Collectors Spotlight - March 2013

Collectors Spotlight - March 2013 - brip

Age: 24 / Australia

brip: Brian Poh

I OFFICIALLY started collecting in 2009, with the purchase of my first Juliet (third pair of Oakleys). X-Metal/Ruby of course.

I remember the first time I tried the Juliets on-the fit was ridiculously amazing. I walked away that day, and it ate away at me for a whole week before I gave in, and went back and got it.

The first pair I had was a Zero 0.7 that I found while crossing a street, back in High School. It was in the microbag and everything and luckily was a sidestreet, and a car hadn’t run it over yet. I wore it for awhile, rolled over it with my bicycle a few times as it was loose for me and fell off my head with the vibration of jumping over curbs and things. I lost it eventually, but the memory of the quality always stuck. I recently replaced it for keepsakes.

My first PURCHASED pair was a Livestrong Radar I bought for all the watersport I was into at the time, which today exists as a Matte Black frame custom with a clear lens (my safety glasses). The Original frame was lost in a Water Transfer deal gone wrong. The guy disappeared with them (along with a few other peoples’ frames).

I regret not getting into X-Metals sooner, or Oakleys in general. Other than that, I’m pretty happy with it.

I have a few purchases lined up, including a couple of Jupiter Factory Lites.

If I had to choose one it would be the X-Metal collection. Currently standing at 21 pieces, with at least one representative of each model in the X-Metal colorway. The penny was the hardest to track down!
I also was fortunate enough to pick up a Gen1 TimeBomb, which has replaced my Holeshot as my daily watch. It is a beautiful watch.

Outside of that, most of the pairs I collect, I find pretty interesting and special in some way. I do like the Eyeshades, Sub Zeros, Splices and Magnesiums.

Currently half of my collection is in boxes, stored away, as I am away from my home in Perth. The other half is here with me in sunny Singapore, and currently takes up 3 drawers and the second shelf of a Wardrobe/Bookshelf.

I intend to get a nice display cabinet for it all in the future.

I love visiting the O-Vaults wherever I go, and we’re fortunate enough to have one in Perth.

YES! I love to do customs. I have painted a few frames, and cut lenses for many. Recently I custom-stitched a Denim Mars (ala Leather Mars), and cut lenses for my Black Chrome Splice. I will also be cutting lenses for my Romeo soon.

It’s mostly the glasses currently, although I am starting to pick up a few stickers here and there, display items, and microbags. I’m happy on the watch front for now.

Rock Climbing is my main hobby, and I spend about 3-4 days a week at the climbing gym, and go on overseas holidays specifically to climb. I’m also a huge car nut – A typical weekend for me involves getting under a car and working on it. I currently have a project car that has kinda stalled from lack of funds – but I intend to get that going soon as I can.

Don’t buy something just because it’s at a great bargain, or because it’s rare. Buy things you will like, and better yet, will wear.

My girlfriend disapproves of me spending so much money on it. However, she herself has 4 Endurings, 2 Flak Jackets and a Crosshair that I bought, and she likes them, haha. I do think that I have started going overboard though, and need to refocus my collecting.

I meet up with the local collectors here on a regular basis, and it’s always fun times. Special shout-out to Kenneth, Gary, Milk, Shawn and Jono! Other than that, it’s the thrill of the hunt when I’m looking for a specific pair. Or visiting a Vault and finding an absolute gem!

Oakley collecting can get a bit addictive. Set some rules for yourself and stick to it. It’s just a hobby, don’t let it ruin other aspects of your life =)

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posted by Dann

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