Zabreg1: WatchProSite Purist of the Month

Ares501 introduces Zabreg1 as the WatchProSite 'Purist of the Month' for November, celebrating a valued community member. This feature delves into Zabreg1's personal journey and his deep connection to the forum, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie that defines WatchProSite. Readers gain insight into how a shared passion for horology fosters genuine friendships and a sense of belonging.

Before I begin to answer the questions, I really and truly want to thank this forum for

accepting me and introducing me to a whole new world. I have truly found a ‘second family’

here and I am thankful for the friendships and good time I had so far with this amazing group of people.

And to think, all it took was one faithful afternoon coffee and I was sold, thanks to the Professor, Mr. D.

1. Please introduce yourself!

Since I like to keep my privacy, I will just say that my screen name is Zabreg1.

Those of you who have met me, know my name, but please respect my privacy and do not take

it as an offensive position. I am always happy to share but I prefer to do so in person.

I am originally from Croatia, or Yugoslavia before that.

That is where I grew up and attended elementary school.

Funny thing, I also finished the first year of the same high school as Damjan,

although he is much older, something like 1 full year. Crazy how life works like that.

Unlike many of my countrymen, I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot during the 80s communism era through fortuitous circumstances.

I have moved to the US in summer of 1991, right before the war broke out in former Yugoslavia.

Despite this, we spent every summer in our homeland, dreaming of returning.

I spent the next decade and a half all over, finishing College (go Syracuse Orange), and MBA (Go UCLA Bruins),

and working in various positions in finance in the US and abroad. I also used that time wisely, an early 20s  guy living it up (wink wink).

I really believe in the famous quote by Odette Annable that ‘…everyone should live in New York City if they ever get a chance at least once in their life’.

I did, and am glad and grateful for the opportunity.

I now reside in Moscow, with my lovely wife and two beautiful children, the purpose of my life.

I handle corporate finance for a construction company. My job is probably boring to most, so let’s leave it at that.

2. How did you discovered WatchProSite and what it means for you to be one of PuristS?

I have been lurking on the site for a while, never posting, but reading and looking at beautiful photos.

I always frequented many sites, but was somehow drawn to WPS. I can’t explain why.

I became infatuated with it all and decided to do my first post when I received my Voutilainen.

Shortly thereafter, I met Damjan, as described above. Then came the first few GTGs, and after that I was completely addicted to the community.

Being a Purist, to me, is first and foremost, about community. It is about a respectful, passionate debate and exchange of opinions.

It is sharing something that we all love in different ways and shapes. Learning and being educated about new things, as well as trying to do the same for others.

Above all, it is about the friendships that form over this crazy passion of ours.

To me, it is incredible how we translate these relationships from the digital to the real world, and how strong these bonds end up being.

3. What watch are you wearing today and how you choose watch “of the day”?

Today, I am wearing one of my newest additions. A beautiful dialed GS SBGR305.

Actually, that is what I am wearing as I type this sentence. In a few hours, it will probably be something else, as I like to change often.

As for choosing ‘watch of the day’, I have my ‘work watches’, the dressy, simpler watches that do not attract too much attention for the uninitiated.

After work, I usually wear one of my sports watches around the house, ones that can withstand the daily torture of kids, baths, playing around, wrestling, etc.

Then on the weekends, I rotate the others. Basically, I try to wear them all as much as I can. There really is no rhyme or reason to it. Whatever feels right.

4. What is your favorite watch/brand/complication?

I guess my favorite brands are Patek Philippe and ALS from the ‘high-end’ brands and Omega for the more affordable.

I don’t have one favorite watch, I have many. Each is special for a different reason.

But, let’s say top 3, in no particular order: PP 5370P, ALS Datograph (original version), and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms (my first real watch).

My favorite complication is easily a chronograph. I have always liked to time things and I find myself using it all the time, from timing my commute to timing how long kids are allowed on iPads.

5. When and how you discovered horology?

I remember my first watch. A digital Casio. Here is a photo, taken the first time I put it on:

I was always fascinated with time and its passage. This was my first exposure to a way to measure it.

A string of Swatches followed, as my fascination grew. I actually built up a nice Swatch collection, but that has been lost owing to my many moves across the world.

6. What element of the watch is for you make it or break it factor?

Honestly, there is not one element. Every watch has its pros and cons.

Most of the ones I own were love at first sight, whether due to looks, a particular function/complication or the movement.

Some took time to mature, and, of course, some were the product of falling under the spell of some of the members here.

Break it factor? Size, for one. Nothing too bulky, though I do own a few larger pieces, mainly divers.

Reliability, serviceability, etc, the usual things people look at. But the main thing is, if it doesn’t feel right on my wrist.

7. If you could design your own watch what would it be and what it would look like?

To be completely honest, it would be exactly a Patek 5370P. That, for me, is horological perfection embodied.

8. What is the watch that will last leave your collection and why?

Tough question. It would have to be my Datograph.

Actually, I don’t know, this is just the answer at this moment and it changes constantly. In the end, I would leave the choice to my son.

9. What do you love and hate about watch industry today?

I love the very wide spectrum of options. There are so many niches, (almost) anyone can find what they are looking for.

I hate the after-sale service at most brands. It is almost like torture.

Granted, I had mixed results with almost all brands, but I truly believe that a luxury product should be followed up with great service.

Of course, there are exceptions to this, but in my opinion, they are usually a product of a particular person or persons’ effort and dedication, not necessarily the brand itself.

One other thing I want to add. I am not sure if I like or dislike this limited edition and vintage-reissue trend that is happening.

Some are great, some not so much. But it all seems like a money grab to me.

10. What was the evolution of your collection and how do you see it in next decade?

My collection started with divers. Slowly, as I learned more about history and complications, I moved into complications.

Mostly chronographs at first, but then annual and perpetual calendars came. I actually to this day have no set purpose.

I try to acquire what I like, what immediately makes me fall in love. If I have to think about it, I move on.

Currently, I am very satisfied with my collection. I am a bit obsessed with enamel (email) dials, but only certain pieces.

The only thing missing (yeah right, this is what I keep telling myself), is a Patek minute repeater.

11. What other hobbies do you have?

Since family doesn’t count as a hobby, I will say sports. I have been into sports my whole life, I’ll watch anything and try everything.

I also love to travel and discover new places, especially in remote places where few have been.

Cars, I love cars and driving them properly.

12. Your life motto and life philosophy is…

a)      A man is only as good as his word.

b)     With friends like these, who needs enemies?

c)      Live your life to the fullest.

d)     For Damjan: Deny, deny, deny.