Accessorize. : Watch Me Now!!!

In continuation of my "Accessorize." series, I bring you: Watches. Probably the single item I get complimented most on is my watch. [whichever one it may be on any given day] I love watches! I couldn't even tell you how many I have.

When I talk about a watch, I'm definitely not talking Rolex. While Rolex is nice, I'm no fool. For something that I change everyday, I'd rather spend much less for more watches than [insert insane dollar amount here] for one watch.

Today, rather than find examples online, I'm pulling watches from my own collection. These are some of my favorites that are definitely in heavy rotation.

First up, a brown-faced, brown-strap watch by Daniel Steiger. My mother actually gave me this watch. She gets this catalog from Timepieces, Intl. which actually has a lot of great watches and they almost always have a 2-for-1 deal. Their watches start at about $120 and usually don't run past $300. Anyway, when you get 2-for-1,the price is always nice.

This is one of my Geek Chic favorites. The Casio Databank in yellow. Purchased at Hommework, I think this is my most used watch. I feel like it truly does go with everything because of its geek-factor. Even if it doesn't "match", people still get a kick out of it.....and I'm all about putting on a show. These cost about $95 and Hommework actually has a few in stock right now. [Quick Tip: Don't live in El Paso?Hommework will ship for a flat rate of $5.95]

This next one is also a bit geeky but what can I say?! I've got the braces, the glasses and the tech-savviness that qualifies me for the gig. I must say that I LOVE SWATCH!!! They truly do take a lickin' and keep on tickin'! The ticking sound is so loud, I sometimes focus on it to clear my head. My Swatch has a barcode design and is super-casual. I believe I purchased this one for about $65.

I also have an affinity for chunky watches and this one fits the bill juuust right. This is a G-Shock Japanese Limited Edition watch which I also purchased at Hommework. This one was a bit pricier but definitely worth it. At $199, it features a black croc patent-leather strap with purple stitching, backlight, timers, alarms, calendars, 13 different languages, etc.... If you find one, get one.

For "dressier" occasions such as the occasional wedding, business meetings and dinner dates, I opt for a basic silver Kenneth Cole watch. This was a gift from a very good friend of mine and I believe they are usually about $95. You really can never go wrong with a Kenneth Cole watch. His timepieces are typically very safe but always classic.

And finally, to prove that a good deal can be found by just looking in the right places, my "go-to" black watch. This one is by Lambretta and I snagged this for $25 [only $25] at a store closing sale. There are always good and bad aspects to unstable economies. BAD: the store closed. GOOD: I got a watch for $25!!!! The store was The Jeanery in San Diego and it used to be one of my must-stops whenever I'd visit that fantastic city. Now, I'll have to settle for whatever else I can find.

Now, here are a few tips in watch selection and watch care.

1] When watch shopping, in order to get an everyday watch, look for something reliable with a classic, round shape.

2] Pick a watch that fits your wrist! Having a secure-fitting watch is key to maintaining the watch's life. If it's jumbling up and down your arm as you are running around all day, something bad is bound to happen to it. [such as the NUMEROUS times I run into walls, arm first.]

3] When storing watches, its all about comfort (for the watch). I have a canvas tray where I keep most of my watches. They are easily found and the canvas protects them from scratches. If you've got a watch box to keep them in, more power to you!

4] If you have a significant number of watches, check that the batteries work at least once a month. There's nothing worse than finding out at the last minute that your battery is dead!

5] I said it once, and I'll say it again....make sure the watch fits!!! If purchasing a metal link watch, most jewelers will do the first fitting for free. This means removing any extra links and making sure the watch is just the right fit, while preserving the extra links (should the be needed in the future) in a neat, little paper envelope.

If you've got questions or comments pertaining to this post, don't hesitate to email me! I'm always open to suggestions.

Watch out!!!

-Farzad

farzad@themensfashionblog.com