What were your favorite acquisitions in 2023 (watches)?

It has been a year of black dials for me.

One of my goals for 2023 was to add a few vintage divers, and I did manage to pick up the couple below. In 2024, I think I'd like to add a fat lug Seamaster and a chronograph -- maybe a Zenith A273.

2791


6072


5601-113


6105-8000

2023 isn’t over yet but I managed a Sky Diver, Zenith Revival Safari, and Ressence type 1 slim

Took advantage of the softening Rolex market and added 1655. It has been on my short list of must-haves for nearly a decade.


Added a Daytona “for my wife”.

At the close of 2022, I acquired a Speedmaster Reduced on OF. After parting with my C-Case Constellation to fund a service for the Speedy and the purchase of a new old stock (NOS) original bracelet. I got it back early in 2023 and it's now running like a charm, looking perfect and is on my wrist daily. This one won’t leave as it was also with us on our honeymoon.



Interestingly, my affection for it sparked a desire „for more of that“ - the Speedmaster Professional. After mediating a 3570.50 from @MtV to my brother and a 3861 Hesalite from @Aludic to my father (thanks to you two! 😀) I still did not buy one for myself - yet.


Just before Christmas, something unexpected happened. Despite eyeing the Tudor BB58 during window shopping for a while, the case height did put me off. While uncertain if a diver would suit me, the idea of a robust, fully water-resistant watch persisted. Upon discovering the BB54 online, I read all articles and looked at Instagram pictures, deciding I „just wanted to see this lollipop seconds hand in person“. On our way home for Christmas, I contacted various ADs, and only one had this model. Though already reserved, I was offered to have a look just a few hours later. It became available again as the previous reservation switched to the BB58. Having never purchased a new watch, especially one in this price range, the AD kindly agreed to hold it until the next morning.

What can I say: I did not sleep very well, got up early to read more about it and to come to a decision. Then visited the AD again, talked a lot, the bracelet was fitted to see if it is a good fit, had it checked on the timegrapher and then I FINALLY bought it. Guarantee card says 23.12.23 - that is a nice date. I still can’t believe it but it feels really good on the wrist. While I will certainly wear it in a pool at least once, I am not sure if one can wear it while mowing the lawn - but that is another thread.


Current status of my modest collection:

Dress: Constellation PiePan 168.004

Chronograph: Speedmaster Reduced

Diver: Tudor Black Bay 58


Thanks OF, I like being here! 😀

3 pickups for me this year
A lovely 40s Zenith with teardrop lugs and a nipple dial
A 2 reg chrono in beautiful condition
A near mint Omega 146.012 special Italian version, found in Milan

My top 3 acquisitions of 2023 were exclusively Certina DS. Generally the year 2023 was dedicated to Certina brand. A lot of value for money. Great quality, nice variations, attractive price, relatively cheap service parts.

I waited out posting in this thread as i wanted to pull the trigger on a JLC tribute to Deep Sea Alarm to close the year 2023, but deal didnt work out and very unluckely it will happen this year anyways.

3. 5601-012 Patent Pending DS


2. 5801-112 nice dial DS


1. 5801-114 Amagnetic DS with a turbulent story