Just when you think the collection is full, something comes along and catches the eye, I rationalize why I think I need another watch project, a deal pops up that’s too good to pass on, and here we are.

So, where are we? A 45mm Turtle case, with the “Manta Ray” textured dial in bright blue fading to black. A blue/black aluminum bezel insert compliments the dial, with the now-standard sapphire crystal, Seiko NH36 day/date movement, unsigned crown, and sterile back cover.

Assembling any watch is really straightforward, with a couple of caveats, both of which caught me out this time: cutting the stem to the correct length for the case; and setting the seconds hand on the movement. Luckily I have extra movement stems for the NH35/36, because I cut the first one far too short; and placing the seconds hand onto the movement took many many tries. After a lot of failed attempts, a short break, getting out the microscope, and a few different light angles, on it went.

Another minor complication involved applying the “SEIKO” metallic adhesive sticker text onto the dial, as the dial came without any logo. I’m 99% happy with how this turned out, it is level and centered, but that 1% of doubt would have me placing the logo just 0.5mm lower. As it is, I’ll take level and centered, because if it weren’t level it would be very obvious, and I’d be really annoyed.

Everything else about this watch, I love. The dial texture shimmers in the light, mimicking the waved surface of water. The minute and seconds hands go all the way out to the minute track at the edge of the dial, and there’s no ugly cyclops magnifier over the day/date. While the strap is an inexpensive silicone rubber and attracts dust, it is very comfortable. I know many would spend a lot of money for a special strap or bracelet, but sometimes the best solution is the least expensive!

Will it be my last watch build? I doubt it, but I’m at a loss as to what direction I will go next. I feels like I have all I want, with a great selection of styles, colors, and sizes to choose from, for all purposes and occasions. “Thinning the herd” is a nice idea, but more difficult in practice. Stay tuned!