One Good Watch
Enthusiasm for watches can get really aggressive. For some, it’s like a bloodsport with clubs of men who live for showing off their #sexpile (a.k.a. collection) of luxury wrist wear.
If you have the budget and the desire to invest in a collection of multiple watches for different moods and occasions, I totally get it. The design, craft, machinery, engineering, precision, pursuit of excellence, and human ingenuity that go into watchmaking is captivating. If more men got into watches instead of guns, it would be a better world. But many men don’t have the money or the interest in collecting. Despite what influencers, social media, magazines, and other men’s style resources may tell you, the truth is that you only need one good watch.
Bond Watch Fever
If you heard a crack in the atmosphere earlier in the day, that was the collective sound of Bond and watch fanatics reacting to something new…
The U-2 Dragon Lady from Hager Watches
Another fine addition to Hager's collection of great looking, classic, functional timepieces.
Podcast Episode N.37: Watch Snobs, Dressing with Dignity and Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka
In this episode, I respond to some readers’ reactions to an article about a new affordable automatic tool watch that resembles similar watches on the luxury spectrum. I also share a few anecdotes about how dressing with a sense of occasion served me very well. The last segment is about what Gene Wilder’s performance as Willy Wonka meant to me as a young boy.
The Incredibly Handsome and Ridiculously Affordable Aquamariner from Hager Watches
There is a certain caliber of automatic tool watch with an expected price tag well within four figures, like those beautiful Rolex Submariners and Omega Seamasters. When Hager Watches introduced its gorgeous line of tool watches in 2009, it put a level of quality and taste usually reserved for luxury spenders into the hands of discerning thousandaires like me. (Read my original article on Hager Watches.)
The American company has just introduced a new, bouncing baby boy to its family of handsome, well-made, affordable luxury watches: the Aquamariner. With a hint of retro in its design, it’s a new watch that looks like a timeless vintage piece.
An Elegant Dress Watch from Oliver Hemming
I recently became acquainted with the work of Oliver Hemming, an award-winning designer/maker of very distinctive clocks and watches. From London, Hemming originally worked for private commissions but now has his own unusual collection available on his website (oliverhemming.com). Working with his own team and his own factory in Hong Kong, he succeeds in balancing detail, quality and affordability.
Wonderful Watches from Hager
I’m not a member of that tribe that needs to flaunt a #sexpile of luxury watches for validation from other watch bros. I just need one good watch.
Shinola, the Ultimate Watch for an American President
Yesterday, The New York Times ran a piece in the Style section about the disappearance of the political “power watch” – a watch that seemed to really suit a world leader. Dwight D. Eisenhower wore a Rolex, Franklin D. Roosevelt wore a Movado, John F. Kennedy had a Cartier and an Omega, and Lyndon B. Johnson had a collection that included a Patek Philippe, a Vulcain Cricket, a LeCoultre and a Rolex.
Such displays by an elected official in today’s America, where absolutely everything is scrutinized, would be criticized as un-American, out-of-step with the average working man or too flashy. Even if a candidate or elected official is well known to be wealthy, like Mitt Romney, George Bush or Bill Clinton, he is expected to play it down to something with which his constituents can identify, especially in times of great economic inequality.
My Favorite Reliable, Handsome and Affordable Watches
In addition to the choice and condition of a man’s shoes, a man’s choice in watch offers particular clues about his character. When a man is looking for a new watch from somewhere like WatchShopping, he’s usually looking for something sharp and classy. But, like with shoes, watches can creep into snob territory, where bigger, gaudier and more expensive is supposed to be better or more impressive. That old chestnut of how the flex of spending muscle trumps taste. With this being said, women love a good watch as much as men. Don’t worry ladies, with a a link to the Jacobs The Jeweller website, we’ve got you covered. In all honesty, a watch should be an essential for everyone. Just like a necklace or the addition of rings, having a watch, no matter how affordable or pricey it is, can make all the difference to any look you are aiming to pull off. If you want to make a statement, you could browse Breguet watches online to complete your outfit with a splash of luxury.