Tag / best watches for men

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Black Sub Watch from Vague Watch Co. Is Your Next Style Upgrade

Inspired by the Rolex Submariner, this pleasingly rugged, versatile timepiece could become an everyday go-to.

Our See Now, Buy Now series here on The Style Guide covers a lot of ground — we’re continuing that today with a durable timepiece that could maybe, just maybe … become your new favorite everyday watch. Give thanks for that on this day, of all days (Happy Thanksgiving, by the way!). But back to the business at hand. We’re talking about the exceptional Vague Watch Co. Black Sub Watch from our friends at Huckberry, a heck of a stylish casual watch with plenty in the way of functionality. Adding to a growing (or just-starting) watch collection can be a daunting task, what with the need to seemingly fill so many different categories in terms of your everyday watch. Luckily for the watch lovers and novice collectors among us, the Vague Watch Co. Black Sub Watch makes things substantially easier. For one, the Black Sub Watch from Vague Watch Co. has that elusive blend of rugged good looks and straightforward style. In short, it’s an easy-to-wear accessory alongside more casual outfits (think a slim shawl collar cardigan and classic blue denim) or more business casual ensembles (including a classic winter blazer).

And the Black Sub Watch draws quite helpfully on a style that’s still just as wearable now as it was decades ago — the Rolex Submariner. Yet … it’s far, far more accessible in terms of price. Again, those style points are just critical, though. The Black Sub Watch can be worn day in and day out — that’s the sort of versatility you need when building a watch collection, my friends. That unique wearability even extends to the strap on the Black Sub Watch. It comes packaged with either a natural leather strap or a black NATO strap, a  two-for-one deal that only helps you look better in more style situations. You can wear the Black Sub Watch from Vague Watch Co. out for beers with buddies as easily as you can wear it to the office with an American-made Oxford — if that doesn’t qualify as your favorite everyday watch, I’m not sure what does.

Are you a fan of the Black Sub Watch from Vague Watch Co. ? Let me know if you’ll be picking it up as a post-Thanksgiving or Black Friday treat! 

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Techne Merlin Watch is the Casual Timepiece You Need

Techne

The durable, stylish and understated watch you need on your wrist this fall.

If you, like me, are constantly on the lookout for ways to add to your stylish watch collection, you’ll certainly find today’s See Now, Buy Now entry of use. We’ve talked about the rugged outerwear you need for fall, and we even talked about stylish leather boots for the season … but what about a tough, durable and yet good-looking casual watch that can take a beating and still look sharp? That’s the Techne Merlin Watch, my friends.  Now, it’s rare to find a watch that speaks so specifically to a certain season. Yet, the Merlin Watch from Techne is the sort of timepiece you’re going to want on your wrist as you head on weekend trips, dress for your next tailgate or generally enjoy the bounty of fall and winter (looking at you, my IPA and stout-loving friends).

The Techne Merlin Watch certainly has plenty of rugged, fall-friendly style going for it. Inspired by old-school pilot’s watches — along with the engines on the P-51 Mustang fighter jet — you can be sure that there’s not quite a timepiece out there like the Techne Merlin Watch. From the brushed stainless steel case to the simple, sharp 39.5mm case diameter of the Merlin Watch, it’s a unique timepiece in every aspect of the word. Add in a durable ballistic nylon strap in a shade of cool gray, and you’re set when it comes to understated, classically inspired style. Yes indeed, the Techne Merlin Watch is a reliable accessory in plenty of laidback situations.

Wear it when heading to a rock concert with a rugged striped henley and a denim trucker jacket, or team it with another one of the best fall jackets out there — an overshirt, a bomber … you name it, the Techne Merlin Watch is the ideal casual timepiece for fall and winter. Heck, you could even wear it with a cotton blazer and a classic crewneck sweater — plus tan chinos — on a particularly casual day at the office. Did I mention the Merlin Watch from Techne clocks in at well under $200? I don’t know if can get any better.

Let me know in the comments — will you be buying the Merlin Watch from Techne? 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Invest In Your Next Timepiece with the Shinola Canfield Watch

Shinola Canfield

A smooth, simple timepiece that’s here just in time for a new season.

See that watch at the top of this page? The Shinola Canfield Watch? What a sight to behold, right? I’m with you there. An investment-level, sleek, sharp and stylish timepiece assembled in America by the good folks at Shinola is more than worthy of another See Now, Buy Now series entry here at The Style Guide, I’d wager. While the brand has taken some flack in recent years for its use of Swiss parts and U.S. assembly — versus building every single part from scratch in the States — that doesn’t mean Shinola can’t make a heck of a timepiece still. I’m no watch expert, but I do know what I like to wear with everything from faded slim denim and a classic T-shirt to a rugged denim jacket: A a watch like this one. In terms of clean, crisp design, the Canfield Watch stands apart when compared to other stylish leather watches. The Shinola Canfield Watch isn’t as expensive as other timepieces from fellow American brands like Hamilton, yet the Canfield Watch is still a worthy addition to your watch collection. From the 43mm face — due in part to a first-of-its-kind top-loaded case construction — to the handsome brown leather strap and striking black dial, the Shinola Canfield Watch is a beauty in every sense of the word.


And the great thing about a watch this sharp and simple is that it’ll team with fall and winter staples that you already know and love, from a stretch denim trucker jacket to a rugged henley. Crucially, it’ll also keep on going in terms of durability and style well into spring and summer. Yes indeed, the Shinola Canfield Watch is a unique offering that provides visual interest, reliable design and construction, and that next-level investment so many of us search for when making #menswear purchases. What’s your take on the Shinola Canfield Watch? Will you be adding it to your watch collection?

Thanks for reading — happy shopping!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Halios Laguna Watch

Halios Laguna Watch

The rugged leather watch to team up with all your favorite fall style essentials.

If there’s one thing I know for certain when it comes to #menswear, it’s that a stylish watch can be the perfect finishing touch to an outfit — and there are some watches, like the Halios Laguna Watch, that stand out above the rest in that regard. Now, we just talked about a tough stainless steel dive watch in our latest See Now, Buy Now entry, but I’m here to tell you that the Halios Laguna Watch is just as worthy of a spot in your watch collection. The best watch to buy now conveys that ideal mix of rugged and yet slightly refined style, wearable with everything from a slim graphic tee to an American-made Oxford. If that’s what you’re looking for, I think you’ll be mighty pleased with today’s Style Pick of the Week.

Folks, the Laguna Watch is a timepiece that signifies more than rugged, durable style. What with its handsome combination of a black dial and a tough brown leather strap (or a stainless steel set of links), the Laguna Watch nods toward the changing of the seasons — bear with me on this one.  Early fall, which is coming soon enough, means we’re switching out lightweight, breathable menswear, like classic men’s T-shirts, for heavier, more durable pieces. So, essential menswear picks like a rugged henley and tough brown leather boots are crucial. And in that case, you need accessories that follow suit in terms of visual interest and style. It’s your lucky day, because that’s where the Halios Laguna Watch comes into play.

Laguna Watch

Another way to wear the ridiculously rugged, tough Halios Laguna Watch.

Halios has raised eyebrows — in a good way — for the manner in which the brand crafts its rugged men’s watches. The Laguna Watch is a fine example; take the scratch-and-shatter resistant sapphire glass crystal, plus the insanely tough stainless steel case (made with the same steel used in jet engine parts!).  As if that wasn’t enough, know that you’re really getting two watches for the price of one with the Halios Laguna Watch — as you can see above, you also have the option to swap in a tough stainless steel set of links, the ultimate in versatility. And the 43mm case diameter on the Halios Laguna Watch, while substantial, should be more than wearable for most guys. The Japanese-made automatic movement should prove reliable and precise, and even the carrying case for the Halios Laguna Watch is guaranteed for life. Yep — LIFE.

That’s an uncommon promise for something as seemingly small as watch storage, yet it means that the Halios Laguna Watch can stand up to any early fall adventures — and well beyond. I’d wear this stylish timepiece with plenty of other rugged menswear essentials, from a striped henley and faded American-made denim to suede boots and a rugged shawl-collar cardigan. Given that the price tag is a bit of an investment, it’s safe to say the Halios Laguna Watch deserves as much wear as you can get out of it. So, what do you say? Can a watch help you transition into fall? Let me know in the comments below — and let me know if you’ll be buying the Halios Laguna Watch in the near future!

Stay stylish and thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Jack Mason Aviator Watch

 

Jack Mason

A no-nonsense timepiece designed with aviation elements and versatile casual style.

Who doesn’t love adding to an ever-growing watch collection? For your Style Guide author, a watch is an essential accessory available in seemingly endless options — but when you find the right watch, you know it unequivocally. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I certainly can’t pass up a stylish watch. And if you need a new one of your own … well, that’s the journey we’re embarking on today. In fact, your search for a stylish new watch might start and end with the Jack Mason Aviator Watch — it’s potentially the perfect casual watch, a blend of handsome and crisp style at an affordable price point. It’ll work right now — the depths of summer — and the rest of the year. Rest assured, the watch we’re discussing today belongs on any list of the best men’s gear to buy now — and it’s certainly not too good to be true.  Jack Mason draws on classic, masculine influences to design its crisply appointed timepieces — good news if that’s what you’re into stylistically. Blending elements and detailing drawn from pilot and field watches, the results are definitely very, very covetable — take the Jack Mason Nautical Three-Hand Watch, a personal favorite of this author. And that same rugged-yet-wearable ethos shines through with the affordably priced, accessible Jack Mason Aviator Watch. It’s striking in nearly every way, from the surprisingly wearable black dial-brown leather strap combo to the clean design and the durable (yet not overwhelming) 42mm case diameter. In short, it’s the watch to buy now — and wear now.

Jack Mason

A durable-yet-wearable 42mm case diameter and handsome brown leather strap finish off the Jack Mason Aviator Watch quite nicely.

Among many other positives, the Aviator Watch is available to you for the low price of $150 when you sign up for Bespoke Post— gotta love those deals, ehh? And the value in terms of style points? It’ll far surpass the price tag. Like any versatile, stylish watch, it can team up with casual style combos — think a grey pocket tee, slim blue denim and leather high-top sneakers — or dressier ensembles (say, a cotton suit at your next casual summer wedding). It’ll seriously look great all year, a testament to its simple-yet-effective design rooted in field-ready functionality. If that sounds like it’s in your wheelhouse, then step right on up and pick up the Jack Mason Aviator Watch. Wary of buying from a relatively upstart brand? Know that the folks at Jack Mason have put in the work to back up their products (and it helps that they design watches in the hard-to-handle Texas heat). In testing out Jack Mason watches, I can vouch for their quality and durability — to go along with versatile and easily wearable style, that is. If the Aviator Watch isn’t quite your speed, Jack Mason also makes a host of other crisp, eye-catching watches, all geared toward go-anywhere looks. From racing-inspired chronographs to simple field watches, there’s a watch for every taste. And yet… there’s something about the no-frills style potential of the Aviator Watch. Do you agree? And will you be buying any timepieces from Jack Mason this summer? Let me know in the comments. For now — let’s take on the weekend in style!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: 2016’s Best Watches, Last-Minute Gifts and Holiday Travel Style

Check your watch, check your calendar, check this blog — we’re just two (TWO) days away from Christmas! It’s been a hectic week between my winter trip to Baltimore and some travel to sunny Florida, but I hope you’re en route to your holiday destination — and traveling in style, of course.  If you’ve slacked (big-time) on your gift buying, check out our women’s holiday gift guide and the requisite men’s holiday gift guide one final, last time. And right after we turn from Christmas, New Year’s Eve is upon us — to that end, we’ll cover what to wear on New Year’s Eve in the next few days. And we’ll be going through men’s style resolutions for 2017, too. If your resolutions include upgrading your workout gear, you’d do well to enter this site’s latest menswear giveaway. But back to business. It’s been great to reflect on a stellar year in NYC over the last few days; that includes the chance to build on my career in fashion PR, write this blog and pursue my passion through other great menswear sites like The Manual and GearMoose. We’re not done with the style content on this blog for 2016 yet — far from it. For now, I’ll leave you today with the best in men’s style — I hope you take care of your last-minute shopping, and more importantly, I hope you’ll join us for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.  Now, get to it!

  • Whenever you talk about a  stylish, durable watch, it’s advisable to turn to the folks at GQ. Yes, they do make some questionable styling choices and hop on and off quite a few trends, but hey, GQ.com rounded up 2016’s best watches — and the list includes some stone-cold stunners, like the rugged Tudor Black Bay Bronze.
  • Let’s stay on the topic of GQ, shall we? The publication’s digital arm rounded up 16 holiday travel style favorites. Some of these picks are mighty premium — take the $840 AMI overcoat, for starters — but the premise is admirable. 16 items, a full set of outfits and some solid suggestions (denim-on-denim among them).
  • And on the topic of last-second shopping, if you’ve got someone on your list who values a touch of irreverent style and a bit of high-fashion — like an embroidered Levi’s denim jacket  — use the code ‘MERRY30’ to get 30!percent off almost everything online and in-store at Brooklyn’s own Kinfolk. Note that the deal excludes footwear, collaboration apparel & N. Hoollywood gear, but hey, there are plenty of picks from which to shop.

One last item to read …

  • Did you catch the launch of the slick new Taylor Stitch Minimalist Collection? It includes a bifold wallet and a slim cardholder, among other goods. They’re reasonably priced for investment-worthy leather pieces and feature the classic design that’s made Taylor Stitch so coveted among lovers of great menswear. Get the scoop via my latest GearMoose post.

Did that help you fill the time between holiday shopping sessions? Once more, check out the women’s style gift guide and shop our men’s style gift guide as quickly as you can.

Finally: Have a great day, and a great weekend!

-Beau
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by Beau H.

You’re Invited! Casio G-Shock Master of G Collection Event

Editor’s note: Thank you to Men’s Health and Casio G-SHOCK for sponsoring this post.  All opinions are my own.  Thanks for reading, and thanks for supporting the brands that support The Style Guide!

I would say one of the best — and certainly most fun — parts about being part of the menswear community in New York City revolves around connecting with standout brands, fellow writers and bloggers, and great causes. It makes for a busy schedule, but a heck of a fun time. And judging by the fact that you read this blog, we’re all along for this neat ride together. That’s why I’m excited to attend the Casio G-SHOCK Master of G Collection Event later this week in New York City. The event is brought to you by Men’s Health, it features the (very shoppable) Tourneau-exclusive Master of G Collection and perhaps most importantly …. you’re invited! If you’re a Style Guide reader in NYC, you’ll get to attend this neat event — all you need to do is send me an email! What exactly is on tap? Plenty, including free food and drinks!

Set to take place at the elegant Tourneau TimeMachine space (at 57th Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan) this coming Thursday, December 1st from 6 to 8 p.m., you’ll get the chance to both shop and view up-close some truly sturdy, durable, rugged and well-designed watches via Casio’s G-SHOCK line. These are the type of watches that can brave the cold of winter, the depths of ocean dives and global travel — and your daily commute. Plus, you can hang with the excellent folks from the Men’s Health Style team and members of the G-SHOCK first responders team — real guys in the field who love and wear Casio watches in their line of work (hey, being a Navy SEAL calls for a pretty tough watch).

Lastly, a portion of the proceeds from watch sales at the event will go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, named in honor of firefighter Stephen Siller, who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11. The foundation continues to support our first responders while honoring Stephen’s legacy — it’s crucially important work. Oh, and the winner of this year’s Ultimate Men’s Health Guy contest, Jed Ballard, will be there to share details of his journey. Jed’s story is a neat, inspiring one — you can read more of it via Men’s Health. So, does that sound good to you? Maybe? Hopefully? If you’ll be around and you’re down to attend, drop me a note via beauhayhoe@gmail.com, or DM me on Twitter @BoKnowsClothes! Sound good? Get it, got it, good? Alright!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Jack Mason Nautical 3-Hand Watch

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Just one way to wear a stylish, dependable Jack Mason watch. White Oxford by Todd Shelton. Garment-dyed chinos by Dockers. Duvall Wingtips by Johnston & Murphy. Sunglasses by Nautica. Tote bag by JackThreads.

Just one way to wear a stylish, dependable Jack Mason watch. White Oxford by Todd Shelton. Garment-dyed chinos by Dockers. Duvall Wingtips by Johnston & Murphy. Sunglasses by Nautica. Tote bag by JackThreads.

If you’ve got a weekly style rotation down, there’s a good chance you might still be missing an item or two — particularly on your wrist. Those small finishing details can sometimes be the hardest to pin down, but once you do — there’s no going back. Now, your author absolutely loves a sharp, stylish timepiece, but sometimes, it can be tough to find a watch that does both. Particularly if you’re working on building out a watch collection, it can be hard work to find one that mixes a touch of refinement with casual style. Well, my fellow #menswear fans — those days are over, thanks to the excellent folks at Jack Mason. The Texas-based brand takes a nuanced approach to crafting stylish watches — the brand’s Texas roots add a touch of Americana to every product — and I’m very glad indeed I stumbled upon them at Liberty Fairs in Las Vegas earlier this summer. I’ve had the chance to check out the brand’s handiwork over the past few weeks — including during a very recent Labor Day weekend road trip — and that brings us here today. Specifically, we’re talking today about the Nautical 3-Hand Watch, a stunner of a timepiece that merges texture (the perlon strap), functionality (a given) and sharp style. Now, the timepiece seen at the top of the page is a sharp play on the style in a heightened blue, but the slightly more casual black version as sold by the fine folks at Huckberry would definitely be a stylish pick-up., too. Why’s that? Well, as we talked before, it nicely blends the look of a dress watch with the casual ease of your new favorite weekend watch — the woven perlon strap and the sporty dial just play well off one another, and that makes it a great option to pair with laidback-yet-sharp style staples, like a crisp white Oxford and rich garment-dyed chinos (as seen at the top of the page; in fact, head to my Instagram to get more watch-centric styling tips — will ya?).

Although an electric blue version is pictured at the top of the page, this black dial, black strap combo looks just as sharp.

Although an electric blue version is pictured at the top of the page, this black dial, black strap combo looks just as sharp.

It’s not often that you find watches that manage to look distinctive yet subtle, yet the Nautical 3-Hand Watch is that very timepiece. The 42mm case diameter is just about the right size for most of us fellas, and that makes it a bit more substantial and easier to wear than a slimmer dress watch. And for under $200, you’re essentially getting multiple watches — the easily interchangeable woven strap could be swapped out very quickly for another NATO strap or perhaps a rich Horween leather strap. That kind of versatility is important when watch shopping, and it should make it easier to wear with everything from a sharp business-casual look to a laidback outfit put together with bar-hopping in mind (seriously, you’ve gotta tell time on a bar crawl somehow).  And lest you think the woven strap and nautical dial  of the Nautical 3-Hand Watch make it a timepiece that only works in spring and summer, think again. The perlon strap adds just enough texture to make this timepiece a fall (and potentially) winter workhorse. Again, that versatility and functionality simply can’t be beat. If that’s a goal of yours when watch shopping — as it should be — your search might be over (for now, that is).

Head to Huckberry to pick up the Nautical 3-Hand Watch now.

Huckberry

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The 5 Best Men’s Watches to Buy Now

Editor’s note: To feast your eyes on all kinds of #menswear shopping picks, click over here.

Curious about what casual watch you need in your arsenal? Read on. The Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray is pictured here. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Striped chambray shirt by JACHS NY. Sneakers by Reef. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake.

Curious about what casual watch you need in your arsenal? Read on. The Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray is pictured here. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Striped chambray shirt by JACHS NY. Sneakers by Reef. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake.

Look down at your right wrist. Now, look down at your left wrist. Do you have a great watch on? Yes? No? Can’t tell? I’m here to help you sort that out today. When it comes to style upgrades, there’s no messing about here at The Style Guide. As a guy constantly on the hunt for a great watch, it’s an area that’s been a focus for me as of late — we even covered off on some more men’s watches on a budget last spring, so it’s high time to get after it again. And although it might not be the first thing you look to buy for yourself (whether you’ve owned a timepiece before or not), it can play a pretty crucial role in tying together an outfit. The right accessories just work that way. And while a casual watch might seem a bit out of place, we’re looking today for watches that you’d wear to, say, a relaxed spring bar crawl or a casual Sunday brunch, not to a boardroom meeting. Specifically, look for something Bond might wear in the Moroccan desert — you see where we’re headed with this? The below picks definitely reflect that spirit of adventure without the high price tag — casual in nature, ready for spring and summer (and beyond), and designed with a slightly more rugged feel in mind. If you think I missed any pieces, give me a holler on Twitter! Talk to you soon!

#1. Timex Waterbury — $100

A unique offering from a brand that does casual watches very well.

A unique offering from a brand that does casual watches very well.

Note that the original Timex Weekender could very well fill this top spot, too — it was a close call! But the brand so well-known for that style is doing something a little different with its Waterbury line. These watches blend rugged style, like that slightly aged leather strap, with a simple contrasting design on the dial and no real frills anywhere. It’s the perfect watch to grab when you want to mimic a leather dress watch without such a minimal look (like at that Sunday brunch). The price is definitely tough to beat no matter where else you look — it’ll take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’, to quote the brand.

#2. Daniel Wellington Classic Glasgow 40mm Silver Watch, $195

A style Bond would be proud to wear -- the merger of a dress watch and a sport-inspired strap.

A style Bond would be proud to wear — the merger of a dress watch and a sport-inspired strap.

For those who prefer a slightly more crisp watch merged with the sporty nature of a NATO strap, here’s your winner. Daniel Wellington has taken the ultra-minimal design and thin case of a dress watch for its Classic Glasgow  and done it up in a sharp silver color. The striped white-and-blue NATO strap is practically begging to be worn alongside a slim pocket tee and a great pair of summer shorts — even if it looks a tad too dressy at first, a watch this well-designed can work with any outfit (just be sure to keep it out of the water — it’s not built to go quite that far).

#3. Timex for J. Crew Vintage Army Field Watch — $98

Based on a decades-old archival design, this watch is worth the higher price tag compared to other Timex watches.

Based on a decades-old archival design, this watch is worth the higher price tag compared to other Timex watches.

J. Crew continues to knock it out of the park when it comes to partnering with renowned third-party brands, and this particular watch has surely ended up on many a style wish list over the years because of that. The Timex for J. Crew timepiece in question is based on a style from the Timex archives that dates back to the 1940s — talk about timeless. The olive strap is neutral enough to match with almost anything, and the simple case markings and smaller case diameter make this one subtle, stylish watch — to say it’s perfect for a backyard barbeque would be an understatement.

#4. KOMONO Winston Heritage Chambray — $99.95

Chambray on a watch strap? Can't go wrong.

Chambray on a watch strap? Can’t go wrong.

While chambray as a shirting or trouser fabric is versatile enough to rock year-round, it’s not often seen on watch straps. In this instance though, the KOMONO Winston Heritage would be a unique, eye-catching addition to your watch collection — it’s just different enough visually from a brown leather watch to make it worth your time (pun intended). The acid wash chambray strap is a neat finishing touch that would play nicely off inky selvedge denim and a navy crewneck, and it would also work alongside a slim short-sleeve henley and light wash jeans this spring. Casual in nature, ya dig?

#5. Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch — $48.40

Ultra-tough and ultra-dependable, this rubber-strap Stuhrling watch just works.

Ultra-tough and ultra-dependable, this rubber-strap Stuhrling watch just works.

By far the most casual and least expensive watch on this list, perhaps the Stuhrling Aquadiver is what you had in mind when thinking “casual watch.” A rubber strap watch is certainly the most rugged and dependable among this group, and it even performs just as a stainless steel dive watch might — that is, you can rock it in the water, on land and everywhere in between. It’s a heck of a steal for under $50, and my personal timepiece is still going strong after more than two years of use (read the full review here).

With a dearth of casual watches on the market, cutting any list off at five is tough. But brands that do dress watches well (like Daniel Wellington) also have the market cornered with more casual timepieces. MVMT Watches delivers options that certainly drift a bit louder in terms of style (like this all-black, rugged watch), but they could be a wise pickup if you’re a fan of the brand. If you fancy yourself a watch collector with some cash to burn, you could feasibly snag the same watch worn by James Bond in Spectre. Oh, man. On the slightly cheaper side of things, Shinola is even manufacturing super-rugged, sport-inspired watches that might be worth a look. If building up your watch collection is a goal of yours, start with the basics — like a brown leather dress watch — and then move into the more casual realm with picks that serve a twofold purpose. As for me? I think this list isn’t a bad place to start.

Until next time,

Stay stylish,

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Possibly the perfect watch? Red Wing shoe leather meets a tough-yet-sharp Timex dial.

Possibly the perfect watch? Red Wing shoe leather meets a tough-yet-sharp Timex dial.

The importance of a sharp watch — like other great style upgrades — in terms of finishing off an outfit is something that’s hard to overstate.  It can definitely help strike the right tone, whether that’s sharp and dressy or laidback and casual. And there’s no doubt that the watch you see here can do either of those  — it’s hard to overstate that quality, as well.  Watches haven’t often been part of this here Style Pick of the Week series, but that changes right now in a big way. Timex has drawn some buzz as of late for its upcoming partnership with Todd Snyder — as part of his FW16 runway show last week in New York City, Snyder (of Champion collaboration fame) sent models down the runway wearing several models of the above watch (which features, you guessed it, a Red Wing shoe leather strap). The partnership is exceptionally fitting, and it all dovetails off the fact that, somewhat confusingly, Snyder is launching his own collaboration with Timex this coming fall.  But back to the matter at hand — Fashion Week or not, you can (and definitely should) pick up this handsome watch right now.

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

The Timex Waterbury line was a welcome introduction last year as part of the brand’s anniversary celebration; it nodded to the brand’s heritage, took classic Timex style and gave it a rugged edge. You might recognize a model of the rugged-refined Waterbury  line from this past week’s post on how to style a crewneck sweater, in fact. And the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury seen here — sold exclusively through END Clothing for now — advances that design ethos perfectly. For now, it would appear END only has the 38mm model  (there are also 40mm and 42mm iterations). But 38mm works just fine — it’s the ideal balance between striking and subtle. Yes, the black-and-tan 38mm dial is just the right size for most of us, but the real standout here is the leather strap, made using leather from Red Wing’s S.B. Tanning Company. A genius idea, yeah? It’s the rare watch strap that’ll break in as superbly as your boots over time — and it’ll certainly match up well with your rugged Red Wing winter boots, to say the least. So given all the rugged refinement that’s gone into this iteration of the watch, it only makes sense that Snyder would look to the duo for style that really played well on the runways. Fear not, though — this particular watch will look superb on your wrist even if you have no modeling experience to speak of.  Style it with wingtip boots, jeans and a shawl collar cardigan now, and throw it on with a tee and tailored shorts when it (eventually) warms up. There’s no wrong way to go.

Are you a fan of the Timex Waterbury line? And this watch in particular? Or are you holding out for the Todd Snyder x Timex collab?

Frank & Oak