Hey everyone! It’s Ashley here, and welcome to my State of the Collection (SOTC) for 2025. My collection has grown to about 23 watches this year – definitely more than I ever imagined when I started this hobby. A big part of that growth? The YouTube channel. Reviewing watches means trying (and often keeping) more pieces, and yes, I might have a slight problem. 😅
But these aren’t just random buys. Most have personal stories – gifts from family, milestones from tough times, wedding watches, and even ones my one-year-old son has claimed as his own.
As a female watch enthusiast with smaller wrists, I focus on affordable mechanical watches that fit well and feel versatile. Great style doesn’t need to break the bank or be “men’s” watches only!
If you’re here from my YouTube video, thanks for checking out the written version. I’ve organized this chronologically, just like the video, with photos and details for easy browsing.
The Early Days: My First Watches
Titus Interlude – Graduation Gift from My Parents
This quartz watch started it all. My parents gifted it to me upon graduation, and I picked it for its minimalist design with interesting sub-dials. Titus (now Solvil et Titus) is a Swiss-founded brand popular in Southeast Asia – the older generation sees it as a “proper” watch.
Sadly, it’s been broken for years (movement issue), but I plan to fix it soon because it’s sentimental. It also sparked my shift to mechanical watches – I love the romance and engineering of no-battery movements!
Seiko SKX013 – My Most Meaningful Watch
Bought with my first salary during a career transition and tough life phase, this ISO-certified diver reminded me to stay strong and durable. I still grab it for swimming with my kid – I trust that 200m water resistance!
It’s seen less wrist time lately, but it’ll always stay in the collection.
Seiko SNXS79 – My Wedding Dress Watch
Inspired by the Rolex Oyster Perpetual’s sunburst gray dial, this affordable dress watch was my wedding pick. I upgraded the bracelet (AliExpress find) and even replaced the cracked crystal with sapphire myself – proud DIY moment!
It got overshadowed by newer pieces, but I’ve been trying to wear it more and more. A true keeper.
Family Gifts and Shared Pieces
- Seiko 5 Field Watch (SNK803 Beige): Early buy that I fell out of love with… until a strap swap (dark brown leather) brought it back. Proof that tastes evolve – don’t sell too quickly!
- Two Tissot Watches from Mom’s Long Service Awards: Feminine pieces with engravings. She passed them to me when she saw my obsession. Perfect for office or dressy occasions.
- Casio W217: Gift from a friend. Currently “borrowed” by my toddler son – he loves it (even if it doesn’t fit his tiny wrist yet). Tough, plastic, kid-proof. Suggestions for a real kids’ watch welcome!
- Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H (Panda Dial): Technically my husband’s wedding watch (I convinced him away from a G-Shock!). This hand-wound beauty is chunky but handsome – we share it, and it’s one of the dressiest in the collection.
Review Pieces and Microbrands
- Timex M79: Impulse buy on sale for early YouTube reviews. Honeymoon phase ended quickly – it’s up for sale soon.
- Casio “Tank” LTP V007: Affordable Cartier Tank homage. Great value, but the tapering strap feels too small.
- Namoki Mod Kit Watch: My first assembly experience – customized with bracelet, blue rotor, display caseback.
- Vario Reversible Watch: Inspired by JLC Reverso and Cartier Tank. Impressive quality from Singapore microbrand Vario – one of the best affordable flip watches out there.
- Casio ABL-100 & Casio A168: Was very intrigued with the bluetooth function and got the A168 as a comparison piece.
- DIY Watch Club Build: Reignited my passion post-motherhood with a gorgeous Miyota 8315 movement.
- Orient Bambino 38mm Small Seconds: Review piece I can’t let go – elegant Roman numerals.
Standouts from Recent Years
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm Mother-of-Pearl
Perfect timing – released around my pregnancy. The 35mm size fits my wrist beautifully (no overhang), integrated bracelet feels premium, and MOP dial is stunning. A daily favorite.
The 2025 Japan Haul – Four Amazing Picks!
We went to Japan knowing we’d hunt watches… but four? Unexpected highlight of the year. For Japan Watch Shopping Guide, check out my post here.
- Seiko SBSC009 – JDM Seiko 5 Field GMT – instant love, tons of wrist time.
- Husband’s Seiko 62MAS 60th Anniversary reissue Seiko SPB511 / SBDC213 – Beautiful gorgeous dial with premium bracelet with quick-adjust.
- Two KUOE watches (microbrand Kyoto Store exclusives): Bronze blue dial – Kuoe Old Smith 90-002 and triple calendar reverse panda – Kuoe Royal Smith 90-010
Seiko x Pepsi Collaboration – The “Real” Pepsi GMT
Limited edition with actual Pepsi branding. Bought for review, but the fun packaging and pop of color won me over – worn way more than expected!
- Husband’s old Seiko chronograph (I restored it).
- Brother’s limited-edition Seiko Alpinist (white textured “snowy mountain” dial, Malaysia/Singapore exclusive – only 800 pieces!). This isn’t mine, I assigned myself as a caretaker as I bought this for my brother and it’s been with me since. 😀 I will return it to him once I get a review out on this. 🙂
Reflections on 2025 and the Hobby
Motherhood paused my passion for over a year. It just wasn’t convenient to have a watch during post-partum & breastfeeding. But DIY watchmaking kits and courses brought me back stronger, with deeper appreciation for watch movements.
What’s your favorite from my collection? Any must-haves for 2026? Drop a comment below!
Thanks for reading (or watching the video). Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays – see you in 2026 with whatever new watches come my way. ⌚✨
