Summer Hobbies & The Best* G-SHOCK

Hello again! I hope you’re having a lovely week. In today’s email:

• Summer hobbies

• Get better

• The best* G-SHOCK?

• Your body

Let’s dive in 👇🏼

I’ve been leaning into hobbies lately.

Most days, I’ll either practice drums or go to Muay Thai class (sometimes both).

These are great hobbies because:

1. They’re physical (or tactile, as opposed to screen based)

2. They go DEEP, and I have a LOT to learn

3. I can’t really monetize them

To that last point, in our side hustle obsessed culture, whenever you get good at something, people inevitably ask if you’re going to turn it into a business.

Don’t!

It’s important to have some non-monetized interests (i.e., hobbies).

Summer is the perfect time to pick up something new, or to finally get started on that project you’ve been thinking about.

Need some ideas? Here you go:

• Restore an old piece of furniture

• Learn how to hem your own pants

• Take a few guitar lessons

• Try taking apart a watch and putting it back together

• Fix an old phone/stereo/camera that’s collecting dust

• Try Brazilian jiu-jitsu or Muay Thai

• Learn how to swim laps

• Plant a garden in your yard (or on your balcony)

• Get good at cooking 1-2 go to meals

• Join a DnD or Magic the Gathering group

• Try restoring a vintage tool

• Go play disc golf or pickleball

Keep in mind, all of these have a learning curve (some steeper than others).

So pick something that’s interesting enough to stick with for a few weeks.

If you can push through that initial hump, you’ll be rewarded, and you might even find a new lifelong passion.

What are you going to do this summer? Hit ‘reply’ and let me know!

*For smaller wrists

A while back, I posted a short video trying on all of the smallest G-SHOCK watches I could find.

I concluded that the S5600 was the best choice for most slim-wristed people, but the BGD565 was actually the smallest model (if you can live with the “BABY-G” branding).

But then, a kind stranger left this comment:

Not only does the BGD-5650 (the newer version of the 565) have more subtle branding; it also has solar and radio control too 🤯

How did I miss this?

They’re not easy to find. It seems like a Japanese domestic model, because I could only find it on eBay from Japanese sellers.

On Amazon U.S., I’ve only seen this blue version available.

It’s also more expensive than the older BDG565 (I found a new one for $128 shipped).

But it’s a great little watch. The solar power and radio-controlled time make it an actual upgrade from something like the F91W.

Basically, you never have to worry about setting the time, adjusting for Daylight’s Savings, or replacing the battery (well, at least not for 10-15 years).

It’s lightweight and compact but has more of a tanky presence than a retro Casio.

And the strap is the right length for slimmer wrists.

Yes, it still says “BABY-G” on the case, but the embossed tonal word mark is more subtle than the standard high contrast white lettering.

It doesn’t bother me at all.

Great little watch if you’re looking for a smaller sized G-SHOCK that doesn’t compromise on features!

Your body is like a bank account where everyone can see the balance.

—Shaan Puri

Here are my most recent videos:

• Recent Pickups

• Boring Purchases

• Buy Once, Cry Once

• I Hate Brands That Do This

• How to spot a cheap wallet

Got any video ideas for me? Hit ‘reply’ and share them!

Until next time,

Brock

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