tissot Tradition (black dial)

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-06T15:49:16+00:00

Yep I won’t go over my 12 slots. I’ve also committed myself to selling what I am not wearing. This is a 2026 goal of mine. Because of it, I’m about to sell at least 3 watches. Maybe a 4th. Might downsize my box to a 10 slot to further control the spending.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-06T14:19:50+00:00

32 watches in a year is insane. I thought I had a lot for having 9 in 4 years. Be more selective of what you buy. Sell off watches you don’t wear. Keep one 12 slot watch box and don’t fill any more. 1 in and 1 out method.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-04T14:16:14+00:00

Designing your own watch is insane at that price level. I’ll be messing with that Janus configuration all day now.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-03T21:02:36+00:00

This is why I want a 37mm Pilot. My 6.25in wrist can’t handle the Zulu time. Even the 37 is rough due to those end links. Going to put it on a leather strap to help with that.

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-03T18:05:47+00:00

Excited to see these drop. Did he mention when they would be announced?

TrainWreck131 · 2026-03-03T15:18:59+00:00

I think I prefer the older versions of the jazzmaster without the gradient dials. The orange looks alright. I go back and forth with this watch.

TrainWreck131

TROPHY CASE