It’s Friday -- well at least for many of our readers – and I’ll do the honors of starting the “Friday Thread” this week.

You wanna know why I love this hobby? Because there is such an amazing variety of fantastic watches that we can enjoy!!

Two weeks ago, I borrowed the Patek Philippe Ref 5146G (shown below) from my friends at Crown & Caliber, and really enjoyed wearing it. It made me think that if I could instantly sell a handful of the watches that I am not really enjoying, I would be very happy – even thrilled – to own this watch. Yes, this one spoke to me, but I returned it to Crown & Caliber and it has found a new home.

And today (Friday), two weeks later, I am wearing the latest arrival, a Squale Ocean Diver 100 Atmos, which I did receive by trading away a Heuer that I probably haven’t worn in three years. I have been intrigued by the Squale brand for a while, but never pulled the trigger on one. And this one winked at me when it came out of the box.

So look at these two “Friday Watches” – both have charcoal gray dials, but the similarities end there. We have 18 karat gold and stainless steel; a dress watch and a dive watch; one has three hands and a date, while the other has six hands, a disc and a date; one is a famous brand, that made the news this week, all around the world, while the other name is known only to the true enthusiasts. Thick and thin; bold and quiet; rubber and leather; old and new; more expensive and less expensive. Yes, they are both watches, with gray dials, but the similarities do end there.

Yes, that’s when you know you have the watch collecting bug . . . when you greatly enjoy two watches that are so different from each other, but very much alike in being amazing watches . . . at least to my eye, and on my wrist!!

Wishing everyone a fantastic Friday and a great weekend!!

Jeff