Back with another Community Stories series with a heartfelt piece from Simon, known to many of you as @advertures_of_green_bezels.  Simon certainly has a taste when it comes to watches with green bezels, but can he only land on one to be his forever “one watch”.

My Forever “One Watch”

By Simon — Community Contributor

 [Hero Image]

Suggestion: A strong opening image of the watch on wrist — natural light, lived-in setting (car, coffee, outdoors). This sets the emotional tone immediately.

This watch means a lot to me. It’s the only watch I wear. It’s on my wrist every day, and it’s my dream that it will still be there when I’m a very old gentleman. By then, it will be covered in marks, the gold case will have softened edges, and the aluminium bezel will have faded into a ghosted hue. All of that wear will celebrate a life well lived.

I’ve always been interested in design and the mechanics of the objects around us. As a kid, I wanted to be either a professional cyclist or involved in the design of bikes. Despite trying very hard, I never reached the level of a pro rider — but I was fortunate enough to build a career in the bike industry and continue to love riding.

The first watch I remember was a Swatch Jellyfish, which I loved. Being able to see the mechanics inside it felt magical.

 [Context Photo – Cycling or Movement]

Suggestion: A cycling shot, handlebars, gloves, or movement-based image that reinforces the mechanical / design curiosity.

Looking back, it was the watch I bought for my wedding day that really set me on the path into this watch madness. For my wedding, I bought an Emas Acrylic automatic watch that clearly took “inspiration” from the Rolex 16610LV — the fabulous Kermit. I loved that Emas and wore it for years, but the bracelet links attract dirt and are difficult to clean. Nearly 20 years on, replacement straps are impossible to find, and the material has become quite brittle.

 [Personal Archive or Symbolic Image]

Suggestion: Wedding ring + watch, or a symbolic still-life (watch on a book, jacket, or meaningful surface).

My parents were heroes to me. They didn’t have much money, but they stayed together and loved me and my brother deeply. No matter the trouble we got into, they were always there — supportive, patient, and kind. My dad spent countless hours driving me to bike races, picking me up after losses, jumping up and down after wins, and literally lifting me off the ground after crashes and broken bones.

They were amazing parents, and as an adult, I was so proud to be able to treat them to some nice things.

 [Emotional Pause Image]

Suggestion: A quieter image — hands on the watch, resting moment. Let the story breathe here.

When my parents passed away from cancer, I wanted a watch that could celebrate them. When Tudor released the Harrods edition, it felt like the natural next step. Unbelievably, while walking through my local city, we passed a Berry’s Jewellers and there was a used example sitting in the window. I couldn’t not take a look.

I loved it immediately, and my wife said it felt meant to be — so I bought it.

The feeling of a premium watch is something else: the weight, the click of the bracelet, the feel of the winding mechanism, the level of detail. The green aluminium bezel, the depth rating in green, the green seconds hand — all of it shifts in different light and draws you in. I’m a complete sucker for aluminium bezels. They mark, they fade, but the way they age is beautiful.

 [Dial Close-Up]

Suggestion: Macro or tight dial shot emphasizing color, light, and texture.

From there, I dove deep into the watch world — fascinated by the mechanics, trying my hand at simple watch assembly, and absorbing everything I could: books, the internet, Instagram, and podcasts. I joined the TGN community, which is such a welcoming and kind space to learn, discuss, and enjoy this shared obsession.

 [Transition Image – Journey / Time Passing]

Suggestion: Outdoor landscape, road, or travel image — something that represents time moving forward.

After a long delay, my parents’ house was finally sold and the inheritance was shared between my brother and me. Our parents always wanted us to do something special when that happened. My brother put his share toward his dream car, and it was a meaningful day to collect it together and drive it home. He even insured me so I could have a drive too.

My wife later suggested I use some of my inheritance to buy my ultimate dream watch — the Rolex 16610LV. Spending that much on a watch felt like madness. Sadly, it turned out to be a short-lived experience. Despite loving the watch, repeated crown repairs caused me to lose confidence in it. Eventually, I returned it and moved on.

Letting it go felt strange. It was the only watch I’ve ever sold.

 [Resolution Watch Image]

Suggestion: Strong image of the Tudor Black Bay 18k — confident, grounded, proud.

After some thought, I found my hero watch: a used (but nearly unworn) Tudor Black Bay 18k M79018V. It combined everything I love — Tudor’s heritage, five-digit-like proportions, green bezels, NATOs, and a sense of real substance. As Rolex has moved further into the luxury stratosphere, Tudor feels more aligned with history, exploration, and purpose.

I know this is my own madness, but this watch feels like a reminder of my wedding, my wife, and my beautiful parents. It’s my way of carrying them with me wherever I go.

When I feel stressed, I sometimes pause and watch the seconds hand drift around the dial — and I can hear my dad saying, “Don’t let the f*ers get to you.”

 [Closing Image]

Suggestion: Quiet, reflective shot — watch resting, end-of-day light.

It’s a deeply personal object. One that connects me to the people I love, brings a small hit of happiness, and makes me proud.

It’s my forever one watch.

I love my family, and I love this green little thing.

Cheers,

Simon