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My Watch Collection 2024: Favorites, Stories, and Lessons Learned

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Introduction to My Watch Collection

I’ve been passionate about watches for 4-5 years, and my collection has grown to 15 unique timepieces. In this post, I’ll share my favorite watches, their stories, and some lessons I’ve learned as a watch enthusiast. From dress watches to divers, field watches, chronographs, and digitals, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, join me on this journey through my 2024 watch collection!

Dress Watches: Elegance and Sentimentality

Dress watches dominate my collection, blending style and personal meaning. Here’s a look at my favorites:

Titus Interlude: A Cherished Gift

My Titus Interlude, a graduation gift from my parents, was one of my first watches. Founded in 1887, Titus was originally Swiss but is now a Hong Kong brand. While it’s perceived as high-quality in Southeast Asia, some enthusiasts now view it as a fashion watch post-acquisition. After 8 years, mine stopped working (not due to the battery) and the logo has peeled off after a few drops. I’m still diagnosing the issue, but its sentimental value keeps it in my collection.

Seiko SNXS79: A Fan Favorite with a Cracked Crystal

The Seiko SNXS79, is a fan favorite that kickstarted my YouTube channel. Featuring the 7S26 movement, this Seiko 5 was my go-to watch, even worn at my wedding. Unfortunately, I dropped it face-down, cracking the Hardlex crystal. See how I got it fixed here

Tissot T-Classic Couturier Lady: Retirement Gift

A gift from my mom, this watch was a retirement gift from her company, inscribed with “Jasamu Dikenang” (Your contribution is appreciated in Bahasa Melayu) on its caseback. At that time, this watch adds a feminine touch to my collection which consists mostly 37mm and above. Working in a corporate setting, I find myself wearing this pretty often.

Tissot Classic Dream Lady: Feminine Elegance

Another gift from my mom, this time with an inscription of “LONG SERVICE AWARDS” on its caseback. A memento from my mom’s 25+ years of working in the same company reminds me of a traditional value of hard work and persistence. Measuring 28mm, it’s my smallest watch, perfect for evening gowns. The Roman numeral indices add a delicate touch.

Casio LTP-V007: The Affordable Cartier Tank Alternative

At just $20, the Casio LTP-V007 (aka Casio Tank) is the cheapest watch in my collection. Despite its petite size, it’s a fantastic budget alternative to the Cartier Tank. Its affordability and quality make it a great choice for those on a tight budget seeking elegance. See my review here

Vario Versa: A Reversible Gem

Sent by Vario, a Singapore-based company, this watch is a unique alternative to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. Its reversible design feels like owning two watches in one. As a YouTuber, receiving this for review was a pleasant surprise, and its distinct style adds variety to my collection.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 35mm: My Current Favorite

The Tissot PRX Powermatic (35mm, mother-of-pearl dial) is my most frequently worn watch (so far!). A thoughtful gift from my husband, its dynamic dial outshines the ice blue version. While the other colors’ version felt underwhelming in person, this one’s dynamic, vibrant dial makes it a standout. Full review on this here

Dive Watches: Durability and Nostalgia

Dive watches are built for adventure, and mine carry deep personal meaning (especially this one:).

Seiko SKX013: A Sentimental Classic

The Seiko SKX013, a 38mm dive watch, was my first “proper” watch, purchased during a challenging career transition. Being an ISO certified and divers watch that can take a beating, it reminds me to be strong during one of my most challenging periods of my life. Its compact size suits my wrist better than the SKX007/009, and its rarity adds to its value. Despite seldom wearing it now, its sentimental significance ensures it stays in my collection.

Timex M79: An Impulsive Purchase

The Timex M79, with its diver’s bezel, was an impulsive buy during a discount. While I liked it initially, its 50m water resistance and high original price make it less appealing now. It’s one watch I could part with easily which is surprising because I am usually very attached to my watches. So I guess this says a lot.

Field Watches: Learning from Impulse Buys

As a beginner watch enthusiast, I was eager to complete my collection by checking off categories like dress and dive watches. Field watches, known for their rugged practicality, were next on my list. However, as my taste has evolved, my enthusiasm for field watches has shifted.

Seiko SNK803: A Beige Version of the Popular SNK809

The Seiko SNK803, a beige field watch, was bought early in my watch hobby to check off the field watch category after dress and dive watches. I was excited at first, but it no longer excites me. It’s not buyer’s remorse, just a sign my taste has changed—a lesson for new collectors to avoid rushing purchases.

Namoki ‘Midnight Sakura Tide’: A DIY Triumph

This unique watch, the Namoki Midnight Sakura Tide (which I named myself) was sent by Namoki as a DIY watchmaking kit. I assembled it myself, choosing extra parts to make it one-of-a-kind, and named it for its distinct design. The process was challenging, especially the second hand, but so rewarding. Check out my video for the full story! I wear it occasionally and love its uniqueness.

Chronographs: A Timeless Obsession

If I had unlimited funds, I’d focus on dress watches and chronographs—my two favorite styles.

Seiko Chronograph: A Fixer-Upper

This Seiko chronograph was my husband’s, sent to me to polish out scratches. I’ve used a polishing cloth, but it needs polywatch for better results. I rarely wear it since it’s not fully mine, but it’s a nice piece.

Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H: A Wedding Splurge

The Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H, a mechanical watch, is my husband’s wedding watch. I insisted he not wear his Garmin for our wedding, so we hunted for couple’s watches and fell in love with this one despite its price. It’s one of our best purchases, even if it looks big on my wrist.

Digital Watches: Lightweight and Fun

Digital watches offer a refreshing change from analog designs.

Casio W-217H: A Thoughtful Gift

The Casio W-217H, a gift from a friend, was my first Casio. Its lightweight black resin strap is perfect for casual days, and I often forget I’m wearing it. As a gift, it holds a special place in my collection.

Casio G-Shock “Casioak” (Female Version)

I never thought I’d own a G-Shock, but the Casioak GMA S2100 (a smaller GA-2100 series) in white won me over. Its metallic indices and pastel appeal target the female market, and I prefer it over the black version, which feels too smartwatch-like. I’m still in the honeymoon phase with this one!

Lessons Learned as a Watch Enthusiast

Reflecting on my collection, I’ve learned valuable lessons:

Tastes Evolve: Early in my watch journey, I rushed to “check off” categories, leading to some purchases I no longer love.
Sentimental Value Matters: Watches like the Titus Interlude and Seiko SKX013 hold a special place due to their stories.
Budget-Friendly Options Shine: Affordable watches like the Casio LTP-V007 prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality.

Conclusion: My Watch Journey Continues

Have a favorite watch or a collection of your own? Share in the comments below!

My Watch Collection 2024: Favorites, Stories, and Lessons Learned Read More »

From Motherhood to Watchmaking: My Unexpected Journey

Motherhood and My Watch Habits

The past year has been a whirlwind. Motherhood is exhausting, but it’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I never pictured myself as a “kid person” before, but now? Every smile from my baby melts me. It’s changed how I see everything—even watches.

For a while, watches took a backseat. Those early months of breastfeeding meant they were more of a hassle than a joy, and I worried about my baby’s comfort with anything bulky on my wrist. Instead, I leaned on my Huawei fitness band—small, light, and perfect for tracking sleep and steps or finding my phone. Occasionally, I’d wear my Casio LTP V-007 (see review here) or G-Shock. Their durability & affordability handled my baby’s curious grabs. Big steel watches? Not anymore—they were a hassle, plus they triggered anxiety while breastfeeding!

Huawei Fitness Band — *small, light, simple – Huawei fitness band 8*

casio g shock gma s2100 — *Casio G-Shock GMA S2100 aka Mini CasiOak*

What’s wild is how my watches on my wrist feels different now. Comfort and practicality rule, and my love for mechanical watches has shifted. I used to adore winding them, but now I crave simplicity—no fuss, no winding, no time setup. My watch journey has evolved, just like I have.

Rethinking Watch Content

This shift got me thinking about my content. Watch reviewing feels different compared to tech, where new gadgets drop constantly. Watches thrill us with subtle updates—smaller sizes or new dial colors. I toyed with reacting to trends I missed, but I’m over-chasing hype. I want to enjoy watches for what they are.

Don’t worry—I’m not ditching reviews! I’ve bought some pieces, and reviews are coming in a few weeks. But I’m also drawn to something deeper: understanding how watches work.

Exploring Watchmaking

My curiosity led me to watchmaking and repair. There’s magic in those tiny gears and springs—a miniature world inside each timepiece. It’s more rewarding than just collecting. I’m no expert (just a busy mom!), but I’ve tinkered—assembling a watch with Namoki Mods and fixing a cracked crystal. Those moments felt like a new connection to my passion.

So, I’ve signed up for online watch repair courses to see where it takes me.

ashley tee watch making — *trying on watchmaking/watch repair will be daunting but exciting!*

What’s Next for AshleyTee

This blog and channel will continue to deliver watch reviews—affordable, carefully picked ones. But I’ll be filming my watchmaking journey, even if it means fumbling with screws.

As you may see, I recently restarted my blog again (making it an active blog this time), and there’s new merch too—mugs and hoodies inspired by clean designs and my space fascination.

Ashley Tee Merch — *Some of my merch, if you want to support – Check them out at ashleytee.com/store!*

Let’s Connect

That’s my story so far—balancing mom life, watches, and learning new skill. What do you think? Any watchmaking tips for a beginner? Drop your thoughts below or on Instagram (@ashley_watches). See you soon!

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Making a Leather Watch Strap Workshop

The Workshop: Chill Vibes and Knowledgeable Teacher

Kaula Leather Workshop, Yogyakarta — *Easy enough to find the workshop – thanks to the signboard*

GETTING STARTED

Before we arrived at the workshop, I had already let them know that I wanted to make a leather watch strap and that my sweet husband wanted to make a leather purse for me. When we arrived, I showed the teacher the watch strap sample that I had in mind, while my husband chose a design from their purse collection.

The teacher was so friendly and knowledgeable, and he quickly helped me cut the calf skin to the perfect size for my 20mm black leather watch strap. I was making the strap for my husband’s Hamilton Intra Matic Chronograph H watch.

FUN PART: PAINTING

As I brushed on the black paint onto the leather, I felt my excitement building up as the leather watch strap began to take form. It took a few layers of paint to achieve the deep black shade that I was going for.

Kaula Leather Workshop, Yogyakarta, Watch Strap Making — *Circle, circle, straight*

Drying Leather Watch Strap — *Drying – the most time consuming part*

BONUS: MAKING A KEYCHAIN & BRACELET

While waiting for the paint to dry, the teacher suggested making a keychain and bracelet as a bonus activity, which turned out to be a fun way to pass the time.

FINISHING TOUCHES

When the paint had dried, I noticed that the color wasn’t as black as I had hoped. The teacher advised me to brush another layer of polish, which helped to darken it.

Making Leather Watch Strap — *Painted another layer of polish of some kind, to make it shinier and darker*

After the teacher did some stitching on the strap, I then punched some holes, put some glue, sanded the edges, and applied wax to give it a smooth finish. Putting on the buckle was a bit challenging, but with some adjustments, I was able to complete the watch strap.

Leather Watch Strap Making — *Cut it precisely to make sure both upper and lower straps are of same width*

FINISHED PRODUCTS

The entire process took a while, as my husband was also making a leather purse for me at the same time, but the end result was worth the wait. I felt proud of the finished product and can’t wait to show it off. It was a fantastic learning experience, and it gave me a newfound appreciation for the art of leatherworking.

Black Leather Strap on Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H — Finished product!

Brown Leather Watch Purse — Finished product!

Brown Leather Bracelet — *Our Finished Products.*

Brown Leaf Leather Keychain — *Our Finished Products.*

CONCLUSION

PRICE –
20mm Watch Strap: 350 000 IDR or USD 23
Big Purse: 625 000 IDR or USD 40

I won’t lie, the workshop wasn’t exactly cheap, but for almost 7 hours of creating something with my own two hands, I’d say it was worth it. There’s just something special about being able to proudly wear a watch strap that I crafted myself.

In conclusion, I highly recommend checking out Kaula Leather Workshop if you’re interested in trying your hand at making leather goods. It’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into creating beautiful leather items.

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