Welcome to Own The Watch, your go-to source for all things watches. We’re here to help you navigate the intricate world of watches. We offer quick insights and tips to enhance your collecting experience.

If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can receive your free weekly email here.

Today's Newsletter

• Watches You Can't Break

• Serica Watches

• Watch-Tube Creators

The Main Thing

Three Watches That You Can’t Break (easily)

When it comes to watches, mine need to be tough. I'm in the military and have three kids. Hmmm...I'm not sure which of those is more strenuous. Watches are for wearing. The most worthless watch is the one that you never wear.

Watches need to be able to survive bumps and the occasional drop. Most watches do that. But today, we're going to look at three watches that can do much more than that.

Let's do the thing!

Marathon GSAR

This is a hell of a watch. I was fortunate enough to put my hands on this a few weeks ago. One of my coworkers owns it and even let me test-drive it for a few days. I feared that I'd break something by accidentally smacking the watch against it.

Some Specs

• Water Resistance: 30 ATM/300 M

• Case Diameter: 41mm

• Case Height: 14mm

• Lug Width: 20mm

• Movement: Sellita SW200 with Incabloc™ Shock Absorber

Marathon Search and Rescue (SAR) watches were made for the Canadian Government to help in SAR operations. They're tough to handle tough situations and help the people using them. They started in the 1990s and are still used today. They have tough bezels for gloved hands. They glow in the dark for night missions and are waterproof to 300 meters. They also have strong parts inside and use Swiss-made movements.

Would I Own It?

No. It's too pricey for me and the numbers were a bit small. It was difficult for me to tell the time at a quick glance. I have great vision, so please hold your "old man" comments. I only found this out after wearing it for a few days.

Just because it’s not for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for you.

Victorinox I.N.O.X.

These guys are an often overlooked brand. I have a deep appreciation for Victorinox. My parents gifted me an Alliance for surviving grad school. I wore the watch for my wedding (12 years ago!) Mostly known for the Swiss Army knife, Victorinox makes some tough watches.

Some Specs

• Water Resistance: 20 ATM/200 M

• Diameter: 43 mm

• Height: 14 mm

• Lug Width: 21 mm

• Weight: 4.7 oz

• Movement Type: Analog quartz

It can survive a ten-meter drop. It can also survive being run over by a 64-ton tank, diving down 200 meters below sea level, and even spending two hours in a hot washing machine at 90 degrees! Whether you're at work or out in the wild, the durable and versatile design of the I.N.O.X. has your back. It's ready for any adventure, anytime.

Would I Own It?

Yes. I love my current Victorinox and for $600, I have no doubt that it can handle everything my life throws at it.

Casio G-Shock

The famous G-Shock. These watches are known for being tough. Perhaps they’re even the epitome of toughness.

These watches are designed to withstand the harshest conditions. The case is strong. The band is durable. Every aspect of this watch is made for toughness.

But it's not just about looks – the GA2100 is built to perform. Whether you're hiking through rough terrain or hitting the waves to surf, the GA2100 is up to the challenge.

Some Specs

(too many to list, click the picture to go to their website)

And let's not forget about the innovative features that set this watch apart. It has a double LED light for better visibility in low light. It also has a button to turn off the operation tone for added convenience. The GA2100 is both functional and durable.

So, whether you're outdoors or tackling your daily grind, you can trust the GA2100. It will keep up with your active life. With its unbeatable combination of toughness and style, this watch is truly in a league of its own.

Would I Own It?

Yes. $100 for a watch that’s almost indestructible? YES. I may even get one for my kids!

Buy My Book

I wrote a comprehensive guide on watches. It covers everything you need to know and is the book I wish I had when I started collecting. It’s a way to get smarter and help support my newsletter.

Don’t miss out—grab yours today!

Brand of the Week

Serica Watches

Jérôme Burgert and Gabriel Vachette founded Serica in 2019. They had one simple goal: to bring back the golden age of watchmaking. (Yes, they’re French and this is a French company)

They wanted to make sophisticated mechanical instruments. In doing so, their watches have a strong and unique design style. They also have some of the highest standards in watchmaking.

This reflects their commitment to creating elegant, reliable, and precise watches.

Would I Own a Serica Watch?

Hell yes. And this is the exact one I’d own…

For roughly $2k USD, you get a GORGEOUS, GMT watch that is COSC certified. This one is called the Travel Chronometer, Desert Red. If I wasn’t saving for a different watch, I would have bought this yesterday.

Creators To Follow

Watch-Tube Channels to Binge

These are four YouTube accounts I binged when I began my watch-collecting journey. Teddy is incredible at making things easy to understand. He recently opened his own boutique store in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

I go to Adrian when I want honest reviews of watches. He's no-nonsense and upfront.

I head to Britt's channel when I want information. I watch her the least of everyone on this list, but she has a great channel.

And finally, Niko. He's loud. He's vulgar. And he's very Irish. I watch him for pure entertainment. Don't let that fool you, he knows his shite!

So what are you waiting for? Sub to their channels. NOW!

More From Me

INVEST for your next watch

• I use Weathfront to automate my portfolio with their easy-to-use automated investing with industry-leading low fees.

• Customize your investment strategy (or pick from their recommendations) and Wealthfront does the rest.

• Your portfolio automatically rebalances every month to keep your strategy on target.

Give it a shot and you’ll get $5,000 managed for free. Forever.

Out Of Time

Signing Off

We've reached the end of another edition of our newsletter. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each one of you for joining us on this journey through the world of watches.

Your enthusiasm, engagement, and support mean the world to us. Your passion for watches drives me to keep this going.

Timelessly Yours,

—

Ian

Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website