Thommo’s Collection

[Thommo82 1,397]

Thought it was about time for a SOTC thread. I joined RWG back in 2016 after stumbling upon the site whilst looking to purchase a replica Submariner (how cliche).

I need to thank RWG, it’s members and TD’s for the absolute wealth of information I have greedily absorbed. I have learnt so much about watches, their movements and the history of horology and will be forever grateful. So thank you! 
I have made great relationships with the members here and consider many of you to be true friends. 
I have bought and sold somewhere in the vicinity of 100 watches but am very particular about new purchases these days, even keeping a list of wanted watches and checking them off one by one. 
Though I no longer collect replica watches and am now a full gen snob wanker dickhead, I still, and will continue to pay my VIP membership fees, as I understand it’s importance and it’s the least I can do to help this place continue to be the haven it is.

Right, onto the watches, as that’s all you are really here for.....

 

Oris Big Crown Pro-Pilot;

A real modern classic. Oris just do all the little things right, and this watch showcases that perfectly. Fantastic everyday watch with extreme legibility.

Tissot Swissmatic V8;

Utilising the System 51 Swatch movement which is completely machine made out of 51 parts and all held together with a single central screw. Beautifully textured dial and overall greatly  finished.

 

Victorinox INOX;

For a beast of a watch the INOX wears surprisingly well. The quartz version of this is literally unbreakable, even handling being run over by a Tank.

 

Certina DS-2 Precidrive Chronograph;

The chronograph function on this Certina has a 100th of a second timing feature. When engaged, the central green chronograph hand ticks once per second and the white chronograph hand beneath it races around the dial once every second. Fantastic to watch. 

 

Certina DS PH200M;

Beautiful vintage inspired Diver recently purchased from my good mate @brang1. Simply stunning with an 80 hour power reserve.

 

 

Longines Conquest;

Casual, dressy, sporty and a tool watch all in one. 
Longines long and fascinating history means that they deserve a spot in your collection. 

 

Hamilton Khaki Aviator;

Another versatile watch. Hamilton punch above their weight with great quality and finishing. Superb attention to detail and Swiss movements make Hamilton great affordable watches. Many of their models can be had for rep prices.

 

Formex Essence;

Relatively unknown brand that produces watches of a much higher quality than their price suggests. A chronometer grade SW200 living inside a suspension case powers this stunner. Best finishing of any watch I own. Best bracelet (by far) of any watch I own. 
If I had to get rid of every watch bar one, this is the one I would keep. It’s that good. 
I’ve included a YouTube review so you can learn about this piece in further detail. 

 

Bulova Snorkel (Vintage 1979);

First and only time I’ve restored a watch. Changed the movement, dial and handset myself and damn it felt good to see it finished. 

Rotary Les Originales Avenger Chronograph;

Another piece purchased from my mate Brent. Great daily beater, and one of my few quartz pick up and go pieces. 

Seiko  Alpinist SARB017;

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about the Alpinist? A watch with cult like following. Purchased from @BravoDelta complete with Strapcode bracelet. Amazing watch, but at 38.5mm it’s a touch too small for me, so will likely be up on M2M soon.

 

Seiko Samurai PADI SRPB99;

What kind of collection would it be without a Seiko dive watch? I went for the PADI version and then swapped out the Pepsi bezel for a pilots bezel from Namoki mods, completely transforming its looks.

 

Seiko 5 ‘Fifty Five Fathoms’ SNZH57;

Everyone knows this watch. I won this in an RWG VIP subscription upgrade competition, so it has a special place in the watch box. Will do the Fifty five fathoms dial mod one day I think.

Seiko Sports Quartz (vintage);

This collectable piece started its life with a Pepsi bezel that is nearly faded beyond recognition. Picked up cheap and in need of a new battery.

Citizen NJ0100-38X;

Fantastic beater and one of the few modern day automatics from Citizen. The green dial and dark brown strap compliment each other perfectly.

 

Citizen Eco Drive AW5005-12X;

I purchased this watch as I loved the colour combination. A field watch with an Eco-Drive movement makes perfect sense to me. 

 

Makara Sea Serpent;

My only bronze watch. Very tough and rugged looking and just feels bulletproof on wrist. The rubber strap is of fantastic quality and really needs to be felt to understand. 

 

Draken Tugela 2.0;

Microbrand from New Zealand who makes very high quality pieces. Satin bead blasted finish looks fantastic. Brightest lume of all my watches, with even the date wheel and signed crown being lumed as well.

 

 

 

 

Haigh & Hastings Blue Ring M2;

Not too many Aussie watch brands out there, but I needed at least one in my collection. 300m diver with a Seiko movement. Nice piece however I wish I hadn’t ordered the ($100) bracelet. Owned this watch for nearly 2 years before ordering it and when it arrived I was thoroughly disappointed. Bad end link alignment, shit clasp, sharp as fuck. I’ve had much better from Ali for $20 delivered.

 

 

Casio Royale;

Though it doesn’t get any wrist time it’s pretty much a must have in any collection. Fun little watch which never misses a beat.

Titus (Vintage 80’s???);

The inner rotating compass feature adds some charm to this vintage piece. Bought dirt cheap from eBay.

 

Vostok Komandirskie (Vintage);

Beautifully aged handwind piece on the softest leather NATO imaginable. 

Marina Militare (Parnis);

PAM 111 homage, obviously. Love them or hate them, Panerai and it’s many homages are significant in both history and design. Might even get myself a gen one day.

Fossil Decker Panda;

Yet another watch purchased from Brent and in my opinion the nicest looking watch Fossil have ever made. Perfectly balanced panda dial and the watch that has probably received the most compliments.

 

So that’s it for the current SOTC. I’ll come back and add to this post as the Collection grows. 
As I mentioned earlier, I keep a list of wanted watches. Those on my radar are:

Grand Seiko Snowflake or Spring Special Edition.          Longines Hydroconquest grey.                                                 Longines Big Eye Avigation.                                                    Breitling Premier B01.                
Breitling Aerospace EVO.                                               Hamilton Pioneer Chronograph.                                        Hamilton Intramatic.                                                     Alpina Startimer.                                                                             Bell & Ross 123 Heritage Sport.                                            Dreyfuss &Co. 1924.                                                                   Yema Superman French Special Air Forces.                   Seiko SRPA77K1.                                                                         Edox Delfin (Blue PVD).                                                             Edox les Vauberts Moonphase.                                                                          Mondaine Stop2Go Backlit.                                                      Casio G-Shock GWG-1000-1A.                                            Bulova Spaceview (Vintage).                                                   Omega Seamater (Vintage).                     

Think I’ll end this post with a few choice pics of some of the watches I’ve moved on. Thanks for looking guys. I’d like to hear your opinions on my choices and also ideas for future watches you think may fit in nicely. 
 

Orient Mako XL;

Orient Marshall;

Seiko SKX009;     (Regret moving this on)

Seiko 5 SRPB25K1;

The following are all Replica watches.

Tudor Black Bay;

Rolex Submariner;

Rolex Daytona;

Rolex Airking;

Rolex Milgauss;

Bell & Ross 123 Heritage Sport;

Bell & Ross BR03;

Omega Speedmaster Proffesional;

Omega SMP 300;

Breitling SuperOcean;

Breitling SuperOcean;

 

 

(The Famous Gate) Vacheron Constantin;

Patek Philippe Calatrava;

Patek Philippe Nautilus (U1);

Tag Huer Carrera Chronograph;

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (Fantasy?);

 

For your Information, this post took me forever to put together, so I hope you have enjoyed it. 
 

Reuben
 

 

 

 

[Thommo82 1,397]

Damn

The watches in my radar list looks all messed up. Went to edit it but it looks fine when doing so.

Oh well, hope you can make sense of it

[RussP 22,133]

Thanks for posting your collection, Reuben.

Some lovely pieces that look mighty familiar (Brent is responsible?)

I for one, look forward to the evolution of your collection, with time.

Best wishes

Russ.

[Intresting 21,674]

Busy bee Sunday eh R?       Thanks for sharing.  Now I can get a detailed list of mine for your will.   I think besides the Oris, there are one or 2 that I might ask for.
Great collection, and going to rejoice with you as you work through your wish list. 

[FunnyStarSystem 7,537]

Good stuff, very enjoyable tour. Like you I seem to have fewer and fewer reps, yet am still drawn to the community here (plus I only recently became interested in Rolex so we'll see where that goes). You influenced me into Formexland, when it emerges from customs I'll give a shout in the wristies.

You have good taste, I'm sure I'll have more additional comments but thought I'd give an initial

[brang1 3,993]

Fantastic thread old boy! What a fine collection you have got now, really got some beautiful watches there mate. You spent a lot of time compiling this so well done. Must have eaten into your jerking off over old Pink Floyd tracks that’s for sure. Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict being one of your all time faves I believe 

[Thommo82 1,397]

19 minutes ago, RussP said:

Thanks for posting your collection, Reuben.

Some lovely pieces that look mighty familiar (Brent is responsible?)

I for one, look forward to the evolution of your collection, with time.

Best wishes

Russ.

Brent is to blame, yes....

It’s a constant lifetime evolution process

14 minutes ago, Intresting said:

Busy bee Sunday eh R?       Thanks for sharing.  Now I can get a detailed list of mine for your will.   I think besides the Oris, there are one or 2 that I might ask for.
Great collection, and going to rejoice with you as you work through your wish list. 

Not just Sunday but Saturday night too!

12 minutes ago, FunnyStarSystem said:

Good stuff, very enjoyable tour. Like you I seem to have fewer and fewer reps, yet am still drawn to the community here (plus I only recently became interested in Rolex so we'll see where that goes). You influenced me into Formexland, when it emerges from customs I'll give a shout in the wristies.

You have good taste, I'm sure I'll have more additional comments but thought I'd give an initial

As I said in this post, if I had to have a one watch collection, right now, it would be the Formex.

8 minutes ago, brang1 said:

Fantastic thread old boy! What a fine collection you have got now, really got some beautiful watches there mate. You spent a lot of time compiling this so well done. Must have eaten into your jerking off over old Pink Floyd tracks that’s for sure. Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict being one of your all time faves I believe 

Haven’t had a wank all weekend mate, 

 

[brang1 3,993]

the value for money on that Formex is outstanding, what a ripper watch, the straps - everything, so much detail

[Thommo82 1,397]

2 minutes ago, brang1 said:

the value for money on that Formex is outstanding, what a ripper watch, the straps - everything, so much detail

It really is fantastic. I’ve gotta get a rubber strap for it. Seems only Formex straps fit it due to the lug hole placement.

 

[Flinnt 2,009]

Excellent collection, but I’m hanging to see your GS Snowflake. One of my fave watches and hopefully will get myself one...one day. 

[Thommo82 1,397]

8 minutes ago, Flinnt said:

Excellent collection, but I’m hanging to see your GS Snowflake. One of my fave watches and hopefully will get myself one...one day. 

My AD got one in for me to check out in person. No commitment as he said if I don’t buy it he likes having one in the shop anyway. 
 

Haven’t had time to check it out yet. Still not 100% sure as the GS Spring Special Edition is really, really nice too. If you don’t know it, check out this review; 

 

[Pesman 9,461]

the value for money on that Formex is outstanding, what a ripper watch, the straps - everything, so much detail

Great collection and always good to see less familiar brands. My first Formex is inbound after much research as it just seemed so much more than a CW for not dissimilar money. Mine is the Element sports chrono - something of a beast at 46mm! 

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

[Mystery Shopper 5,887]

Very nice collection Reuben 

As the price of reps goes up and up because of minuscule changes to get closer to gen, the argument of rep vs gen swings towards the gens IMHO.

[Thommo82 1,397]

1 minute ago, Pesman said:

Great collection and always good to see less familiar brands. My first Formex is inbound after much research as it just seemed so much more than a CW for not dissimilar money. Mine is the sports chrono - something of a beast at 46mm!

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
 

If it’s anything like the quality of the Essence, and I’m sure it is, you have a real treat in store.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and seeing your pics.

[Thommo82 1,397]

3 minutes ago, Mystery Shopper said:

Very nice collection Reuben 

As the price of reps goes up and up because of minuscule changes to get closer to gen, the argument of rep vs gen swings towards the gens IMHO.

Thank you sir

I find with a bit of patience and research, the right (priced) gens are quite affordable. 
I’m all about value for money 

[Chixisigma 461]

Oooh, a good few crackers in here fella!! Thanks for taking the time. You must be stoked

I'll take the Oris, Longines and Makara PLEASE

Cheers, Cxs

[Thommo82 1,397]

4 minutes ago, Chixisigma said:

Oooh, a good few crackers in here fella!! Thanks for taking the time. You must be stoked

I'll take the Oris, Longines and Makara PLEASE

Cheers, Cxs

All yours for a measly $3800 AUD my friend

[tonyh7 223]

Great collection. I have the Certina chrono too - I think I bought it after you posted about it. Love it  -  always think of it as what you'd get if a Speedy mated with a can of  green monster energy drink. Been trying to resist buying the ph200m. Wondered who'd nabbed the m2m one!

[Thommo82 1,397]

11 minutes ago, tonyh7 said:

Great collection. I have the Certina chrono too - I think I bought it after you posted about it. Love it  -  always think of it as what you'd get if a Speedy mated with a can of  green monster energy drink. Been trying to resist buying the ph200m. Wondered who'd nabbed the m2m one!

Quite the analogy!

I find Certina to be quite an underrated brand. Very well made watches at very reasonable prices. I dare say there will be more in my future

[BravoDelta 22,424]

Bravo@Thommo82 that is an enviable collection for sure! Thanks for the effort, its a great sotc post.

[NCRich 13,746]

Lovely collection Reuben.  Thanks for putting it together for us.  Lot of fun perusing this!

[mr.tourette 111]

No Zelos   Haha.. your timeline and path are pretty much the same as mine, i now have around 20 vfm gens, but the fascination and eventual addiction was cultivated here and its still the only watch forum i visit,  I came here looking for a quality Breitling rep and ended up diving into rep collecting but all my gens and love of micro brands also came from info acquired from this forum and its a credit to the place that you can learn and aquire a strong appreciation of both gen and rep

Great collection and long may it continue 

[Thommo82 1,397]

8 hours ago, BravoDelta said:

Bravo@Thommo82 that is an enviable collection for sure! Thanks for the effort, its a great sotc post.

Thank you and it was my pleasure

7 hours ago, NCRich said:

Lovely collection Reuben.  Thanks for putting it together for us.  Lot of fun perusing this!

Stay tuned for updates mate

6 hours ago, mr.tourette said:

No Zelos   Haha.. your timeline and path are pretty much the same as mine, i now have around 20 vfm gens, but the fascination and eventual addiction was cultivated here and its still the only watch forum i visit,  I came here looking for a quality Breitling rep and ended up diving into rep collecting but all my gens and love of micro brands also came from info acquired from this forum and its a credit to the place that you can learn and aquire a strong appreciation of both gen and rep

Great collection and long may it continue 

I found that learning a diverse array of brands came rather quickly through RWG. If I had of been in forums focused on gen watches I could afford, I would not have learnt about the replica watches I could afford. RWG has been a kickstart for me and regardless of someone’s budget I can now talk the talk with watch people no matter the situation.

I was honest when I said I will forever be grateful to RWG.

No Zelos, true.

I just haven’t had any of their watches jump out at me yet. They have a new GMT that does interest me though 

[GingerApple 7,273]

Awful collection. How fragile is your psyche when you're obviously afraid to own a decent rep? Shameful. Even choosing an homage 111 over a honest to goodness fake Pam. You're a disgrace. Grow some balls.

I love that Seiko bezel mod btw. That's my fave. Closely followed by the Formex.

 

[Thommo82 1,397]

11 minutes ago, TheGingerFerret said:

Awful collection. How fragile is your psyche when you're obviously afraid to own a decent rep? Shameful. Even choosing an homage 111 over a honest to goodness fake Pam. You're a disgrace. Grow some balls.

I love that Seiko bezel mod btw. That's my fave. Closely followed by the Formex.

 

More compliments from the Red man! 
The love you portray oozes out from your aura in glorious waves of romantically inspired poetry. 
 

Actually received the 111 in a trade.....