By ERIC DING
Nowadays, watches can be considered obsolete. By now, everyone who cares about keeping time has a phone (or similar mobile device) that shows it with the press of a button. Even better, phones update automatically when in a different timezone, a feature that is disappointingly absent in watches. Nonetheless, there is something old-fashioned, but timeless and mature, in carrying a timepiece. A watch is that one piece of men’s jewelry (yes, MEN’S jewelry) that can perfectly accent an outfit and remain manly. Here are some of the most popular watch brands/styles.
The Timex Weekender
Two members of my fashionable dance team possess Timex Weekenders. Their main strengths are their simplicity and options. You can have either a black or a white clock face, a full-size or a mid-size case and tons of nylon strap options. The clock face has large, bold numbers; distinct minute marks and a polished silver case color. The strap can easily be interchanged with another one, so this watch can constantly be modified to fit different seasons and outfits. They are without a doubt a great investment, clocking in at $45 dollars or under a pop.
The Nixon Time Teller
I personally had a white and black Nixon Time Teller watch back in freshman year, and I absolutely loved it. The clock face is the epitome of straightforward. On it, there are only line marks to signify the hours, and a small “NIXON” where the “3” hour should be. This watch comes in every color imaginable, and its design as a whole is simple and bold. The watch is unapologetically rubber, silicone and polycarbonate, which achieves a shiny gloss all around. And what’s more, the movement of the clock arms are Miyota Japanese quartz. A Nixon Time Teller will clock in at $60 – $65 dollars each.
The Fossil Leather Dress Watch
One of my good friends will only purchase watches from Fossil because of the classiness of the clock cases and the earthiness of the leather straps. Fossil watches are just a bit more complex, with additional clock faces to denote the day of the week, the date or the seconds within the original clock face. Fossil watches can either represent the hours with line marks, numbers or if you want to get really fancy, roman numerals. Additionally, many Fossil leather dress watches comes with a slight cream tint to the background color of the clock face instead of a traditional white. This cream tint complements the brown of the leather very nicely. These watches opt for a higher price tag: generally ranging from $100 to $140.
The Bulova Steel Dress Watch
Steel watches are definitely a fashion staple, and they usually imply a wealthy status. They are by nature more expensive than other types of watches because of the quality metals involved. Rolex, Audemars and most other high-end steel watch companies price their excellent watches at anywhere upwards of $7,000. However, college kids most likely can’t afford something like that, not even here at an Ivy League institution. Luckily for you, Bulova is not only a trusted watch company, but they also sell steel watches at a much lower price: around $199 to $400. This price is still quite hefty, but if you plan on getting a steel watch that can last, the cost is definitely worth it. You can get your steel watch in a gold or silver tone and it will look shiny and expensive either way. Bulova even has mechanical watches that are perpetually powered by your body’s natural movements. There is no battery or electricity needed. Mechanical watches do cost more, though, selling for around $500 to $600 each.
Some say you can judge a man by his watch. Make sure your watch shows the kind of man you are.