Cleaning House // Culling the Watch Herd

Gear Review

Streamlined Watch Collection: My Ideal Setup

*Curating a rotation that prioritizes personal style over quantity*

4

Pieces

36mm-45mm

Size Range

~12

Former Collection Size

Section I

The Core Collection

My watch collection has once again surpassed a dozen pieces, but like many times before, it consists of a mix of inexpensive and cheap watches that I rarely wear. I’m now focused on culling the herd and narrowing it down to four essential watches:

 

• →Rolex Explorer 114270 — A classic, versatile piece for the collection.
• →Victorinox INOX — A robust option for special occasions.
• →Casio G-Shock DW5600 — A durable, functional staple.
• →Casio A168 — A joyful, everyday wear that handles daily tasks without the worry of damage.

Classics that Obey Form + Function

Over the years, I’ve realized that I prefer simple tool watches that balance reasonable size with classic styling. My everyday wear usually consists of the humble Casio models, while I reserve the Automatics and the INOX for more formal or special occasions.

The Casio A168 meets most of my daily needs without the worry of wear and tear, which is a huge plus for an everyday watch.

You Don’t Need Every Style or Design

One mistake I made early in my collecting journey was the desire to “complete” my collection with various colors and styles. If a model came in three or four different colors, I felt the need to own them all. In reality, you don’t need to have a “one of each” collection that includes a chronograph, dive watch, dress watch, etc. It’s more valuable to curate a selection that resonates with your personal style.

Sizing and Fit Matter

Just as with shoes, comfort is key when it comes to watches. Proper sizing and fit are crucial for a watch you plan to wear regularly.

Watch Model	Size (mm)	Note
Optimal Range	36 - 42	My preferred sweet spot
Victorinox INOX	45	A rare exception I can wear

Buy What You Would Wear

It sounds straightforward, but I’ve often experienced buyer's remorse by purchasing watches that looked great but didn’t quite suit my style when worn. Even the most coveted watches may not fit everyone's aesthetic. Focusing on watches that align with my personal style has led to a more satisfying collection, as each piece is something I genuinely enjoy wearing.

By refining my collection to these four watches, I’m aiming for a blend of functionality, style, and personal significance.