Turning 30, Reflecting on my Watch Journey

I recently ran across watch Reddit past few months and love hearing others' insights, seeing others' collections, and learning more about timepieces. As I’m about to hit 30 in a few months, I wanted to share my SOTC especially since I've only been seriously into watches for the past 2-3 years. It all started as a casual interest when my parents gifted me a watch and it quickly turned into a full-blown passion (or obsession, depending on who you ask).

Looking at what I've gathered so far, I’m starting to realize that my most recent purchase, an A. Lange, might be a sign that it's time to slow down and enjoy what I’ve got before making another big leap (psychologically – I feel a bit of guilt for purchasing such an expensive piece; even though it's a comfortable purchase objectively).

Here’s a quick tour of what’s in the box:

Breitling Premier B01 "Panda": My first luxury watch purchase 2 years ago. My father had a Navitimer and few others so I naturally first went towards Breitling. I wore the Panda a lot the first year, but its write time has decreased as my taste has evolved and as I've gotten more pieces. I love that it’s sporty and versatile. Actually looking to move this piece - you can find it here.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch: No collection feels complete without a Speedy, right? My cousin had recently gotten a Moonswatch and I first learned about Speedy's 2 years ago. The minute I learned about the history, I was hooked. Bought it during a layover internationally. This is a favorite and a regular on my wrist every week.

1. A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down: My most recent and significant addition. I fell in love with the craftsmanship and elegance of Lange. I dove deep into learning about their movemens, finishing, etc. So much to the point that I ordered a Loupe and can't wait to look more closely at the movement in a couple days. This piece is nothing short of stunning. It’s made me realize I might need to pace myself—both in terms of finances and in appreciating the watches I already have!
2. Cartier Santos Dumont: I had been eying a Tank for a while before I was in Monaco for vacation. I then walked into a showroom and fell in love with the Dumont. This duo-tone Santos Dumont is on a dark-blue leather band by Cartier. Out of all of my watches, this piece gets the most compliments interestingly enough. I also love dressing this up and dressing it down. Another regular!

Raymond Weil: The watch that started it all! My parents gifted this when I came out of college. Simple and still elegant. Reminder of where I began – both in my watch journey, but also in the start of my entrepreneurship journey.

Casio F-91W: The ultimate beater. I picked this up for nostalgia's sake, and it’s fun to throw on and I actually love the aesthetic of it. I used to rock an Apple Watch a ton, but made the switch to Whoop to accomodate more interesting watches. I wear this at the gym a ton to time sets and also for casual everyday wear if I know I'll be out and about.

Moonswatch "White Side of the Moon": This one’s probably the most polarizing in the collection. It’s bold, it’s bright, and a bit much for me in hindsight. I mainly got this because of the Snoopy in it. Want to get a true Omega Snoopy Speedy, but seems impossible to get unless on the grey market. I'd love suggestions on straps for this because otherwise, it is a bit too chunky with the Nato velcro strap.

Looking back, it's been a crazy journey. If you told me that I'd spend as much $$$ as I have had on watches, I'd tell you I was crazy. That being said, I couldn’t be happier with how my collection has shaped up. I'd love to hear suggestions on what you think I could add to my collection in future years. Currently on a waitlist with my AD for a Pepsi GMT. Besides that, I think the next couple of years might be about slowing down, wearing what I have, and really appreciating each piece. Also taking a break financially to positively adjust my watch collection as a smaller and smaller % of my networth lol. Maybe even passing on a few to make room for something new down the line.

Thanks for letting me share, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice as I approach this next decade of life—and watch collecting!

https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/s/xjB68l4j5B