I received this email recently:
I've been following your blog ( specifically the watch section ) for quite some time now. I'm writing to you because I have run into a sort of crisis myself in regards to watches. A coworker of mine originally introduced to me the Invicta brand after showing me his collection, and after I began my pursuit of obtaining timepieces I stumbled upon your blog and always found it insightful to read.
I am writing to you because I seem to be going through a similar transition as you have gone/ are going through yourself. I am, and have been for quite some time, unable to decide on where to take my collection next, and have been "stuck in limbo" when it comes to watches. I was very happy purchasing large Invictas ( although I have not come close to purchasing as many as you have ) up until a few weeks ago.
I am a college student working part-time construction until I graduate. I used to attend the gym on a daily basis, and at my biggest was steadily hovering at about 250-260 lbs. I was fairly muscular, thick, and was able to wear my large Invictas well, meaning that the large watch suited the large guy. When hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast area, I stopped attending the gym due to being directly affected by the storm - and haven't gone back since. I have not been eating properly, not working out, and have suffered the consequences of losing almost 40 lbs, and losing mass that I've worked tirelessly to gain. It is around this time after the storm I started having a crisis of self, that extends to many areas besides my watch collecting. However, I view my watch collecting as a direct expression of myself, so naturally I am suffering psychologically from being unsure of what I want.
I am unsure of whether or not I want to continue buying Invicta watches because they no longer bring me the joy that they once used to, even with the notion that one day I would own them. I have instead turned to other brands and am trying to find something that would once more bring me the joy of watch buying, that would once more allow me to express myself with confidence that this is the real me. I believe I have found this with the Seiko "White Samurai," as this watch is extremely appealing to me for some reason I don't quite understand. What I fear however is how I can go from giant oversized watches to these smaller form factors without feeling an emptiness that would be there due to the different size. I was wondering whether you would be able to recommend me a specific watch that you believe would solidify my transition to another brand or brands, of finer watches, that would help me get my mojo back.
I was wondering whether you could recommend a watch that would really make me stop and go "Wow, this watch... This watch is what I've been searching for, missing from my life."
It's difficult to answer the last question since watch tastes are subjective and Seiko makes more subtle watches than Invicta.
I think the Benarus Megaladon is a show stopper but so is the less expensive Invicta Offshore Russian Diver Retrograde.
Looking for wow watches with good materials can get pricey, well over $1,000.
Posted by: herculodge | December 31, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Size preference is a matter of perception and what you're "calibrated" to. When I was deep into my Invictaddiction this past summer and was buying 52mm watches, anything much smaller seemed...puny. My first Seiko, the SNAD61 which is 45mm across the bezel, seemed tiny - I remember loving the look of it but being disappointed with its size.
But gradually my tastes changed, as did my "size calibration." Now the SNAD61 seems perfect in its size and the 52mm Invictas seem massive and silly (I'm selling all but one or two). My preferred range is 44-48mm, with anything over 50mm or so too big. But I've got relatively average wrists at 7.25."
That said, you sound like a pretty big guy. What is your wrist size and height? You might want to start with a larger Seiko - either the SNZ267, which is a very Invicta-esque watch and a nice size (great recommendation, Jeff), or a Velatura, which is also pretty big for a Seiko. Also, check out some other brands: Festina, Stuhrling Original, and Android, all of which make largish watches (although none are as good quality as Seiko, as far as I can tell).
But again, you'll find that it will take some time to re-calibrate your size preference but it will happen. I'd start with a watch in the 46-50mm range and get used to that. Your White Samurai is 45mm and I'm pretty sure you'd be disappointed with its size if you got it now. But if you get it in a few months after "re-calibrating" with a couple slightly larger watches, you'll enjoy the White Samurai more - plus you'll have something to look forward to!
For another really nice white watch with "manly" Invicta feel, you might also want to check out the Seiko SKA421. The only place I've seen it on the internet is NY Watch Store:
http://www.nywatchstore.com/ska421.html
The SKA421 (and the all-black SKA425, which I own and love) wears big for a Seiko - like the SNZ267.
By the way, do you own any Invicta Ocean Reefs or Ocean Speedways? Those are similar in size to the watches recommended above.
Good luck and let us know what you come up with.
Posted by: jonnybardo | December 31, 2012 at 12:34 PM
My focus for the new year is going to be less on acquiring more "things," more on developing new skills and interests, meeting new people, becoming a better and more interesting person. At least, that's what I'm telling myself now ;-)
Posted by: Keith Beesley | December 31, 2012 at 02:09 PM
Good words, Keith. I'd like to be less anti-social but I doubt that will change much. Being social on blogs, facebook, etc., isn't the same as being social in "real life."
Posted by: herculodge | December 31, 2012 at 02:13 PM