I went on a 7 day vacation recently to SF and took about a month trying to figure out which watches to bring. Picking clothes was easier. Settled on the watches I knew were staying with me long term and wanted to make more memories with. Brought 3 and enjoyed each day with them ... and photos weren't bad either lol. My recommendation think of what stays in your collection and then which ones you want to add the memories too. Can't go wrong with your choices. You have an awesome collection, and I wish you much fun and memory making on the vacation.
I only vacation with quartz watches typically for 2 reasons: 1) I tend to be busy on vacation and I’m not always wearing a watch, so I don’t have to worry about my automatics winding down. 2) I don’t have to worry about my autos being damaged, magnetized or stolen while travelling. I would bring autos depending on the trip but wouldn’t bring anything other than affordables that could easily be replaced if damaged or stolen.
Good to know that I'm not the only one who over-thinks this stuff. I'd take the Garmin and the Kamasu. I think the Kamasu is dressy enough to do double-duty for casual and dress. And yes, theft would be a concern of mine, so I wouldn't want to bring the more expensive pieces.
Would bring a bronze watch and let it Patina. Would serve as a memory time piece during the cruise. Took it when we went down to Key West and I’m always checking it out reliving the memories.
Arnie and Orient Star would be my choices. Arnie: I've taken an expensive diver to the beach and regretted it later. I spent some time after getting home scrubbing sand out of nooks and crannies (especially the adjustable slide clasp). I wouldn't want to be doing that with my Seiko Glacier MM. The Garmin would be worn for exercise, primarily. The Arnie would be in it's element both on the beach and in the water. Orient Star: It's just a beautiful watch, just that simple.
If you're planning on relaxing and not working, I'd say take your most beloved ones to create more good memories around them. I personally would take the Seiko Arnie and the Zelos Comet... A no-nonsense watch (to not worry about anything), and a good looking but still casual dress watch. However, since you already are carrying your GPS watch, I'll change the Arnie for any other diver.
On my last trip, I really liked having my Vostok Amphibia along. It's not an expensive watch, and it has a very rugged and reliable feel to the movement. Plus the Scuba Dude reminded me that I was on the trip to see some new and surprising things, probably much like an underwater dive would feel to a Scuba Dude.
For what it’s worth, when I travel I consider theft/loss/damage risks so I usually take my Kamasu (red dial) on a bracelet and my Alpinist (SARB017) with several NATO-style straps. Both watches are capable in any excursion or activity environment and can do well at dinner. For a more formal dinner I put the Alpinist on a thin leather strap that is just dressy and short enough that there is no excess to tuck into the keeper. I’d recommend NOT wearing a Vostok while trapped on a ship with a bunch of strangers given current international events. Have a great time!
Overthinking what to take on vacation is a big part of the fun. I enjoy making it even more complicated by trying to figure out what straps too take, too.
Hey Shane, If you really only want to choose 2, I would go with the CW GMT and the Orient Star. The black and whit provide a contrast but also the versatility to go with any colour combination that you might be wearing. On the colour theme, an alternative would be to go with a more colourful dress watch. In this case I would go with the Mandala - with a cool strap choice to dress up the CW GMT as a back up dress watch.
What you said about the Christopher Ward C63 GMT ("better looking than a Rolex") is true and it's one of the biggest compliments you can give a watch. And I like the Zelos Comet better than the Mandala. Don't like the crown guards on the latter. The Casio Oceanus is also an great choice for a travel watch.
Hi Shane, you're going to the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean. You have to take at least one blue watch. The Seiko Glacier MM reduced would look perfect but I wouldn't risk it due to the value. I'd take the Antarctica Monster for the diver and either the Khaki King or Orient Star for the dressier. Leaving behind the Mandala singer you don't want two blue watches. Happy sailing!
I'd take the CW C63 GMT, and the Garmin. The CW with a leather strap is as close to a dress watch as most of the ones you listed, and it has a QR bracelet.
I am currently working out of town on a 3-day project and I brought 4 watches...lol. BUT, I am beginning to think it is normal for watch collectors to over think these types of things. I don't put much weight into NOT wanting to bring an expensive watch, or at least no more than any other local outing. Most likely you will not break or lose one, and most likely a 50m watch will work just fine for snorkeling and swimming. I usually just end up grabbing and throwing them into my travel case as I can never definitively decide
I wouldn’t take an expensive diver in the ocean and get micro scratches from the sand. That is probably the wrong attitude to take towards well-made dive watches but that’s me. I’d probably go with the Kamasu for your tool watch and something nice for dinner
Bring less shoes/clothes and more watches. If you're near salt water you need bronze for some patina fun! So: Abyss, ward, ARNIE, comet, and mojito. No contest. 💪 (two is impossible unless it's a two night cruise!) Bon voyage!
One word: Seiko. Take the Arnie and the Mojito or Alpinist. Took my Arnie to Hawaii for swimming/snorkeling and it was awesome. My "dress" watch was the Citizen BL5250-02L. Nothing wrong with rocking an all-purpose watch and dressing it up.
Overthinking things is half the fun of Watch enthusiasm. I always take my BB36 for evenings, and a beater like the SWC bunker for rough and tumble. Although the BB36 does the rough and tumble very well and I’ve done a lot of river adventuring with mine.
There are real problems and other problems... I took my Seiko Antartic Monster, my Yema Ralleygraph and Casio AE1200 with me 😀 The piguin is a great looking summer watch and doesn't hurt that much when scratched. The Yema versatile with it's chrono and small diameter for a dressy look. The Casio used for jogging and dual time zone. Enjoy your vacation.🚢☀️⌚
Casio duro on a Seiko rubber strap when I'm off the boat, or doing excursions. Has always works Best for me due to the dusk/dirt/sun block & Sand you encounter when out and about on a cruise 😎
Since we were in the middle of COOF travel issues, I decided to go budget on our 10 day trip two years ago. I took only one watch. A white dialed G-Shock GA-2100 with a rubber strap and steel bezel. Worked out great.
Have a great trip! I'd choose the C63 GMT - and I speak from experience. Great watch! Take a couple of extra straps in addition to the bracelet. Perfection! (and psssst .... new thinner CW C60 coming out on Thursday 8/25!)
So many good choices does make it tricky. I’d focus on comfort and colour. I think I’d pick the flame orange Zelos and the Hammy. You will lose track of the days, so a day date might help with that!
Take the vostok and the hamilton, use vostok for pool and for explore destinations, use the Hamilton for everything else just take with you 1 NATo and 1 Silicon for the vostok, and 1 steel bracelet and 1 elegant leather strap for the Hamilton
I’d go with that Sealander & the Hamilton. You sold me on that quick-adjust bracelet! Also, as I was watching this, my wife was listening & started giggling. She then said something about “all of us being the same” as she walked out of the room. Clearly she has no idea about these hard decisions we must make.
I'd go with the Nodus & the Orient Star. The Nodus is an elegant GADA while on vacation and the Orient Star will look great at dinner. So many good choices.
Shane, my suggestion is the Seiko MM 200 for a Tool/diving situations and the Seiko Alpinist for a dressier watch. This one is so elegant and versatile, that I think this is the best combination. Have a great trip!!
So...I travel abroad quite a bit. I'll tell you this. There are two brands that I ALWAYS travel with. Casio and Citizen. I have luxury brand watches, mid tier watches, but I only take those two brands , for the most part. Here's my contention: They're inexpensive and they are GREAT watches for the money. But if I break them or if they get stolen... No great tragedy. What I have learned from traveling to other countries. NO ONE CARES how expensive or nice your watch is ....... except for THIEVES. I went to Colombia recently. Took my Casio Duro, Steeldive Willard, and a very generic ( but nice looking) Citizen Chrono. The three cost a combined 375.00 bucks. I had my bases covered while I was there.😊😉👍
I was actually thinking a little about that last night. That while I know the Glacer Seiko is pricey, would thieves? Or would they just see "Seiko" and not care? Whereas I was thinking that the Christopher Ward could get mistaken as a Explorer 2 by someone at a distance. That said, a cruise is pretty controlled and secure. Even most of the ports shouldn't be too bad. Key West, and a couple in the Bahamas. At least compared to other places in the Caribbean and Central America. A few years before getting into watches I went down to Honduras. If I was ever to do that again, I'd probably just stick to my Casio Royale.
@@RelativeTime The other thing I would say is maybe you take something rugged with at least 100m waterproofing and bring some NATO straps. As us watch collectors know, it can drastically change the look of a piece. I did that with my Casio Duro ( blue face) in Colombia with great success. I had my Steeldive on a leather strap for mountain hikes and other adventures. Used my steel bracelet Citizen Chrono for nightlife and dinner. Hope this helps.😉👍🏼
If the Garmin is a must then a gada & diver should have you covered hence the Mandala & a budget diver that'll take the rigours of sand, sea & occasional dings that won't hurt the balance and gains its stripes whilst being nice enough to dress up/down so the Kamasu takes that slot (& that razor bracelet is killer btw).
I worry about watches travelling. But a cruise is a pretty controlled environment, so I wouldn't worry in that case. So long as everything is 100m and better. That's my two cents. I was going to take a cruise to the carribean last year but cancelled due to covid spikes. I was going to take the Aquatico Dolphin in that tiff blue.
OMG Shane! Definitly too many watches to choose from. I personally would go for a good looking Quarz as a beater and a GADA watch for the evening. I never bring my best watches with me on a trip but enjoy them when I come back...
I’m having the same dilemma for a post Labor Day trip to The Oregon Coast. We’re kind of thinking along similar tracks. My G-Shock will be along for travel on public transportation. I’m leaning toward my Pagani Design PD-1685 NTTD homage and my Rolex Explorer 2. There’s room on the watch roll but I think my wife will be wanting a spot. Be sure to let us know what you finally select.
I Go visit my parents in the exumas every year. Bring one of two watches every year. Either a Rolex yachtmaster or a doxa sub 300 searambler. Both monochromatic dive watches. Sure if I needed a dress watch it would be a different story, but I find my yachtmaster being my daily do it all watch for 8-10 years now, but the doxa is slowly taking its place. Both have been spear fishing and free diving with me many times and both do the job well
I'd go with the Second Hour Mandala or the Kamasu .. make a memory. They aren't TOO expensive ... but I'd always take my watches in carry on. I also like a GMT but are you really going to use the GMT function? If not pass for another. Dress: Hamilton - the Mandala can double as a second one. So 3-4 watches including your Garmin.
I'll have to check the time zones for the ports we go to. The ship should stay on home port time, which is my normal time anyway. So GMT may not be as useful as I thought.
@@RelativeTime... I thought I would use my Citizen Promaster Ecodrive GMT world time more in Europe than I actually did also. Still if you are in another time zone (or working on vacation ... I know an oxymoron) it is fun and/or useful to have.
@@RelativeTime... I just love the look of the Zelos Spearfish too ... I would be VERY tempted to take that as well (or the bronze Zelos Abyss 3 I saw earlier in the video). Also does the Garmin do Worldtime? That could also fill the GMT niche.
@@karlsenula9495 I'll have to check. It's not one of it's regular features. Yet since it's GPS, it might just update itself automatically on where it is.
Watches with black or white dials are conservative enough to match with almost any clothing combinations. If you choose to take a watch with a colorful dial, then you will need to choose clothing to match. In other words, chose a watch to match your clothes, not clothes to match the watch.
Lovely collection candidates to choose from! I agree, it's a hard task to choose anyway :-) But it's also quite practical to take traveling more time pieces from number of reasons. One for all, your favorite watch completely stop (broken, battery etc.) Also if you take another one for sport, then there is another little issue. And it is to wear it double for sure. means 1 tool diver altogether with smart watch/tracker. In one hand, or left plus right hand. I have Garmin Fenix 7X for activity tracking, maps, GPS, Garmin pay, etc.., and sometimes wear double on hike. But normally, I prefer to wear one watch only at the time. In my last vacation I chose the beater, G-Shock GW-5000U. Light, easy, survival killa. And Garmin of course. But this does not mean to leave some masterpieces at home to save them. Watches like, Rolex, Seiko Marinemaster, Breitling etc.. (I do not have these category yet anyway) Some people wants definitely achieve cool picture on top of the mountain with their cool watch. Why not. thanks & cheers
I definitely leave my nicer watches at home when traveling. Want to limit damage if luggage gets lost or I leave something on the plane/hotel room. If I need a dress watch, it's one of my Orient Bambinos and an extra strap, if needed. I take a Casio Royale or a Blackout model as the casual watch.
Im going to a cruise for Europe and for sure I will take with me the Orient Star Standard, I have exactly the same you have, is just so beautiful, for the fancy dinner would be awesome but at the se time is 100m water resistant, so is just perfect
When I travel, I always use the watches that sit more in the watch box. I get to use a watch I never wear and if it get stolen or lost it isnt as big as a deal as my daily drivers.
Part of it comes down to whether or not you'll be leaving the ship, no? I'm inclined to go on the cheaper/less attached side for trips most of the time, since I'm more paranoid about theft/accidents. But it is fun to make memories wearing your favorite pieces. I guess there's a middle ground in there somewhere. All great selections and excited to see the full-on SOTC when it happens!
There are 4 stops during the cruise, nothing too crazy or dangerous. I think one is Key West, one is the Cruise lines own private party island, and the other two are in the Bahamas. Each one we have some excurison planned, so that might help my decision as well.
Personally possessing most of the watches you set forth to brining, I'd gladly take the San Martin - never owned one but the one you have seems stylish enough and not "precious" enough to care about... Provided, I'd be too worried bringing my Explorer 36mm :-D
Hey Shane, great video! My vote is for the mandala and CW combo. In your video around the 3:45 mark, I see a spring bar tool. I'm wondering which one it is and how you like it? I've been hesitant to buy one off of eBay or Amazon that is not a Bergeon, but maybe I shouldn't worry so much. Wondering your thoughts on how you like the one you own?
Even though the seiko glacier is friggin beautiful, I’d take the Kamasu. Still a great diver with an awesome dial, but not nearly as expensive (in case it gets damaged or you lose it). For your dress watch, I’d go with the Ward GMT or the Orient Star…. Although I’m leaning towards the Ward GMT in this case.
Hi Shane. I have watched and enjoyed your content for quite a while. For dress, I would go with the Orient star standard. Speaking of which, do you have the Orient star Diver in your collection still? I think it would be a good choice.
If you're not actually diving and don't need a pure diver, maybe something more versatile. You have an Axios Pathfinder, right? 200m of water resistance on a watch with an interesting face that could be field watch or even slightly dressy. I love mine.
Yeah I took 6 watches for three weeks in Europe. Citizen Promaster Ecodrive Worldtime GMT - blue dial Orient Kamasu - red dial San Martin SN039 - blue dial Seestern 300t homage - orange Rdunae Compressor- green Lorus Lumibrite In hindsight too many they took up too much space and (including 2 watch rolls) too much weight. 3 would have been sufficient.
P.S. the trio I brought ... tsaobaltimore legacy green dial, nodus avalon 2 and formex essence, are now nicknamed my vacation watches. Corny I know. Enjoy!!!
@@RelativeTime it's among my favorite watches ever on my wrist. Easy to read and keeps very time. It is slightly case heavy but not overbearing. I love the dial, May be my favorite feature on the watch. Very few nick pick concerns but I'd get another for sure.
Take this video with you, you'll have them all !!! Easy peasy! 😋 Or grab a small suitcase put them all in and let your wife wonder why you carry that all the time with you, sleep on that (😜), carry that like it's your "precious"... Joke aside, nice trick to tease us with your collection Shane 😎. Your mind is up, you did your choises, that's that. I don't totally agree (as i'm Greek... 🤪), what seems bit weird though is that your only digital is a smartwatch... Have a great time mate, enjoy the trip! Cheers.
Well there is a safe in the cabin... I could just fill it up. Or I can leave room and grab something bring home. I don't really consider the Garmin a smartwatch. it has some features, like notifications, but I actually turned most of that off. It's more of a fitness / running watch and much more self sufficent then a smartwatch. Which is why I got it. Keep track of distance / HR / SP02, all that stuff while running. I don't really need it, but having something new and fun to play with encourages me to get out and run. Otherwise it's more like the perfect G-shock in my mind. All the features I want casio to put into a watch, that they never did. They made the G-shock move, which I have still, but this is so much better and useful then that.
@@RelativeTime Then i'd like to see the review of that on your return (if you're willing to of course). As for the safe, yeah, better leave some space for an "unexpected" 😉buy on the trip... or two! 😅 "And as always... enjoy!" 🎵[Chef John - Food Wishes (channel)]
I never bring expensive watches on vacay. Just some good tool watch... Preferably a GMT too. For a diver: a Helm.. most likely I'll end up with my Casio 5600.. However, since you're going on a cruise, I wouldn't worry to much about stuff. Let's face it: a cruise is not exactly an action packed adventure...
A cruise is a pretty controlled environment, and most of our stops are in the Bahamas. So nothing too sketchy. So I probably shouldn't worry about it too much.
I've had a similar problem few weeks ago. I didn't want to bring too many watches for my vacation so I decided for one diver and one dress watch similarly to your strategy. I decided for Seiko MM300 and Ginza Alpinist. And finally Seiko Solar Tuna also sneaked into my baggage 😀
Great preview Shane , and so many fantastic watches to choose from , personally if it was my choice I love the C63 so that would be going and probably go with the Orient Star as my dresser watch , but whatever you choose have a fantastic vacation in the Caribbean
I understand what you're going through, I have a wedding in October and will be out of town for several day's . I figured I'd take 3 and wear 1 but which one's.
Was hoping to see the Vaer D5 Tropic in the mix. Such a classy diver that has a somewhat unique dial, based of course on JLC Deep Sea Alarm. Unique in that you won't see someone else with something similar. I'm currently wearing mine on their new jubilee bracelet. The Zelos or CW GMT would be a good choice no doubt.
That's true. I still have the Vaer D5. It's a fun one, but I didn't want to go over everything I have yet. Vaer's new GMT looks pretty nice too. I wonder if they are going to try and do anything with the new Seiko GMT movement?
@@RelativeTime That would be killer for their American Assembly line of watches. I'd love to see the Miyota 9075 true gmt movement in some microbrands coming soon. I know it'd be more of a premium for those, but I'd pay if they can squeeze it under $1000.
Always tough to pick watches for traveling. I usually only bring one and try to keep at under $1K. With regards to your to options, go with the Seiko and Hamilton. Have fun on vacation!
The tool is definitely very open, my pick would be the zelos GMT. As for the dress: Let's be realist , there's no way the Hamilton isn't gonna be the pick.
Anymore nowadays I just try to figure out which one watch I can do everything with on a vacation because I don’t want to carry extra watches I’m afraid I might forget one leave one lose one etc. that’s why it’s always on my wrist
@@RelativeTime if I bring more than one it's usually my G-Shock and something else I don't want to have a lot because sometimes I'll forget what I brought with me and I'm looking for a watch I left home LOL and added bonus it gives me an excuse to buy another one while I'm on vacation
I genuinely dislike the idea of bringing too many watches during a vacation. An overall tough watch should be good enough. many divers can be used as dress watches, but I personally prefer one watch on your wrist to avoid the displeasure of losing or robbery. Remember, vacations with outdoor activities are good opportunities to add "memorable scratches" to your watches. Thus, bringing a relatively high-end diver or sports watch which has not seen the light out of your office is a better choice.
Great video, Shane! Hope you have a great time! Despite me being a huge Zelos addict, I must say... I'd probably take the CW GMT and the Oceanus. You likely would still have enough WR with them to do any of the water activities you want to do, plus you'd get the added benefits of the functionality that the Seiko diver doesn't offer (even though I must admit, that light blue dial is stunning and might be worth taking solely because it'll look great in the sunlight). Just my .02 cents. With your awesome collection, you really can't go wrong no matter what you go with.
...a ProTrek that's more on the field watch side of things (e.g. PRW-50, PRW-6600Y series), and a Seiko Presage Sharp Edge GMT. Yes this is me telling you to get two new watches for the trip LOLJK. Srsly though; I love the ProTrek because it's not a chonky mofo like some of the GShocks*, they have actual seconds hands for that all-analog look, and an ABC sensor suite together with sufficient ruggedness (you're not going down 200m, no need for a dive watch, right?) in case shit totally hits the fan and you have to navigate towards survival. The Sharp Edge GMT straddles the dress and sports use cases nicely, has a true GMT, and let's be honest, that dial is chefs-kiss.gif. The only downside is that piddly 40-ish hour power reserve, but hey, we eat dinner on the daily, so you'd wear that at least a few hours each day, right? Full disclosure - I have both watches. I love them to bits to the point my other watches in my paltry collection are not getting enough wrist time. That will only change once Seiko releases new, more interesting dials for the 5KX GMT, or even release a DressKX GMT version. * Casio just released full-metal CasioOaks. Now THOSE are beauts, especially if you have a soft spot for the classic GShock silhouette. I'd definitely get one once I get over my weird obsession about having a seconds hand.
I always quite enjoy this, trying to figure out what would suit what event (meal, day trip, pool etc). It’s one of those great watch geek moments, as it brings us great joy … but anyone else around us would be bothered :-)
Christoper Ward with the Garmin. Perfect Cruise pair.
Great video Shane. I was cracking up because only a watch person would really understand this dilemma... Great collection.
Exactly. If I talked to anyone else about this, they would just think I was crazy.
@@RelativeTime Got the same issues next week
I went on a 7 day vacation recently to SF and took about a month trying to figure out which watches to bring. Picking clothes was easier. Settled on the watches I knew were staying with me long term and wanted to make more memories with. Brought 3 and enjoyed each day with them ... and photos weren't bad either lol. My recommendation think of what stays in your collection and then which ones you want to add the memories too. Can't go wrong with your choices. You have an awesome collection, and I wish you much fun and memory making on the vacation.
I only vacation with quartz watches typically for 2 reasons: 1) I tend to be busy on vacation and I’m not always wearing a watch, so I don’t have to worry about my automatics winding down. 2) I don’t have to worry about my autos being damaged, magnetized or stolen while travelling. I would bring autos depending on the trip but wouldn’t bring anything other than affordables that could easily be replaced if damaged or stolen.
Good to know that I'm not the only one who over-thinks this stuff. I'd take the Garmin and the Kamasu. I think the Kamasu is dressy enough to do double-duty for casual and dress. And yes, theft would be a concern of mine, so I wouldn't want to bring the more expensive pieces.
Would bring a bronze watch and let it Patina. Would serve as a memory time piece during the cruise. Took it when we went down to Key West and I’m always checking it out reliving the memories.
Bronze cases are sooo tempting, and the patina!!!!!
+1 for Seiko Glacial MM200 and Hamilton khaki king
Arnie and Orient Star would be my choices.
Arnie: I've taken an expensive diver to the beach and regretted it later. I spent some time after getting home scrubbing sand out of nooks and crannies (especially the adjustable slide clasp). I wouldn't want to be doing that with my Seiko Glacier MM. The Garmin would be worn for exercise, primarily. The Arnie would be in it's element both on the beach and in the water.
Orient Star: It's just a beautiful watch, just that simple.
If you're planning on relaxing and not working, I'd say take your most beloved ones to create more good memories around them.
I personally would take the Seiko Arnie and the Zelos Comet... A no-nonsense watch (to not worry about anything), and a good looking but still casual dress watch. However, since you already are carrying your GPS watch, I'll change the Arnie for any other diver.
On my last trip, I really liked having my Vostok Amphibia along. It's not an expensive watch, and it has a very rugged and reliable feel to the movement. Plus the Scuba Dude reminded me that I was on the trip to see some new and surprising things, probably much like an underwater dive would feel to a Scuba Dude.
For what it’s worth, when I travel I consider theft/loss/damage risks so I usually take my Kamasu (red dial) on a bracelet and my Alpinist (SARB017) with several NATO-style straps. Both watches are capable in any excursion or activity environment and can do well at dinner. For a more formal dinner I put the Alpinist on a thin leather strap that is just dressy and short enough that there is no excess to tuck into the keeper. I’d recommend NOT wearing a Vostok while trapped on a ship with a bunch of strangers given current international events. Have a great time!
Overthinking what to take on vacation is a big part of the fun. I enjoy making it even more complicated by trying to figure out what straps too take, too.
Hey Shane, If you really only want to choose 2, I would go with the CW GMT and the Orient Star. The black and whit provide a contrast but also the versatility to go with any colour combination that you might be wearing. On the colour theme, an alternative would be to go with a more colourful dress watch. In this case I would go with the Mandala - with a cool strap choice to dress up the CW GMT as a back up dress watch.
You are blessed to have that kind of problem. Another hard question is how many pinacoladas you will have on the beach.
What you said about the Christopher Ward C63 GMT ("better looking than a Rolex") is true and it's one of the biggest compliments you can give a watch. And I like the Zelos Comet better than the Mandala. Don't like the crown guards on the latter. The Casio Oceanus is also an great choice for a travel watch.
Hi Shane, you're going to the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean. You have to take at least one blue watch. The Seiko Glacier MM reduced would look perfect but I wouldn't risk it due to the value. I'd take the Antarctica Monster for the diver and either the Khaki King or Orient Star for the dressier. Leaving behind the Mandala singer you don't want two blue watches. Happy sailing!
That is true, I need at least one blue. I always seem to take the khaki king with me, so it will probably be a blue diver.
I'd take the CW C63 GMT, and the Garmin. The CW with a leather strap is as close to a dress watch as most of the ones you listed, and it has a QR bracelet.
I think both the Zelos or the C.Ward wpuld fit properly snorkeling or dining at the captain's table.
I am currently working out of town on a 3-day project and I brought 4 watches...lol. BUT, I am beginning to think it is normal for watch collectors to over think these types of things. I don't put much weight into NOT wanting to bring an expensive watch, or at least no more than any other local outing. Most likely you will not break or lose one, and most likely a 50m watch will work just fine for snorkeling and swimming. I usually just end up grabbing and throwing them into my travel case as I can never definitively decide
I wouldn’t take an expensive diver in the ocean and get micro scratches from the sand. That is probably the wrong attitude to take towards well-made dive watches but that’s me. I’d probably go with the Kamasu for your tool watch and something nice for dinner
When it comes to travel, I chose items that I can shrug off (or not cry too much over) if lost, damaged or stolen. Have a great time!
Bring less shoes/clothes and more watches. If you're near salt water you need bronze for some patina fun! So: Abyss, ward, ARNIE, comet, and mojito. No contest. 💪 (two is impossible unless it's a two night cruise!) Bon voyage!
One word: Seiko. Take the Arnie and the Mojito or Alpinist.
Took my Arnie to Hawaii for swimming/snorkeling and it was awesome. My "dress" watch was the Citizen BL5250-02L. Nothing wrong with rocking an all-purpose watch and dressing it up.
Definitely the Orient Star and the Seiko Marine Master 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
Overthinking things is half the fun of Watch enthusiasm. I always take my BB36 for evenings, and a beater like the SWC bunker for rough and tumble. Although the BB36 does the rough and tumble very well and I’ve done a lot of river adventuring with mine.
White water rafting?
There are real problems and other problems... I took my Seiko Antartic Monster, my Yema Ralleygraph and Casio AE1200 with me 😀
The piguin is a great looking summer watch and doesn't hurt that much when scratched. The Yema versatile with it's chrono and small diameter for a dressy look. The Casio used for jogging and dual time zone.
Enjoy your vacation.🚢☀️⌚
Casio duro on a Seiko rubber strap when I'm off the boat, or doing excursions. Has always works Best for me due to the dusk/dirt/sun block & Sand you encounter when out and about on a cruise 😎
Since we were in the middle of COOF travel issues, I decided to go budget on our 10 day trip two years ago. I took only one watch. A white dialed G-Shock GA-2100 with a rubber strap and steel bezel. Worked out great.
I recommend one option with a timing bezel. Really useful when i have to wait for a restaurant reservation or something else
Have a great trip! I'd choose the C63 GMT - and I speak from experience. Great watch! Take a couple of extra straps in addition to the bracelet. Perfection! (and psssst .... new thinner CW C60 coming out on Thursday 8/25!)
So many good choices does make it tricky. I’d focus on comfort and colour. I think I’d pick the flame orange Zelos and the Hammy. You will lose track of the days, so a day date might help with that!
Take the vostok and the hamilton, use vostok for pool and for explore destinations, use the Hamilton for everything else just take with you 1 NATo and 1 Silicon for the vostok, and 1 steel bracelet and 1 elegant leather strap for the Hamilton
I’d go with that Sealander & the Hamilton. You sold me on that quick-adjust bracelet!
Also, as I was watching this, my wife was listening & started giggling. She then said something about “all of us being the same” as she walked out of the room. Clearly she has no idea about these hard decisions we must make.
For vacation, I only bring one watch, a G-Shock 5610
Personally, I would probably opt for a low cost/throw away (Vostok) and a nicer dress watch. Just my opinion.
I would say just throw that CW on a bracelet and it will work for everything.
Just go with the ones you want to make memories with on this trip and let that ride out and you can just enjoy your trip
Seiko Glacier and the CW .... just like you picked. The CW can be the more formal.
Diver, I'd go with that Seiko. Dress, probably the Khaki King (I am biased though, as the Khaki Auto is likely my next big watch purchase).
I'd go with the Nodus & the Orient Star. The Nodus is an elegant GADA while on vacation and the Orient Star will look great at dinner. So many good choices.
C63 and the Arnie - sorted !
What a conundrum 🏝️🚢🥥🌴🍹✌️
Shane, my suggestion is the Seiko MM 200 for a Tool/diving situations and the Seiko Alpinist for a dressier watch. This one is so elegant and versatile, that I think this is the best combination. Have a great trip!!
Hm. I don't think it really matters, but I would go with the C63 and the Mandala. The C63 is the perfect summer sun watch.
Have a great trip Shane, i think the Seiko would match the water best.
So...I travel abroad quite a bit. I'll tell you this. There are two brands that I ALWAYS travel with. Casio and Citizen. I have luxury brand watches, mid tier watches, but I only take those two brands , for the most part. Here's my contention: They're inexpensive and they are GREAT watches for the money. But if I break them or if they get stolen... No great tragedy. What I have learned from traveling to other countries. NO ONE CARES how expensive or nice your watch is ....... except for THIEVES. I went to Colombia recently. Took my Casio Duro, Steeldive Willard, and a very generic ( but nice looking) Citizen Chrono. The three cost a combined 375.00 bucks. I had my bases covered while I was there.😊😉👍
I was actually thinking a little about that last night. That while I know the Glacer Seiko is pricey, would thieves? Or would they just see "Seiko" and not care? Whereas I was thinking that the Christopher Ward could get mistaken as a Explorer 2 by someone at a distance.
That said, a cruise is pretty controlled and secure. Even most of the ports shouldn't be too bad. Key West, and a couple in the Bahamas. At least compared to other places in the Caribbean and Central America. A few years before getting into watches I went down to Honduras. If I was ever to do that again, I'd probably just stick to my Casio Royale.
@@RelativeTime The other thing I would say is maybe you take something rugged with at least 100m waterproofing and bring some NATO straps. As us watch collectors know, it can drastically change the look of a piece. I did that with my Casio Duro ( blue face) in Colombia with great success. I had my Steeldive on a leather strap for mountain hikes and other adventures. Used my steel bracelet Citizen Chrono for nightlife and dinner. Hope this helps.😉👍🏼
Absolutely agree, here.
If the Garmin is a must then a gada & diver should have you covered hence the Mandala & a budget diver that'll take the rigours of sand, sea & occasional dings that won't hurt the balance and gains its stripes whilst being nice enough to dress up/down so the Kamasu takes that slot (& that razor bracelet is killer btw).
The Hamilton and the blue dial Seiko
I worry about watches travelling. But a cruise is a pretty controlled environment, so I wouldn't worry in that case. So long as everything is 100m and better. That's my two cents. I was going to take a cruise to the carribean last year but cancelled due to covid spikes. I was going to take the Aquatico Dolphin in that tiff blue.
My 2 cents ..the Seiko Arnie ,and the Zelos Comet.
I would pick the CW C63 GMT and the Seiko Presage Cocktail
OMG Shane! Definitly too many watches to choose from. I personally would go for a good looking Quarz as a beater and a GADA watch for the evening. I never bring my best watches with me on a trip but enjoy them when I come back...
I’m having the same dilemma for a post Labor Day trip to The Oregon Coast. We’re kind of thinking along similar tracks. My G-Shock will be along for travel on public transportation. I’m leaning toward my Pagani Design PD-1685 NTTD homage and my Rolex Explorer 2. There’s room on the watch roll but I think my wife will be wanting a spot. Be sure to let us know what you finally select.
I Go visit my parents in the exumas every year. Bring one of two watches every year. Either a Rolex yachtmaster or a doxa sub 300 searambler. Both monochromatic dive watches. Sure if I needed a dress watch it would be a different story, but I find my yachtmaster being my daily do it all watch for 8-10 years now, but the doxa is slowly taking its place. Both have been spear fishing and free diving with me many times and both do the job well
Those are both amazing watches. Out of the two, which one do you think wears better?
I'd go with the Second Hour Mandala or the Kamasu .. make a memory. They aren't TOO expensive ... but I'd always take my watches in carry on.
I also like a GMT but are you really going to use the GMT function? If not pass for another.
Dress: Hamilton - the Mandala can double as a second one.
So 3-4 watches including your Garmin.
I'll have to check the time zones for the ports we go to. The ship should stay on home port time, which is my normal time anyway. So GMT may not be as useful as I thought.
@@RelativeTime... I thought I would use my Citizen Promaster Ecodrive GMT world time more in Europe than I actually did also. Still if you are in another time zone (or working on vacation ... I know an oxymoron) it is fun and/or useful to have.
@@RelativeTime... I just love the look of the Zelos Spearfish too ... I would be VERY tempted to take that as well (or the bronze Zelos Abyss 3 I saw earlier in the video).
Also does the Garmin do Worldtime? That could also fill the GMT niche.
@@karlsenula9495 I'll have to check. It's not one of it's regular features. Yet since it's GPS, it might just update itself automatically on where it is.
Glacier & mojito
Watches with black or white dials are conservative enough to match with almost any clothing combinations. If you choose to take a watch with a colorful dial, then you will need to choose clothing to match. In other words, chose a watch to match your clothes, not clothes to match the watch.
Lovely collection candidates to choose from!
I agree, it's a hard task to choose anyway :-)
But it's also quite practical to take traveling more time pieces from number of reasons. One for all, your favorite watch completely stop (broken, battery etc.)
Also if you take another one for sport, then there is another little issue. And it is to wear it double for sure. means 1 tool diver altogether with smart watch/tracker.
In one hand, or left plus right hand.
I have Garmin Fenix 7X for activity tracking, maps, GPS, Garmin pay, etc.., and sometimes wear double on hike. But normally, I prefer to wear one watch only at the time.
In my last vacation I chose the beater, G-Shock GW-5000U. Light, easy, survival killa. And Garmin of course.
But this does not mean to leave some masterpieces at home to save them.
Watches like, Rolex, Seiko Marinemaster, Breitling etc.. (I do not have these category yet anyway)
Some people wants definitely achieve cool picture on top of the mountain with their cool watch.
Why not.
thanks & cheers
I definitely leave my nicer watches at home when traveling. Want to limit damage if luggage gets lost or I leave something on the plane/hotel room. If I need a dress watch, it's one of my Orient Bambinos and an extra strap, if needed. I take a Casio Royale or a Blackout model as the casual watch.
Im going to a cruise for Europe and for sure I will take with me the Orient Star Standard, I have exactly the same you have, is just so beautiful, for the fancy dinner would be awesome but at the se time is 100m water resistant, so is just perfect
On vacation with the mm200 seiko sharp edge gmt and the G Shock 5600bc. I say the two seikos
Maybe Seiko & C63. GMT can be very usefull
That green Mojito dial is stunning!
Last cruise, I took my hammy. Same one as yours but on a crocodile strap.
C63 can do it all IMHO...sports/dress watch, thats also GMT? Nice.
Unfamiliar Vacation location: Casio. Vacations where I've been before: Citizen. Local Staycation: Seiko. Motorcycle Adventure vacation: Casio G-Shock.
When I travel, I always use the watches that sit more in the watch box. I get to use a watch I never wear and if it get stolen or lost it isnt as big as a deal as my daily drivers.
Part of it comes down to whether or not you'll be leaving the ship, no? I'm inclined to go on the cheaper/less attached side for trips most of the time, since I'm more paranoid about theft/accidents. But it is fun to make memories wearing your favorite pieces. I guess there's a middle ground in there somewhere. All great selections and excited to see the full-on SOTC when it happens!
There are 4 stops during the cruise, nothing too crazy or dangerous. I think one is Key West, one is the Cruise lines own private party island, and the other two are in the Bahamas. Each one we have some excurison planned, so that might help my decision as well.
Take your Arctic Monster 😸
Personally possessing most of the watches you set forth to brining, I'd gladly take the San Martin - never owned one but the one you have seems stylish enough and not "precious" enough to care about... Provided, I'd be too worried bringing my Explorer 36mm :-D
Hey Shane, great video! My vote is for the mandala and CW combo. In your video around the 3:45 mark, I see a spring bar tool. I'm wondering which one it is and how you like it? I've been hesitant to buy one off of eBay or Amazon that is not a Bergeon, but maybe I shouldn't worry so much. Wondering your thoughts on how you like the one you own?
Garmin and CW GMT with a bracelet and a strap will cover all possible cruise scenarios. IMHO, no need to take a third one.
Even though the seiko glacier is friggin beautiful, I’d take the Kamasu. Still a great diver with an awesome dial, but not nearly as expensive (in case it gets damaged or you lose it). For your dress watch, I’d go with the Ward GMT or the Orient Star…. Although I’m leaning towards the Ward GMT in this case.
Hi Shane. I have watched and enjoyed your content for quite a while. For dress, I would go with the Orient star standard. Speaking of which, do you have the Orient star Diver in your collection still? I think it would be a good choice.
I still do, love that one as well. That would be another good choice. I wish Orient would make a GMT version of it. That would be really cool.
Happy Holidays....
C63 & Mandala, plus the Casio Oceanus on the wrist..erm...that leaves another wrist naked, so...
If you're not actually diving and don't need a pure diver, maybe something more versatile. You have an Axios Pathfinder, right? 200m of water resistance on a watch with an interesting face that could be field watch or even slightly dressy. I love mine.
That's true. I have the salmon colored pathfinder too.
Yeah I took 6 watches for three weeks in Europe.
Citizen Promaster Ecodrive Worldtime GMT - blue dial
Orient Kamasu - red dial
San Martin SN039 - blue dial
Seestern 300t homage - orange
Rdunae Compressor- green
Lorus Lumibrite
In hindsight too many they took up too much space and (including 2 watch rolls) too much weight. 3 would have been sufficient.
P.S. the trio I brought ... tsaobaltimore legacy green dial, nodus avalon 2 and formex essence, are now nicknamed my vacation watches. Corny I know. Enjoy!!!
How is the Avalon 2? It looks really nice.
@@RelativeTime it's among my favorite watches ever on my wrist. Easy to read and keeps very time. It is slightly case heavy but not overbearing. I love the dial, May be my favorite feature on the watch. Very few nick pick concerns but I'd get another for sure.
Doood - you'll need to rethink this in the future. The real wrist aficionado decides on the watch first and then picks a suitable destination 😂!
😂 Very true!
@@RelativeTime Even better: Vacations without timekeeping 😊! Compliments to Mrs. Shane & have big fun, yo 👊!
Good luck with choosing. I have a hard time for a day trip. 😂
Take this video with you, you'll have them all !!! Easy peasy! 😋 Or grab a small suitcase put them all in and let your wife wonder why you carry that all the time with you, sleep on that (😜), carry that like it's your "precious"...
Joke aside, nice trick to tease us with your collection Shane 😎. Your mind is up, you did your choises, that's that. I don't totally agree (as i'm Greek... 🤪), what seems bit weird though is that your only digital is a smartwatch...
Have a great time mate, enjoy the trip! Cheers.
Well there is a safe in the cabin... I could just fill it up. Or I can leave room and grab something bring home.
I don't really consider the Garmin a smartwatch. it has some features, like notifications, but I actually turned most of that off.
It's more of a fitness / running watch and much more self sufficent then a smartwatch. Which is why I got it. Keep track of distance / HR / SP02, all that stuff while running. I don't really need it, but having something new and fun to play with encourages me to get out and run.
Otherwise it's more like the perfect G-shock in my mind. All the features I want casio to put into a watch, that they never did. They made the G-shock move, which I have still, but this is so much better and useful then that.
@@RelativeTime Then i'd like to see the review of that on your return (if you're willing to of course). As for the safe, yeah, better leave some space for an "unexpected" 😉buy on the trip... or two! 😅
"And as always... enjoy!" 🎵[Chef John - Food Wishes (channel)]
I never bring expensive watches on vacay. Just some good tool watch... Preferably a GMT too. For a diver: a Helm.. most likely I'll end up with my Casio 5600..
However, since you're going on a cruise, I wouldn't worry to much about stuff. Let's face it: a cruise is not exactly an action packed adventure...
A cruise is a pretty controlled environment, and most of our stops are in the Bahamas. So nothing too sketchy. So I probably shouldn't worry about it too much.
@@RelativeTime done a Caribbean cruise twice, once stopping also in Cozumel, Mexico. It's all good most likely...
Leaving my watches at home leaves me more worried for some reason 😀
I've had a similar problem few weeks ago. I didn't want to bring too many watches for my vacation so I decided for one diver and one dress watch similarly to your strategy. I decided for Seiko MM300 and Ginza Alpinist. And finally Seiko Solar Tuna also sneaked into my baggage 😀
The Ginza Alpinist looks amazing. I was thinking about getting one, but they seemed to sell out pretty quickly.
@@RelativeTime Yeah, I bought it few months ago and I paid more than retail price. But it was like new piece. It still had some stickers on.
Great preview Shane , and so many fantastic watches to choose from , personally if it was my choice I love the C63 so that would be going and probably go with the Orient Star as my dresser watch , but whatever you choose have a fantastic vacation in the Caribbean
I understand what you're going through, I have a wedding in October and will be out of town for several day's . I figured I'd take 3 and wear 1 but which one's.
Was hoping to see the Vaer D5 Tropic in the mix. Such a classy diver that has a somewhat unique dial, based of course on JLC Deep Sea Alarm. Unique in that you won't see someone else with something similar. I'm currently wearing mine on their new jubilee bracelet. The Zelos or CW GMT would be a good choice no doubt.
That's true. I still have the Vaer D5. It's a fun one, but I didn't want to go over everything I have yet. Vaer's new GMT looks pretty nice too. I wonder if they are going to try and do anything with the new Seiko GMT movement?
@@RelativeTime That would be killer for their American Assembly line of watches. I'd love to see the Miyota 9075 true gmt movement in some microbrands coming soon. I know it'd be more of a premium for those, but I'd pay if they can squeeze it under $1000.
Always tough to pick watches for traveling. I usually only bring one and try to keep at under $1K. With regards to your to options, go with the Seiko and Hamilton. Have fun on vacation!
That champagne khaki king is fantastic
The tool is definitely very open, my pick would be the zelos GMT.
As for the dress: Let's be realist , there's no way the Hamilton isn't gonna be the pick.
Anymore nowadays I just try to figure out which one watch I can do everything with on a vacation because I don’t want to carry extra watches I’m afraid I might forget one leave one lose one etc. that’s why it’s always on my wrist
I've had that happen to me a couple times. Franticly searching my backpack at the airport to make sure I didn't forget one.
@@RelativeTime if I bring more than one it's usually my G-Shock and something else I don't want to have a lot because sometimes I'll forget what I brought with me and I'm looking for a watch I left home LOL and added bonus it gives me an excuse to buy another one while I'm on vacation
Take the Vostok. Easy peasy.
Take your dark knight turtle on a Uncle Seiko Z199 Super Bracelet!!
Im moving temporarily for four months. Choosing only 3 watches to bring has been REALLY difficult.
I'd definitely take the CW GMT and the Second Hour Mandala. Enjoy your holiday Shane! 🏝
I genuinely dislike the idea of bringing too many watches during a vacation. An overall tough watch should be good enough. many divers can be used as dress watches, but I personally prefer one watch on your wrist to avoid the displeasure of losing or robbery.
Remember, vacations with outdoor activities are good opportunities to add "memorable scratches" to your watches. Thus, bringing a relatively high-end diver or sports watch which has not seen the light out of your office is a better choice.
Great video, Shane! Hope you have a great time! Despite me being a huge Zelos addict, I must say... I'd probably take the CW GMT and the Oceanus. You likely would still have enough WR with them to do any of the water activities you want to do, plus you'd get the added benefits of the functionality that the Seiko diver doesn't offer (even though I must admit, that light blue dial is stunning and might be worth taking solely because it'll look great in the sunlight). Just my .02 cents. With your awesome collection, you really can't go wrong no matter what you go with.
...a ProTrek that's more on the field watch side of things (e.g. PRW-50, PRW-6600Y series), and a Seiko Presage Sharp Edge GMT.
Yes this is me telling you to get two new watches for the trip LOLJK. Srsly though; I love the ProTrek because it's not a chonky mofo like some of the GShocks*, they have actual seconds hands for that all-analog look, and an ABC sensor suite together with sufficient ruggedness (you're not going down 200m, no need for a dive watch, right?) in case shit totally hits the fan and you have to navigate towards survival. The Sharp Edge GMT straddles the dress and sports use cases nicely, has a true GMT, and let's be honest, that dial is chefs-kiss.gif. The only downside is that piddly 40-ish hour power reserve, but hey, we eat dinner on the daily, so you'd wear that at least a few hours each day, right?
Full disclosure - I have both watches. I love them to bits to the point my other watches in my paltry collection are not getting enough wrist time. That will only change once Seiko releases new, more interesting dials for the 5KX GMT, or even release a DressKX GMT version.
* Casio just released full-metal CasioOaks. Now THOSE are beauts, especially if you have a soft spot for the classic GShock silhouette. I'd definitely get one once I get over my weird obsession about having a seconds hand.
I always quite enjoy this, trying to figure out what would suit what event (meal, day trip, pool etc). It’s one of those great watch geek moments, as it brings us great joy … but anyone else around us would be bothered :-)
Bring the Kamasu and the CW.