Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my articles. In this article, I’m sharing the current state of my watch collection for 2025.
I’ve been doing SOTCs roundups since 2021. Those interested can read my articles from 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 first.
2025 SOTC – Video
For hands-on footage of my 2025 SOTC Collection, do watch the YouTube video below:
2025 SOTC – Luxury Brands
Let’s start by taking a look at my “big boy” watches.
1) Grand Seiko SBGA413 “Shunbun”
One of my favourites in the collection, the Shunbun combines a breathtaking pink, textured dial with a technically impressive Spring Drive movement and a comfortable titanium bracelet—more details can be found in my article on the Shunbun here.
2) Rolex Datejust Ref. 16234
My dream Rolex has never been a Daytona or a Submariner. For as long as I can remember, I’ve associated Rolex with its iconic fluted bezel, mainly due to watching Rolex timekeeping boards during sporting events like Wimbledon. And when I saw this neo-vintage salmon dial datejust – a dial colour that’s no longer in production – I knew this was the one for me.
3) Breitling Premier B09 Chronograph
One of my newest additions, I’m absolutely in love with the burgundy dial of this Breitling chronograph. Limited to just 300 pieces worldwide, this Premier B09 is also relatively exclusive, combining a sleek aesthetic with an impressive manual-winding chronograph movement based on Breitling’s signature B01 movement.
4) MB&F M.A.D 1S
Another new edition, the M.A.D1S is probably the most “fun” watch in my collection due to its signature rotating rotor on the dial. I’ve always been a fan of MB&F’s designs (I love the Legacy machines), and when the new M.A.D1S was announced with a slimmer form factor and a Swiss movement, I knew I had to get it. Love the ice blue dial as well.
5) Omega Speedmaster Professional “Hot Chocolate”
Christened by Nico Leonard as the most important watch in the industry, the Speedmaster is undoubtedly an icon. While most opt for the regular black dial variant, I love the brown, chocolate dial on my Japan-limited model, which resembles the tropical dials of vintage Speedmasters. Iconic, but different.
6) TAG Heuer Monaco CAW211B
Another striking chronograph is the TAG Heuer Monaco, made famous by Steve McQueen in the renowned film Le Mans. While that model featured a matte blue dial, I fell in love with the brushed grey dial of the CAW211B, which I found to be more striking. More details on that here.
7) Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Original
A relatively new purchase, the El Primero Chronomaster combines technical excellence with a vintage case and a striking sunburst blue dial. Unlike the other chronographs in my collection, the El Primero movement runs at 36,000 vph, with the ability to measure up to 1/10th of a second. And as this is the boutique edition, it’s also less commonly seen as compared to the regular tri-colour El Primero Chronomasters.
8) Cartier Tank Jumbo ref. 15716
Last but certainly not least, my Cartier Tank Jumbo ref. 15716 “New York” is probably the rarest watch in my collection – I have yet to see another example appear for sale in the local market. I love its Art Deco styling, as well as the eminently dressy nature of the watch, which pairs perfectly with my suits. More details on the watch here.
2025 SOTC – Affordable Brands
I also have several more affordable watches, which I love just as much.
9) Seiko 5 “Luffy”
I’m a big One Piece fan, and I love this Seiko 5, which depicts the black clouds of Luffy’s Gear 4 transformation.
10) Casio G-Shock DW5600 “Ed Sheeran”
Just like our friends at Delugs, I’m also a fan of Ed Sheeran’s music, having listened to hits like “Lego House” and “A-Team” since my formative years. So when he released a G-Shock to commemorate his latest album, I knew I had to get one.
11) Swatch X MoMa “Starry Night”
As a humanities student, one of the highlights of my education was viewing Van Gogh’s iconic Starry Night in person. So when Swatch released a collaboration series with MoMa, I knew I had to get the Starry Night.
12) MoonSwatch Snoopy
I’m also a huge fan of Snoopy (which will be reiterated in later watches), having grown up reading the comic in daily copies of the Life! newspaper. When Swatch released the MoonSwatch Snoopy, it reminded me of the actual Speedmaster Snoopy, which is one of my grail watches. Given the affordable price point, I knew I had to get one.
13) Swatch X Blancpain “Fifty Fathoms”
In the watch world, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is arguably the most important dive watch, perhaps even more so than the Rolex Submariner. So when Swatch released an affordable, fun “no-rad” version, I knew I had to get my hands on one. Although it may not have been the original intention, I’ve received numerous compliments on it, with many calling it a “cute” watch.
14) MoonSwatch “Mission to the Sun”
One of the OG MoonSwatches, I was “lucky” enough to get this at retail back when the hype first started. I don’t wear it much anymore (only when I’m playing tennis, since the yellow and white watch resembles a tennis ball), but it will always remind me of the MoonSwatch hype. I wrote more about the watch here.
15) Kurono Toki
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Kurono Tokyo is an initiative by independent Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, who’s typically known for his intricate (and prohibitively expensive) timepieces. So, when the salmon-dial Toki was launched as a commemorative anniversary edition, I jumped at the chance. I wrote more about the Toki here.
16) Ming 17.09
Starting life as a microbrand, Ming has grown by leaps and bounds, transforming its signature aesthetic into something of a cult icon. Although the hype has died down somewhat since its COVID-era heyday, the 17.09 is still a handsome watch that stands out on the wrist. I wrote more about the Ming 17.09 here.
17) Longines Heritage 1945
One of the “oldest” watches in my collection, I still love the Longines Heritage 1945. With its brushed copper dial and vintage look, I still think it’s one of the most handsome watches that Longines has produced in recent years.
18) Timex Marlin “Snoopy”
Timex is a renowned brand in the industry, with the automatic Marlin line being a standout. So when I saw this model, which depicted Snoopy on a typewriter (which resonated with me as a writer), I knew I had to get one.
19) Bell & Ross WW1-97
As you can probably tell by now, I like watches that are different. In that vein, the WW1-97, being a round B&R, is intrinsically different. Despite the round case, however, it still feels quintessentially Bell & Ross, with its largish case and strong military vibe through its trench watch design. I also appreciate the French wording used on the power reserve, which is a nod to the brand’s French heritage.
20) Orient Bambino “Woodstock”
Last but not least is my most recent purchase, the Orient Bambino “Woodstock”. It’s currently one of my most-worn watches – I love the vintage 38mm size, domed crystal, and, of course, the coloured Peanuts depiction on the dial. It’s dressy but also fun, which is the best combination.
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
P.P.P.S: If you haven’t already, do follow my social media channels on Facebook here, on Instagram here, and on Youtube here.
P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
