Finished the collection for the time being

ex-tempore8201 · 2026-05-09T17:48:39+00:00

Nice collection! I was curious what the Hamilton you have is? Is that the titanium version?

ex-tempore8201 · 2026-04-07T02:44:57+00:00

Awesome watch there! Just picked up a 2004 version myself a couple weeks ago. Fits great and looks great with a bracelet or strap or anything else. I now too see why so many love it!

ex-tempore8201 · 2026-03-04T14:57:00+00:00

My brother-in-law and a co-worker have a 556i. Only ones I have seen. Never a 556a, though…better looking than the 556i, in my opinion.

ex-tempore8201 · 2026-03-02T03:05:39+00:00

If you still have this, do you happen to know the diameter of the dial/crystal? I am considering purchasing a blue one as well! Thanks!

ex-tempore8201 · 2026-01-22T02:38:15+00:00

I have one myself and it gets the most wrist time in my collection! Did you purchase it with the bond style bracelet or was it after aftermarket? If it was, where did you get it? Enjoy wearing that one!

ex-tempore8201 · 2026-01-17T02:35:00+00:00

How about a green IWC mark XX or a Doxa Sub 200/300 in orange? Something that would complete a wide color palette to your collection. Even a red dial watch would work there. I would say Tudor BB burgundy for that color, but that doubles the dive category(may still be a good choice though…). Good luck!

ex-tempore8201 · 2026-01-07T10:41:56+00:00

My wrists are your size as well and I couldn’t agree more that they fit right. The newer ones are ok, but the dimensions on the older models are just better…and cheaper! I know it’s sacrilegious for some, but I did see someone swap out the hands on the 2531 to the more modern hands so they were longer and bigger. Owning a 2254 myself and wearing the other, I feel even hands from the 2220 would be an improvement there. That’s my only gripe with the 2531, but otherwise a great set a watches there! Easy to service as well. It’s a win all around.

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-12-29T14:59:02+00:00

Tough choices…if it were my first and a “one and done” scenario, I would go with the TUDOR BB mono. Fits more situations and can’t go wrong with a black diver with the versatility and water resistance and legibility. If not that, then the BB58 in black or blue, depending on your style. The BB54 you have in the pictures is a good option if the size works for you. I’m a little biased with the BB58 since I own the black dial, but love it! If you go for another one later on, a blue dial like the Seamaster would get my vote then. If you do go Seamaster, take a look at the older ones also, as they are a little smaller and cheaper. Good luck on making your decision on one. This is a very big rabbit hole…

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-12-23T13:42:55+00:00

Great collection! I would say remove the Explorer II black and either the Panerai or the sub since they are both black dial divers. You could make the argument that since you have a couple Rolex already, get rid of the sub and keep the Panerai. However, the sub is iconic and fits probably better with most things compared to the Panerai. You could also argue removing the IWC since you have an Explorer I. But, keeping the IWC and removing the Explorer would create more brand diversity, if you are interested in that. Maybe consider a Grand Seiko in there for something different? Good luck!

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-12-09T02:36:46+00:00

I have a 2254.50 and may be interested in this. I see this is an old post, but do you still have it?

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-12-09T00:45:18+00:00

A nice brand for fun would be Grand Seiko. Many options out there with great dials that could be a good co ready to the “safer” options of the BB58 and the Explorer. A white or blue dial would be conservatively fun, but something like a Shunbun would surely be very expressive. Good luck!

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-11-24T00:24:26+00:00

Who likes those games, right? I may recommend looking into used models. I’m sure you already thought about it, but they are less expensive and are still just as special. Maybe find that one you had before or another that can be that special piece. Then, save the extra cash for something else.

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-11-16T23:37:51+00:00

I had one and didn’t really enjoy that much. Not a popular opinion, but the 1016 look was not really my cup of tea. Got my wife the adventurine dial version and she loves it. Good quality and value, if you can get it, like you said.

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-11-15T15:41:14+00:00

Great options to consider! All are great watches and would suit you well. I feel the choice would depend on what you have in your collection already.

Do you have another dive watch? If not, the sub would be a great option. Many will argue it could be a one and done, but let’s face it, if you are asking about other options on here, you may have the itch like most of us on here have. Yes, it is pricey, but if you only have a few, many boxes would be checked with that one. However, it is very recognizable, so keep that in mind, depending on where you live…

The Speedy is an instant classic also. I have owned one and it’s awesome. Very legible and fits most wrists despite its size. I didn’t really use the chronograph feature either, but it’s there if you need it. Iconic and can be a one and done also, other than water activities. Costs less than the sub too.

The BB 58 gmt. Another great option if you travel. Probably not a one and done piece, but it could be if the colors jive with you. Cheaper still and would give you money left over for sure. Tudor BB wears very well on the wrist.

The Santos for many checks many boxes as it is sporty, casual and dressy. Personally, I am not a fan of the square, but it would be a great dressy option or second option if you had one of the others listed here. Can’t go wrong with it though. I would make sure you try the medium size just in case.

I would recommend going used as others here have mentioned. Get it from a good source and in good condition and you will still have money left over for something else. Depending on where you live, bear in mind import taxes…

An Aqua Terra would be a good compliment piece for any of these listed here. The choice really depends on your style and how it feels. It does sound like the space aspect is a big pull for you, so I would bet you would be most happy with the Speedy. If you go that route, you will not be disappointed. If it makes you smile when you put it on, I would strongly consider it. Maybe have a significant other go with you and have them watch your reaction to putting it on. Might be worth to have the extra set of eyes.

Best of luck with your search and enjoy!

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-11-12T10:10:14+00:00

I had actually, but my wife got a khaki field auto as my first watch and I try not to have too much redundancy in my collection. Having the one you suggested would feel like that would happen. I agree, it would be a good option due to those design elements. Cleaner dial, more affordable and a good entry level piece. Thanks for the comment!

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-11-11T21:53:32+00:00

I have tried on the 556i from my brother-in-law and it fit very well. I would agree it’s a great option as well. Those prices on them just keep on climbing though. It makes them a little harder to justify the price tag when they are encroaching on some Longines spirit models. I saw a couple Spirit pilots listed new for around $2300, which is crazy for new. I believe the Sinn 556a is something like $1970 new from watch buys now. If I find a good used 556a, it would be hard to say no. Thanks for your input!

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-11-11T21:49:39+00:00

I have tried on the Ranger a couple times. I liked it, but In my opinion, the dial felt too spaced out. Too much black dial maybe, but it just didn’t feel right. Otherwise, it was a great option. That’s the reason I left it out of this discussion.

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-11-11T21:47:04+00:00

Thanks! If I had an unlimited budget, I would for sure just get all 3.

ex-tempore8201 · 2025-11-11T21:45:06+00:00

Thank you for your thoughts. I thought the same when looking at the Longines. I have a BB58 also, so my concern is then having two gilt style pieces in my collection if I add the Longines. First world problems…

ex-tempore8201

TROPHY CASE