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Watch and Learn: Style Guide to Men's Watches
The English language is riddled with clichés about time: how it heals all things, is of the essence, or stops for no man. We are so focused on the passage of time and what we're doing as it flies by when we're having fun, that we forget to stop and admire the carefully crafted gadgets that are keeping us on schedule.
A Brief History
Historically, the term "watch" has its derivations in work, with people using them as early as the 16th century to keep track of their shifts. As with most technology, watches have become smaller and sleeker over the years. They were initially worn as pendants, then evolved into pocket watches and were able to be stored in suits. Then, finally wristwatches gave men and women the ability to fasten the clock to their wrists.
Sync With Your Style
Pop culture tells us that our watches have to be so full of diamonds and dials we have to perform the quadratic formula to tell what time it is. It can tell us what time the moonrise is in Moldova but not that it's 3:30.
You don't have to sacrifice fashion for function. Your watch should complement what you do every day. Whether you're putting on a three-piece suit and heading into the office, or packing a backpack in preparation for a climb, your watch, like the rest of your outfit, should fit your lifestyle.
As a general rule, if you are wearing a leather-banded watch, you are always safe matching the color of the band to your shoes.
The right watch can be the cherry on top of a great outfit. We get it, the giant cell phone in your pocket can tell you what time it is. But much like a tie, who cares that it's not entirely functional? The proper watch can help express who you are as a gentleman.
Where Are You Going?
Just as a particular venue or event should dictate the type of clothing you wear, your watch should match the level of formality of wherever you're headed. If you're doing something outdoorsy, your square, plastic, waterproof timepiece will do the trick. However, when you're showered and ready to head out for the black-tie event that same evening, wear a slim, modest watch with a black leather strap. For formal events a watch should be a nice accessory, not a piece of jewelry to distract from your sharp tuxedo...or your date.
Don't Break The Bank
You don't have to go bankrupt to find a fashionable watch. There are some great options out there for less than $200 that will last a lifetime.
Pass It On
With the proper care, a watch is something that can be passed down through the generations, and become a family heirloom. If you have a watch you love, consider passing it down through your family and let the legacy of your style live on.
Every ensemble should have a timeless element to it; why not make it your timepiece?
