It Begins With.....

Why this collection?

Back in the old primary school days in the 80’s, Camel Trophy was one of the biggest brands that made remarkable memory even until now. I had seen it on newspapers, magazines, and on TV. I still remember well, I used to draw that Camel Trophy logo on my canvas school bag. The distinguished tribal theme music, that was really classy to hear. Back then, as long as I could remember, only some stickers, posters, or keychains were distributed around.

Then came cool watches the Green Belts, with tough-look "camel trophy" strap metal attached-piece. It was a very unique eye-catchy watch, and in my opinion, were very well designed to reflect an adventure spirit from the CT event. I long for these watches but that time was not able enough to earn one.

Nowadays, these remarkable world events, (its like an Olympic for the 4WD versus the nature), is not known by people especially those born after 90’s. And for Malaysians, most don’t even know that one of the events were taking place in their own backyard, Sabah in 1993. Hopefully, with this blog, I can re-introduce the Camel Trophy adventure to younger generations.

In 2012, I first discovered that there were websites or clubs that dedicated to this events and collection (ct-watches.co.uk, and www.cameltrophy.org.uk). Later found many. Then this interest started and I bought a used first generation Green Belt watch I thought I could never had. The collection slowly grows until today.

While most of the collectors are coming from the UK, Germany, Spain and Europe mainly, I have not really seen one from Asia. Just a few with a few watches in collection.

This collection to me will never die. I have seen its increasing in value eventhough not that significant. Perhaps, one fine day this event or brand were re-introduced to the global, then they will catch up their values.
All-in-all, this collection is not really about watches, or stickers, or Zippo lighters, or cigarettes. It's about Adventures by 4-WD vehicles, and those equipments including watches were actually designed and used in the worldwide events, and it personally has part of my childhood experience.

What Am I Collecting?

Basically, yeah.. everything, from merchandise, watches, clothes, jacket, belts, zippo lighters, magazine articles, posters, printed advertisement, and so on.

Why like collect stuff in the first place?

The truth is I don't know, I just like it ever since a kid. I guess we just need a hobby that give you self-satisfaction. Whether that hobby gives you fortune in return that is another story. For me, when you collect stuff, it actually set you a goal what you want to do, what you want to read, what you want to inquire. Its the knowledge behind it and you keep that "knowledge" with you. Thats how I feel.
A lot of info you need to gather before you start collecting. The origins, purpose etc, and one of the most important thing is to know whether what are you collecting is genuine or fake. This inquest is never ending and become your night-time reading. I enjoy doing this and that is what is matter to me.