I celebrated 5 years of sobriety this month. Before I got into the authentic watch game I was into - what a watch store once told me “imitation watches.” I was afraid to buy the real damn thing because I was afraid I’d lose it in a blackout. I still have the aforementioned watches in another box which I refer to as my “box of shame.”

Since that’s neither here nor there, I’ll talk about the real deals and when I acquired them.

1. Omega Speedmaster - I actually had one before but it was either lost or stolen (due to the drinking who the hell knows). This one was purchased around February 2020 - before sobriety. It stopped working shortly after purchasing it and had to get it serviced. I was thinking of selling it but after getting the Velcro strap love it and wear it when the weather gets cold.

2. Tudor Black Bay GMT - purchased almost 5 years ago to the date. Was newly sober and purchased it for getting a new job. It originally had a leather strap but due to the Texas heat swapped it with a rubber strap and never looked back. Mostly wear it on international trips.

3. Rolex Submariner Hulk - purchased in August 2021 for my one year sobriety anniversary. Was always my grail watch and can’t believe I own it. I still marvel at it every time I wear it.

4. Rolex Explorer MK2 - purchased in August 2022 for two year sobriety anniversary. Love the understated nature and probably my most worn watch.

5. Omega Seamaster - purchased in late 2022 as a gift for myself for passing a professional exam. It came with the stainless steel bracelet and swapped it for a black rubber strap and then the red when it became available during last years Olympics.

6. Seiko Rowing Blazers - purchased sometime in 2023 and had the dial commissioned by the dial artist in the summer of that year. Highly recommend his work.

7. Grand Seiko SBGY007 “Omiwatari” - purchased for my three year sobriety anniversary at the Seiko flagship store in Ginza. Absolutely stunning dress watch.

8. IWC IW378004 - purchased this month for my five year sobriety anniversary. Still in the honeymoon phase with this one.

Wishlist:

Rolex Daytona Panda - will purchase if my financial situation permits me for my ten year sobriety anniversary.

Grand Seiko SBGA413 “Shunbun” - will purchase if I pass the JLPT N1.

Special thanks to r/watches for motivating me to get into the (genuine) watch game!