The Three Watch Collection for $5,000: Reader Edition – Eric L.

Editor’s Note: In this edition of the 3 Watch Collection for $5,000, long time reader Eric L. shares their trio of watches, which include a brand I had to Google to discover. This is a collection motivated not by hype, but by enthusiasm alone so hat’s off to Eric for this selection. Bonos points for one of the coolest G-Shocks in existence. 

If you’d like to submit your own 3 watch collection for $5,000 can you do so at the form right here. Header image credit: Analog:Shift

Long time listener, first time caller. NATO’s are great…always. Full Stop…no question.  Keep up the good work folks.

Omega Speedmaster MKII Racing – $4,000

It’s a Speedmaster, but you didn’t type in “best watch algorithm” in the Google Machine to find out which Speedy you should buy (It’s the Professional Moonwatch…it went to the moon, but Omega rarely talks about it). Plus, everyone knows that the 70’s racing scene was so funky and lit that it deserves more credit that it receives. Funky case, orange highlights, tach ring under the glass…it’s just better than the Moonwatch in all respects, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise. Scared of vintage watches? Get the reissue with a co-axial movement that’s COSC certified.

Elliott Brown Houlton Professional – $550

Analog watches are a thing of the past you say?  All soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines need are G-Shocks and Timex Ironman watches, you say?  Well my brothers and sisters in the UK’s Special Boat Service object!  In fact they strenuously object! Elliott Brown agreed and made a watch for the fine folks that get the SAS in and out of coastal and riverine environments that fits their rigorous needs.  A special lug system that is tough as a First Sergeant’s five o’clock shadow, a hobnail bezel with a vertical row of grippy surface so a muddy, wet, blood-and-guts covered palm can reliably turn the bezel to the correct place, and classic British field watch DNA in the dial combined with a true 200m water resistance make this a go anywhere/do anything watch. An NSN number and the broad arrow complete the authenticity of this watch that Elliott Brown won’t even officially say is issued to the SBS, which is more of a confirmation of it’s use by that unit than when some companies can’t stop telling you that their products are used by a certain special forces unit (I’m looking at you Luminox).

Casio G-Shock DW-6600 – $450

Everyone needs a G-Shock.  Not necessarily this one, but “a” G-Shock.  They are rugged, accurate, cool, and nearly indestructible.  How do I know?  Because my DW-6600 shrugged off 4 years of Air Force Special Operations work after it was issued to me.  Your G-Shock might be a square case DW-5600, the Casioak, or the ultra cool Mudmaster or Flightmaster.  If you have taste, and you do (even if it’s bad taste) there is a G-Shock out there that fits it.  A G-Shock will keep you grounded in this crazy world of watch enthusiasm.  It will remind you that even if you wear a Rolex 5513 or Royal Oak as an everyday, you can strap on a 100 dollar G-Shock and it’s all the watch you need.  That is the true bottom line up front.  What we do here is a wild, crazy, hobby full of Rolex AD’s and arguments about homage watches.  But it is never more important that family, friends, or experiences.