The annual assessment of the Clicky Bezel watch collection offers a definitive snapshot of a curation process that has evolved from casual enthusiasm into a disciplined, multifaceted assembly of horological interest. With the collection now standing at 47 timepieces, the start of the new year serves as a juncture to categorize the current state of these assets—distinguishing between those that have been culled, those that remain as staples, and the significant acquisitions that defined the previous calendar year. This inventory reflects not only personal preference but also the broader trends within the watch community, ranging from the accessibility of entry-level Japanese dive watches to the prestige of the secondary market’s most coveted references.
The Evolution of the Dive Watch Squad
The collection’s foundation lies in the dive watch category, a segment that has historically served as the gateway for many collectors. The cornerstone of this segment remains the Citizen Eco-Drive diver, a piece that marked the initiation into the category. Its utility is bolstered by an orange strap, a deliberate stylistic choice that highlights the watch’s summer-centric aesthetic and its functional orange dial accents.
The collection further incorporates the Seiko "Blue Lagoon" Turtle, representing the user’s first foray into the Seiko brand. The selection of the Turtle case over the iconic SKX series underscores a preference for the robust, cushion-style geometry that characterized the 1970s Seiko diver aesthetic. While the SKX007 and SKX009 were previously owned and subsequently sold, their departure remains a point of minor regret. The Turtle is currently paired with an Uncle Seiko Z199 bracelet, which, despite the inherent top-heaviness of the case, provides a classic, period-correct silhouette.
A significant inclusion is the Seiko SBDC053, a timepiece that gained industry prominence as a modern interpretation of the 62MAS diver. As a gift from family, this watch carries a sentimental weight that ensures its permanent residence within the collection. It is currently paired with a hybrid sailcloth strap from Artem, demonstrating a shift toward high-quality, aftermarket strap configurations that enhance both comfort and visual appeal.
The collection also accounts for the "Solar Tuna" (Save the Ocean series), which highlights the evolution of Seiko’s functional design. Its pairing with a 22mm Fossil NATO strap reflects a pragmatic approach to daily wear. This is complemented by a first-generation Seiko Monster, a watch that serves as a "beater." Its well-worn condition, rather than detracting from its value, adds to its brutalist character. The use of an Artem sailcloth strap with a spring-loaded, Richard Mille-style clasp highlights a technical approach to ensuring that even entry-level tool watches are optimized for comfort and secure wear.
The Vostok Amphibia and the Value of Niche Collecting
The collection includes a specific subset dedicated to the Vostok Amphibia, a line renowned for its idiosyncratic Russian engineering and unconventional case designs. Among the three pieces held, the 090 case stands out for its tonneau shape and Panerai-inspired dial layout. The manual modification of the bezel—achieved by using the abrasive side of a sponge to transition from a high-polish finish to a bead-blasted texture—reflects the hands-on nature of the modern watch hobbyist.
While the 120 case Vostok represents a classic iteration, it currently suffers from a mechanical failure, specifically an immobile second hand. This status serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and maintenance requirements associated with vintage or lower-cost mechanical timepieces. The final Vostok, a green-dial 110 case, serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of aesthetic appeal, as it consistently garners more external attention than more expensive counterparts.
Time-Only Champions and the Role of Heritage
The "Time-Only" category shifts the focus toward precision and historical narrative. The collection’s first serious acquisition was a German-made Flieger watch, purchased in Hamburg during a period of academic study. At the time, the manufacturer lacked a robust global web presence, requiring direct coordination with Authorized Dealers (ADs) within Germany. This watch serves as a physical memento of a specific developmental period in the owner’s life.
The collection also features the Casio Beside BEM-SL 100 trio. Though the line is now discontinued, these quartz pieces remain a staple of the collection. Their energy consumption patterns, which have necessitated multiple battery replacements, are a point of discussion regarding the efficiency of discontinued quartz modules.
The transition toward high-end horology is marked by the Rolex Oyster Perpetual (OP) reference 166000. Chosen for its silver dial and its distinct identity compared to the 36mm Explorer reference 14270, this watch was worn during the owner’s wedding, cementing its status as an heirloom-quality asset. Its presence is complemented by the modern 36mm Rolex OP reference 126000 in a turquoise "Tiffany" dial. This piece, largely worn by the owner’s spouse, exemplifies the shift in Rolex’s modern design language toward more vibrant color palettes.
The Kurono Tokyo "Seiji" rounds out this category. Released during the height of the market’s fixation on Tiffany blue, the watch is noted for the dial design work of Hajime Asaoka. Despite the controversies surrounding the brand’s release models, the Seiji remains a prized example of independent watchmaking design.
Chronographs and GMTs: Complications and Utility
The chronograph section is lean, anchored by the Seiko 7A26. As the world’s first analog quartz chronograph, it serves as a piece of industrial history. Its acquisition for under $100 demonstrates the potential for finding historical value in the secondary market. Conversely, the WMT 6239 homage serves as a placeholder for the vintage Rolex Daytona market. While the owner has expressed mixed feelings regarding the purchase, citing "Fear Of Missing Out" (FOMO) as a primary driver, the watch remains a functional alternative for everyday use.
In the GMT category, the collection features an About Vintage 1954 GMT, which holds historical significance as the first brand to sponsor the Clicky Bezel channel. The engraving of the channel’s founding year, 2022, on the case back marks a personal milestone. This is contrasted by the Seiko 5 GMT, a watch that democratized the GMT complication through the use of the NH34 movement. Finally, the Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" reference 126710 BLRO represents the pinnacle of the collection. Acquired at retail price within one month of interest, this watch illustrates the rare success stories in the current primary market environment. Its regular use, including during international travel to Japan, signals a transition from viewing the watch as a speculative asset to viewing it as a functional companion.
The Quirky and the Digital: A Diverse Portfolio
The "Quirky" category includes the CIGA Design Blue Planet and Series Z. These pieces, gifted for review, showcase the intersection of modern Chinese design and unconventional watchmaking. The Blue Planet, with its titanium construction, provides a unique aesthetic that departs from the standard tool-watch form factor.
The digital collection remains deeply rooted in Casio’s history. The classic calculator watch, once a novelty for a costume, has evolved into a symbol of the owner’s entry into the hobby. The inclusion of the DW5600 and the "Casio Royale" (AE1200) highlights the enduring utility of the brand’s budget-friendly, high-durability offerings. The presence of the "Arnie" (the analog-digital hybrid model popularized by Arnold Schwarzenegger) and a vintage Timex further emphasizes a collection built on nostalgia and broad stylistic diversity.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Acquisition and Future Goals
As the collection approaches the 50-watch mark, the focus is shifting toward deliberate, strategic acquisitions. Discussions with industry figures like Eric Wind have influenced a pivot toward vintage Rolex and Omega references. Specifically, the Rolex GMT-Master 1675 and the Rolex Date reference 1500 are currently at the top of the wishlist.
The potential inclusion of an Omega Speedmaster Mark II from the 1970s represents a growing appreciation for "funky" vintage design. While the modern versions are considered too refined, the vintage Mark II offers the same brutalist, monster-like appeal that has drawn the owner to other parts of the collection.
The current state of the collection is one of transition. It is moving away from the rapid acquisition of entry-level pieces—which defined the early days of the channel—toward a more refined, heritage-focused curation. Whether the owner chooses to liquidate parts of the current collection to fund these larger, more historical acquisitions remains an open question, one that will likely define the collection’s trajectory for the remainder of the year. The primary objective moving forward is to ensure that every watch, whether a $10 Casio or a Rolex GMT, continues to serve a purpose—either as a functional tool, a historical marker, or a cherished personal memory.
