As the wizened David Bowie once said, “Time may change me, but I can’t trace time.” Clearly, Bowie wasn’t up on the latest timepieces ticking away in the wristwatch departments. Time is indeed traceable my fashionable friends, and all you need is a friendly numbered face to do it.
We all know the arguments. Wristwatches are outdated; why do I need a strap-on clock when I can just check my phone? And here’s my counter: Fashion isn’t about practicality – it’s self-expression. What’s the function of neck ties? And yet, men pull them out every day for work.
If you’re a guy looking to invest in a watch of your very own but are not sure where to start, decide when you want to wear one. Are you looking for something you’ll break out every day, on weekends or for formalwear only? Your answers determine what style of watch you’re looking for.
Let’s start with the everyday watch. For a classic look, turn to a metal or leather strap. You can’t go wrong with either, but both materials have their strengths. While a metal strap is bound to catch the onlookers’ eye, its flashiness may reflect more than just light – like the wearer’s love for the ostentatious. A leather strap is much more subtle with a classic vintage feel, but its subtlety in looks may fall short of a metal strap’s durability.
And as for the watch’s face, just keep it simple! You don’t need to know the phases of the moon or the time on each of the seven continents simultaneously for an everyday timepiece, unless you’re a pilot or astronaut. Oversized faces tend to be more trendy, so if you’re looking for an investment piece, keep it a reasonable size. Check out Seiko or Fossil for watches that fit the everyday bill and ring in under $200.
For a weekend watch, you’re looking for a piece that’s up for whatever you are. Scuba diving? Sky diving? Jogging, biking, rock climbing? There’s a watch for that! But any watch that’s looking to partake in your adventure needs a little something extra.
Make sure your sport watch is at least shock and water resistant. The weekender is bound for a little wear and tear, so I’d also highly discourage the leather strap (snags) or precious metals (dents). Stick to plastics, steel, canvas or rubberized surfaces. Citizen offers an excellent “Eco-Drive Sport Watch” for $225, while Nixon’s “The Corporal” clocks in at $200. And don’t be afraid of a splash of color!
Finally, the formalwear watch. As a college kid with a budget, chances are you’re subbing your everyday watch for this guy. Most likely made of platinum, rose gold or titanium, this black-tie timepiece isn’t fooling around. Rolex and Patek Philippe top off as the generally-agreed-upon Holy Grail of watches. But don’t even think about it unless you’re willing to shell out at least a few thousands, and probably more than that.
So keep yourself ahead of the times, and acknowledge that wristwatches are back in a big way. After that, you’ve just got to answer one thing: Everyday, sporty, or formalwear?
