When I look at a man, I always notice two things: the condition of his shoes and his watch. If his shoes are untended with worn heels, it tells me he might not be too concerned with details. A watch is one of the few jewelry items a man can pull off. (The only one, some would argue.) A carefully chosen watch says a lot about someone. The watch can clue me in on whether a guy is fussy, ostentatious, efficient, unconcerned, smart or in desperate need of attention.
Men’s style magazines, blogs and ads will tell you that a Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe or Bell & Ross are the timepieces to have. They’re magnificent watches and reliable chronometers if you have a few thousand dollars to spare. But if you don’t have that kind of cash on hand, you’re still in luck.
Here are nine inexpensive, reliable and very handsome sundials from my three favorite makers (Timex, Swatch and Skagen) that you can wear with confidence:
Timex Originals: Easy Reader
Timex: Weekender
Super-casual, extra-sporty and cool as hell. Comes in a variety of band and face color combos (black shown).
$40
Swatch: Black Decency
Technically a dress watch, but, as far as I’m concerned, this stud goes with everything.
P.S. “Black Decency” sounds like a courtesy paid to patrons of the Apollo Theatre in the early 1960s. Let’s rethink the name.
$120
Swatch: Black Classiness
Again, we need to talk about the name here. “Black Classiness” smacks of borderline you-know-what. But this twist on the original Swatch is modern, decidedly unfussy and stunning.
$110
Skagen: Super Slim Black
Skagen: Brown Leather with Silver Case
Ordinarily, I’m not one for square faces or the color brown, but I love this watch. Fortunately, it also happens to come with a black face and black leather band. Gorgeous.
$100
