They say a man never forgets his first real watch. It’s rarely about the price tag or the "prestige" - it’s about the feeling of weight on your wrist and the realization that you were finally keeping track of your own time. It’s the piece that transformed a watch from a tool into a milestone. Starting today, we’re kicking off a 7-day challenge to uncover the watches that sparked your "obsession". The Challenge: "The Watch That Started Your Journey" We want to hear about the timepiece that started it all. This isn’t necessarily your most expensive "grail" watch; it’s the one that carries the most history or story. Was it your first paycheck purchase? A gift for graduation? A family heirloom passed down by your father? Or maybe the rugged piece you saved for months to buy because it represented the man you were becoming. "What was the first watch that made you feel like the day didn't truly start until it was on your wrist?" HOW TO JOIN (Super easy) Drop your story in the comments under this post. Use this quick format: 1. The Watch: Brand and model (if you know it). 2. The Origin: How did it find its way to your wrist? (A milestone, a gift, or a hard-earned reward?) 3. The Meaning: What did that watch represent to you at the time? 4. The Legacy: Does it still have a place in your collection today? 5. The Visual (Optional): We all want to see the watch haha. If you still have it, drop a wrist shot or a photo in the comments with your story. HOW THE CHALLENGE WORKS - Challenge will run for 7 days (starting today until Jan 23rd) - Post your story in the comments of this post (not separate posts) - Our team will personally pick the winner at the end - Winner will be announced next week Friday Jan 23rd - Winner gets a surprise gift from Antonio 🎁 WINNERS WILL BE PICKED BASED ON - Detail and quality of your comment (70%) - Thumbs up from others (5%) - Paid members will have plus points. RULES & LIMITATIONS - Must be Level 5 or higher to win - Free shipping (USA only; forwarding addresses accepted)

Bulova Sea King with the precisionist movement

So I wanted to change the bracelet on the Invicta Pro Diver I received for reaching level 9 to a rubber strap to give it a more sporty look. I do like the look of it, but I don't like the gap it creates between the case/lugs. I'm thinking I could go with a curved ended strap to give it a more fitted look, but am wondering if curved ends are all the same or are they different curve diameters and will possibly not fit right. I know @Jesse Alonzo and @William Feldtmose have the same watch. And of course our strap guru @David Denham Jr may have some advice.

By my calculation, this wasn't supposed to happen til late March/early April. Somehow due to the concentrated efforts of numerous colleagues and special connections, and the final "like" by @Warren Money and @James Milson I just crossed the threshold into the hallowed halls of Level 9. I am truly humbled. This Community has been a significant ingredient in my healing journey from Stage III breast cancer, as many of you know. While I won't make this a Golden Globe speech, there are many folks I do want to call out (and I know I will unfortunately miss a few of you) who have meant so much to me. First - I'd like to send a gift card for carpal tunnel treatment to @James Milson , @Warren Money , and @Jeffrey Plotka . Looking through my activity, it definitely appears you all added like 1,000+ counts in the last few days! I mean what the heck dudes?! B. To the WIPS team and targets: You know who you are. The banter, exchanges and back/forth were so energizing, entertaining and uplifting for me (especially following treatments). Thank you so much. III. @Chad Smith, @Robert Meyers , @DeJuan McGuire , @Warren Money , @Brett Sutton - thank you so much for the guidance, nudging, and sharing of new and interesting brands which drew me in (dropped me into rabbit holes). Monterey, Spinnaker and Erebus have been so instrumental in my horological learning. 4. @Gunny Khan your Daily Motivations, continual words of encouragement and support provide such a welcome air of calm which I look forward to everyday. Next: @Sean Kavanaugh , @William Feldtmose (LT), @G R , @Anthony Buntyn , @Darren Poesel , @Gene Berlin ("enjoy"), @Russell Weber, and @Chris Turton - I always looked forward to seeing your next share and picking up a new brand to explore. You all were right in the top ten to share a positive comment in one of my shares.

Just going through some watches worn this past year I haven’t posted here yet along with some of my favorites from this past year