Days 18-20 of 30-day challenge · Watch Lover

Days 18-20 of 30-day challenge

Traveled to University of Arkansas to visit my youngest son who graduates this year. Caught a couple of baseball games and a Brewfest.

Boy! They do take their sports and their drinking seriously down there.

Saturday, I wore a Christopher Ward collaboration. A friend of mine, retired military, was looking to buy a new home and needed money for the down payment. He sold me his

Christopher Ward Bespoke watch created for the Sketchy Boyz Watch Club (SBWC) (with a promise to be 1st buyer if I ever sold it).

The central insignia features a skull wearing a beret with a spade symbol, set against a background of repeating "twin flags" (the current Christopher Ward logo). This specific engraving is part of a custom collaboration between the watch manufacturer and the SBWC group. That caseback is wicked.9

Key Details of this Watch

Collection: Christopher Ward Bespoke.
Base Model: This collaboration typically uses the C60 Trident Pro 300 as its foundation.

Design Elements:

Case Back: Features a stamped/engraved skull and spade logo with the text "Stay Sketchy" at the top.
Insignia: The skull and spade motif is the hallmark of the Sketchy Boyz Watch Club, a group of enthusiasts who often design tactical-leaning bespoke pieces.

Exclusivity: Christopher Ward's Bespoke program allows groups of around 25–40 people to design unique watches that are not sold to the general public.
Technical Specs (Base Model): Typically features a 316L stainless steel case, water resistance up to 300m, and is powered by a Swiss-made automatic movement.

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Sunday #19 - the Monta Oceanking, a professional-grade dive watch from the St. Louis-based microbrand, Monta. This specific model is the second generation (V2), distinguished by its refined proportions and thinner 11.9mm case compared to the original version.

Key Specifications

Case: 40mm to 40.7mm 316L stainless steel with a screw-down crown and guards.
Movement: Traditionally utilizes a Swiss automatic Sellita SW300 movement, often regulated to chronometer specifications.
Water Resistance: Rated for 304 meters (1000 feet).
Bezel: Features a patented 60-minute ceramic bezel insert designed to prevent misalignment.
Dial: Deep lacquered black with a date window positioned at 6 o'clock and applied hour indices with Swiss Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility.

Notable Features

Quick-Adjust Clasp: The watch is highly regarded for its articulating bracelet and a "game-changing" micro-adjustment glide clasp system.
Design Influence: Reviewers often compare its aesthetics and build quality to luxury divers like the Rolex Submariner or Tudor Black Bay 58, but at a more accessible price point.

I learned about Monta from

@Antonio Centeno

early on when I joined and was intrigued to learn they were here in St. Louis. I've been watching for one to come up on my watchlist on Chrono24 at my wishlist price. Got the notice in January.

This was another intriguing caseback design to add to the collection.

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Blue Dial Monday- Day 20

Chrono Sardinia by Waldor & Co.. It features a distinctive blue sunray dial and a stainless steel mesh (Milanese) strap.

Key Features

Design: Inspired by the waters of Sardinia, it features a navy blue brass dial that shifts tone with the light.
Movement: It is powered by a Seiko VK64 mechanical-quartz hybrid (mechaquartz) movement, which combines the accuracy of quartz with the feel of a mechanical chronograph.
Materials: The watch uses sapphire crystal glass, which is highly resistant to scratches and abrasions.

Totally love the sunburst and the mesh bracelet. With the Seiko motor under the hood, this punches above its price point.

Have a great start to your week.

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