Hey everyone, it’s Ashley! I’ve been away from this space for a while, navigating the wild, beautiful ride of becoming a mom. Today, I’m excited to share what’s been going on how motherhood has reshaped my life, my relationship with watches, and where this channel (and blog) is headed. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), and let’s dive in.
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!
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.
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.
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!
