Watches
🌱 This post is in the growth phase. It may still be useful as it grows up.
A collection of watches I’m interested in, along with resources for straps and repair.
The Wishlist
Seiko
Seiko SPB317 (Willard referenced)
The Captain Willard reissue. A proper tool watch with that iconic cushion case.
Seiko SPB313 (white, which looks magnificent)
The white dial version is stunning. Clean, classic, and versatile.
Seiko SJE093
An elegant dress watch from Seiko’s Presage line.
The King Seiko line revived. Dress proportions with excellent finishing.
Dive Watches
The fixed strap bars give it that true military aesthetic. Plus you can build your own configuration.
Model: WW194006SS-0112. Proper military spec dive watch. Used by actual military divers.
Dress & Luxury
The original pilot’s watch. That square case with exposed screws is iconic.
Vacheron Constantin 222 - Historiques
The 222 is a masterclass in integrated bracelet sports watches.
NOMOS Glashütte Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer
German-made worldtimer with NOMOS’s in-house neomatik movement. Clean, modern, and travel-ready.
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary Edition
A beautiful pilot’s watch with that unique pointer date complication.
G-Shock
My favorite G-Shock. Negative MIP display, solar, Multi-Band 6, Bluetooth.
Timex
Q Timex Continental Chronograph
The blue dial is beautiful. Sporty, dressy, and very easy to want.
Microbrands & Independents
anOrdain (pretty much anything)
Scottish watchmaker known for their incredible enamel dials. Everything they make is gorgeous.
Italian minimalist tool watches. Clean designs, no-nonsense approach.
Praesidus A-11 Type 44 (white)
A-11 field watch recreation. Clean white dial, classic military proportions.
Sport-inspired with a blacked-out aesthetic. American brand, solid value.
Strap Resources
General Guides
- Watch Bandit - Seiko Turtle Strap Guide
- Strap Habit - SPB453 vs SPB143 with strap suggestions
- 10 Straps on a Khaki Field - great inspiration video
Recommended Vendors
Quality leather straps. Their Horween Chromexcel in Merlot is beautiful.
British military spec canvas straps. The real deal.
Alternative: Zuludiver version with rivets
Another great military-style option.
Strapsco - Tactical Nylon One Piece
Affordable nylon straps with round hardware.
Etsy
Handmade Horween leather NATO - Traditional NATO in natural Horween leather, handmade in USA.
Handcrafted leather watch straps.
Custom handmade pilot straps with lots of leather and hardware options.
Zuludiver Mystery Strap Expedition Pack
A fun way to sample a few straps without overthinking it.
Strong catalog for trying different strap styles and brands.
Premium straps and accessories with a ton of sizing and material options.
StrapX Pro - Rubber strap for SPB143
Curved end rubber strap specifically for Seiko 62MAS/SPB/SBDC series.
Local Repair Shops
Westime - San Diego
Authorized dealer and service center.
Oceanside Jewelers - Oceanside
Watch repair and appraisal services.
Time Zone Costa Mesa - Costa Mesa
This is the one Jeremy used to repair his dad’s watch. Trusted recommendation.
Budget Field Watches (AliExpress)
Budget field watch that looks great.
Another solid budget field option.
The RA01 variant.
Listed as titanium but might actually be brass. Worth investigating.
Seiko Mods
Interested in customizing your Seiko? Check out this YouTube guide to modding Seiko watches.
Further Reading
Microbrand Watches Complete Guide - Teddy Baldassarre
Comprehensive guide to the best microbrands in the watch world.