State Of The Collection 2023 - The Best watches that have remained with me

Thank you so much for WATCHing my video and I hope that you check out all my other content.
I release 3 videos per week, all watch related, including reviews, first impressions and general watch related topics.
I try very hard to diversify my content as well and will feature big known watch brands, microbrands as well as Aliexpress watches.
The majority of the watches I feature are in the affordable range but I do try and get some less affordable watches as well.
Most of the watches that I feature I have bought with my own money. I buy them to enjoy and wear but I also to feature them on this channel.
Being a smaller channel it is challenging to cover the cost of all the watches that I buy and partly because of this I have become an affiliate member with a number of companies including Aliexpress, Ashford.com and Jomashop.
If you are looking for watches from well known brands then it is worth checking out:
www.ashford.com
www.jomashop.com
If you are looking for great strap options then definitly check out:
vario.sg/
and
artemstraps.co...
As an affiliate member I may leave affiliate links in the descriptions of videos. These links will direct you to the watches that I’ve experienced, reviewed and would certainly recommend. If you choose to use those links I will earn a very small commission.
Thank you very much if you choose to use those links.
Below are affiliate links for my absolute favorite watches on Aliexpress. Each of them I have owned and had positive experiences with the stores that they are linked to.
San Martin SN004-G (my favorite San Martin Watch):
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Berny AM038M (The best super affordable mechanical watch):
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Or the Berny railway homage:
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Tactical Frog H5 (Simply stunning):
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Escapement Time Type-B Flieger H0292 (Incredible. So well made and a joy to wear):
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Or the Chrono Quartz alternative that is super affordable (Escapement Time):
s.click.aliexp...
Gustav Becker (This one surprised me how much I love it):
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Hruodland Turbine Pilot (The best watch on Aliexpress…… yes I said it):
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This watch goes out of stock a lot so if it’s not available at that store then check this one out:
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RMALTI Grand GMT Homage featuring the Seiko NH34:
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SEESTERN: SE2021-OO2DOXA V2 (well made and a great homage):
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My favourite engineered bracelet (I use mine all the time):
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Cronos Sub Homage with the PT5000 (so well made):
s.click.aliexp...
SEAGULL 1963 (It is so loved for very good reasons):
s.click.aliexp...
Pagani Design Pilot Watch PD-YS003 (hands down my favorite Pagani Design watch):
s.click.aliexp...
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[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing my 2023 SOTC

[@karlsenula9495]

You have more discipline than me i'm up to over 60+ watches with plenty still on my reasonable and affordable 'to get' list. Love the Stowa (I have an Aristo German Type B flieger but eventually want to upgrade) and Hamilton Jazzmaster (I have the Champagne dial Khaki King) and the Pogue is just stunning and so hard to find. The Damasko is interesting, and I've thought about them, but I tend to lean more towards Sinn. I have a homage to the Longines Hydroconquest in teal (my favorite color version) and would definitely consider getting an original. Great collection.

[@WATCHingJames]

The Damasko is an amazing watch. I recently borrowed the Sinn, video coming out today, and it was interesting to compare both watches.

[@karlsenula9495]

@@WATCHingJames I look forward to watching that one.

[@chronos-calculus]

I really enjoyed watching this! Such a wonderful and varied collection. Can't wait to see what you have coming up for 2024!

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m excited to see what happens next year too. Thanks for WATCHing

[@felo6035]

Wonderful collection James. Congratulations and may you continue to enjoy in good health. Looking forward to see how your collection evolves in 2024. Cheers 👍

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I appreciate your support and you taking the time to comment.

[@felo6035]

​@@WATCHingJames👍🙌

[@patrickhannon8126]

Some absolute beauties in the box there James. Amongst them,I love the Stowa,that vintage looking Christopher Ward and the Casio mod takes that watch to another level. I say that because most Christopher Wards don’t excite me too much & I’m not really into ‘modded’ watches,but that AE1200 is a belter!. I really don’t like the Oris ‘Tuxedo’ at all,but that vintage Oris that you got fixed up is a stunner. The great thing about looking at enthusiast’s collections is that I find,in general, that I’ll love a third of the watches,hate a third of them,& feel a bit ‘meh’ on the remaining third. You can have a three watch collection or a hundred watch collection. Three Casios-A hundred Rolexes,or vice versa. There’s a conversation to be had with each collector regarding their style and taste in watches.

[@WATCHingJames]

I really like watching SOTC videos too. So interesting to see what people’s tastes in watches are.

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

Hi great video james thanks for sharing your watch collection lots of different types I think your right about keeping the collection to around 20 watches and up grading them over the years when tastes and budgets change.thanks John.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks John.

[@jamesd5689]

Felt like almost every watch was "this is my favorite" 😂. Love to see it, I'm the same way with my watches

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahaha. Because they all are.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

This is a very cool collection. You have a few chronographs, due you use the stopwatch function often? The Tissot telemeter is especially cool as it can be used to time the distance of things like lightning bolts! I also like the assortment of pilot and dive watches. Fantastic.

[@WATCHingJames]

I only really use them when cooking. Also use the dive bezels for the same thing.

[@dunderhay9169]

A nice varied collection, congratulations 👍. It's hard to choose a favourite, but I think mine would be the Oris, but I'd love to see it on a leather strap, that would be beautiful. Keep up the good work.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is an incredible watch, so well made, lovely to wear and the best looking watch I’ve come across

[@paulelliott5600]

That Paul guy sounds like a lovely gentleman...a truly great man.....If that St Moritz was orange

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahah. Thanks Paul

[@leonm2407]

Thanks for sharing James, you have some absolute gems in there. I also have the Damasko and it gets more than it's fair share of wrist time. I am in a Seiko phase at the moment. Without having planned it, I have realised i have picked up most of the dive case shapes bar the SUMO, at that is only because I haven't decided which colourway to go yet. Happy new year.

[@WATCHingJames]

I can definitely recommend the Sumo. I think it is the best Seiko has to offer. I miss mine. But I can’t keep all of them. 😢

[@WatchWitt]

The Hamilton is SO clean looking, and that ostrich leather strap sends it over the top! Nice.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is an incredible watch. It remains my favourite

[@johnswatchjoint]

Wow James. Pretty much all heavy hitters! You are definitely a wannabe pilot...if you are not one already! For me the Oris Tuxedo and the old logo Christopeher Ward, simply on looks and how they would wear on me. Very nice. PS don't expect to hear from me any more as I am too jealous :)

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha thanks mate.

[@MrBacchus18]

Great collection, you have good taste imo. Some standouts for me were the Jazzmaster GMT, the Accutron Spaceview, and the "aussie pogue" among some others.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I am very lucky to have so many that I love in my collection

[@johanbertilsson2213]

It is always nice to see your collection, how it varies between the years. Looking forward to the new year and what you will show us in 2024.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m excited to see what happens in 2024. I have some ideas of watches I would like. But going by my history those plans normally change.

[@Stricko72]

Great collection, thankyou for sharing. Stand outs for me, the pouge with the history and the family connection, the casio, not a casio fan myself but that mod kit takes it to another level, hydroconquest that was my 1st Swiss auto and the one that really got me into it,and finally the space veiw, just awesome one of 'one day' watches. Thanks James

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Robert. I’m very lucky to have so many watches that I love. I’m excited to see what the collection will look like next year

[@BCallum]

Thanks for sharing your collection!!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you for WATCHing

[@choolander]

Glad to see another CW Dartmouth Series 1 fan 🙌

[@WATCHingJames]

It is really nice. I’m very happy that I was able to find one.

[@Dirtywesterner]

I’m a big fan of your channel and your collection has a lot more watches that I like(specifically dive watches on a bracelet ),it’s great to see them all at once! I recently hit 20 watches which is 18-19 more than I thought I would have..

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. I am surprised how many I have too. For so many years I had 3-5 watches.

[@efrenwilliams9118]

Congrats on the Hydro conquest and the San Maritz

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you

[@jazzman5598]

Fine collection James! I definitely do not have as many watches as you but the basic mid-tier types. I have a Steinhart,1963 Chinese Pilot, a Vintage Hueur (Baylor) bi-compax, Glycine Combat Sub two tone with 300 M and 36mm diameter, Scuba Dude, Revue Thommen running SW 500, etc. etc. I do have my Dad’s 14 K case and bracelet Omega Dress watch. So also several chronographs as I flew SAR (Cessnas 😜) missions with CAP during the 90’s and early two thousandzys……..Seiko Sarb 017 Alpinist, and 2 more quartz, analog chronographs……..others. I’ve been a sub from the git go so my watch journey has been enhanced by watching your fine vids Sir. Thanks James!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. Your collection sounds fantastic too.

[@stephenbeaver2035]

Wow great collection. One of a kind. I loved seeing it.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you.

[@briangray966]

Really enjoyed seeing your collection ,watches for every occasion ,nice to have a good choice.Even better when seeing them all out on the table ,part of the family really.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Brian. I am really lucky to own so many watches that I love

[@ZakDeCourcy]

That Accutron of yours has really grown on me. When I first saw you post about it, I thought it was a bit of a joke but now, seeing it in motion, the curve of the glass and the way the glass plays with light, and the placement and look of all the face components, I can see why it appeals. There's just something alluring about the whole package, isn't there?

[@WATCHingJames]

I really really like it. It has a lot that is holding my attention

[@Lucian0623]

Lovely collection Sir! Congrats!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. It still feels like there are too many. But I can’t see myself selling many of them.

[@Dicey151]

Great diverse collection.. :-) not enough Casios.. lol…

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. I actually have a Casio on order now 😁

[@karlsenula9495]

Mini Duro??? 🤔

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

The Black Bay 58 and the Pogue are my favorites.

[@WATCHingJames]

They are amazing watches

[@glenh4971]

The watches in the collection are mostly what I consider to be mid range luxury watches. I did not notice many aliexpress quality watches which seems to be your bread and butter on youtube.

[@WATCHingJames]

I just buy watches that I really like and can afford. AliExpress - Swiss and everything in between. Thanks for WATCHing

[@darrenfry4695]

James how come on your shelf behind you ,you normally have a ninja turtle , hes there one weeks and gone the next!? Wheres he go? Fighting evil down your sewers lol .cheers mate great watches loved seeing your collection

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahaha. I sometimes release videos I’ve recorded out of order. Any that have the turtle are older videos. Any that have the Conan comic are newer recorded video. Well spotted. I think you are the only one to have noticed.

[@efrenwilliams9118]

Love the Savage Sword of Conan on the shelf

[@WATCHingJames]

I had wanted the number 1 for a long time. But was hard to find one at a reasonable price.

[@efrenwilliams9118]

The original normal size Conan from 1971 illustrated by Barry Windsor Smith from issue 1 to 24 are some of my favorite collectibles.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Well this was a very enjoyable video. You have a great collection. It's not the same old watches or types of watches you see in most collection's. I love comparing what people have in their collections to what I have in mine. I have approximately forty watches and we don't have one watch that is the same. That's what makes this hobby so fun! There are so many different watches to be had out there.

[@WATCHingJames]

I completely agree. I really like doing the same and seeing everyone’s tastes in watches.

[@thestu21]

Very cool collection, love it. A lot of belters in there and way more interesting than a lot of collections I see on KZbin. Couple of observations. The Tudor came as a surprise, doesn’t seem to fit with your typical watch persona (it’s a class watch btw). I’m surprised how great the Timex looks, for an affordable watch it really holds its own. Finally, out of curiosity, when / what situations do you wear the computron?

[@WATCHingJames]

I did not expect to but the Tudor either. It was not until I got hand on with it that I realised that it is incredible. I love the computron. I often wear it at night. So I can use the light up feature.

[@TitoVicVGC]

That Oris tuxedo looks increíble

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a stunning watch.

[@jonbravo6262]

Nice varied collection James, with some standout lifelong watches like the Pogue.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Jon. The Pogue has a lot of memories for me.

[@rafaelribeiro404]

Congrats on the collection James! It has almost everything: Diver, digital, dress, modded, flieger, sentimental value... But your coolest watch is hands down the Stowa. 👍

[@WATCHingJames]

I am so happy that I bought that Stowa. It really is incredible

[@franciscomoliner1296]

You have ended with a very nice set of watches. The Oris, the Tissot, the Hami and the Hydro stand out to me. Regards

[@WATCHingJames]

They are some of my favourites in my collection.

[@megasoid]

🎉 nice watches and straps.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you

[@S-Ltd1000]

A really nice collection you have there.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you.

[@adk7962]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Are there any particular watches you are eyeing next year?

[@WATCHingJames]

There are a few. I still have my eye on a grand Seiko. But they might be out of my price range. The Oris pointer date, Seiko alpinist gmt and so many more.

[@richardtyler9407]

Nice collection!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@scatterbrain9490]

Some lovely watches there

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you

[@gregalonzo747]

You have some nice pieces in your collection.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you

[@dunjaisuslu3347]

Lovely collection mate, but you left me hanging with the brand of the vintage chrono, what was that?

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a Sorna.

[@dunjaisuslu3347]

@@WATCHingJames Cheers for that mate. Keep up the great content.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Great collection you have there😊 I really like that Oris you refer to as the tuxedo, just looks great I think if you put it on leather it would look even better, the bracelet looks very dated in my opinion. Also the BB58 is another fantastic one. I also went with the blue. 😊😊

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve been thinking about getting the strap for the Oris as well. Maybe something to put on my Christmas list 😁

[@carlosjerson6730]

Plenty pilots there, I don't blame you, pilots are the best.

[@WATCHingJames]

I really do like them. I just bought another one too. Hahaha

[@richardtyler9407]

James, can please tell me where you purchased the strap for Hamilton GMT (your favorite watch)? Thank you Sir!

[@WATCHingJames]

It is the strap that come with the watch. But you can buy it as a genuine accessory from a website called “masters in time”

[@zillsburyy1]

just got mt 2nd 24 slot watch box

[@WATCHingJames]

It is great to have a nice and safe place to have your watches.

[@yanaralucas3930]

Christopher Ward is incredible 👃👃👃

[@WATCHingJames]

They make incredible watches and have turned out to be one of my favourite brands.

[@valenotp]

Hi James, where did you get watch strap on the hrundland turbo pilot?

[@WATCHingJames]

The strap is the original one but I added the clasp. It was from AliExpress

[@zillsburyy1]

i have the casio day date. its very accurate

[@WATCHingJames]

It is my favourite Casio

[@zillsburyy1]

just added a STUHRLING original to the collection @@WATCHingJames

[@ChrisM752]

Great collection. I’ve been looking at the mod kit for the AE1200. Currently priced at £110 so 5 times what I paid for the watch. Is it worth the price?

[@WATCHingJames]

Initially I did not think so. But now that I have it and have been wearing the watch I think it is. For me personally it really elevates the watch and I now wear it even more than I did before.

[@ChrisM752]

@@WATCHingJames thanks for responding,I have 3 versions of this watch along with the AE1300 that has the same case. Might be worth getting this as I can use on more than one watch.

[@thegorn]

Lots of brown leather there

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahaha yes. I do like that caramel / camel brown look.

[@superbro3491]

Skip to 2:13 to miss the rambling introduction. You're welcome. (JAMES please pin this comment to assist your viewers)

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahaha I do like talking about watches

[@naomiredpath4351]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍