u/St3llar_Space

Here’s a read about my journey collecting watches.

I bought my first watch in 2022 after making my first $1,000 in the stock market. Without knowing anything about watches, I walked into a mall and found a Bulova Maquina 98A224.

I bought it because of the semi-skeleton dial. I thought it would be fun to be able to see part of the movement while wearing it.

I wore that watch for the next four years, and to this day it still keeps around +8 to +9 seconds per day.

During that time, I learned about the difference between quartz and mechanical watches. Like many enthusiasts, I became convinced that mechanical watches were the only way to go. My reasoning was simple: if I wanted perfect accuracy, I already had a phone in my pocket.

Eventually, I took a job that required a suit and tie every day. That’s when I realized I wanted a dress watch.

As much as I loved my Bulova, I felt it wasn’t refined enough for my work attire. The large case and open-worked dial felt a little too loud for a conservative office environment.

Since I wanted to stay with mechanical watches, I settled on an Orient Bambino Version II. It was exactly the look I was after.

I quickly became obsessed with the Bambino, but I couldn’t justify wearing it with my everyday clothes, which were usually sweats, jeans, or work pants.

That led me to realize I needed one final watch.

I wanted something I could wear anytime: hiking, running errands, casual weekends, or just daily life when I wasn’t wearing the Bambino for work or the Bulova for a date night.

That’s when I discovered field watches.

At first, I was convinced I would buy either a Hamilton Khaki Field or a Bulova Hack. I liked the idea of having a fully mechanical collection with a watch for every occasion.

While researching those watches, I learned more about Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology. Even though it wasn’t mechanical, I found the concept fascinating.

After going back and forth for quite a while, I came to a realization: the Eco-Drive offered incredible practicality, lower ownership costs, and excellent durability. Combined with the versatility of a field watch, it simply made sense for my lifestyle.

So I bought a Citizen Garrison Eco-Drive.

Looking back, I think the most important lesson I learned is that collecting watches isn’t about chasing what other enthusiasts say you should buy. It’s about figuring out what works for your life.

Today, my (finished) collection consists of three watches:

• Bulova Maquina 98A224
• Orient Bambino Version II
• Citizen Garrison Eco-Drive

I’m genuinely proud of this collection, and I believe I’ll wear all three for the rest of my life.

I wrote this in hopes of encouraging new enthusiasts to do their own research, learn what they truly enjoy, and choose watches that fit their own tastes and lifestyle rather than someone else’s.

The second part of my collection features autos and cards that have panthers and non-panther players as I’d never buy a real non-panther player card.

🐐- Brady

This is the first half of my collection.

I’m only missing a 2018 Cam Silver Prizm

I didn’t know we had a sub, figured I’d finally join the gang.

This is my Bulova Maquina 98A224, purchased back in 2021.

I bought it for myself after making my first $1k in the stock market, so it’s got some sentimental value to me.

I chose it because I loved the semi-skeleton dial and the chunky case/bezel design.

I’ve always been drawn to watches with a little more presence on the wrist.

Loving everyone’s pieces here so far!