Classic Watches for the Common Man
According to the
WatchTime 2012 Buyers Guide magazine, there
is renewed interest in simple, basic, elegant timepieces that focus on
the essential function of telling time. The magazine called it the
classical revival. To some degree, they said the classical revival is a reaction to large,
boisterous, timepieces that sport huge cases and oversized dials. For
prestigious Swiss watch makers the test of design and craftsmanship has
always been getting reliable mechanical functions into an aesthetically
pleasing and slim watch case.
Venerable watchmakers like Zenith
and Vacheron-Constantin have released watches in recent years that mimic
their classic models of the 1950s and 60s. The Zenith Elite Ultra Thin
is a simple elegant watch with a round face, baton markers, and a small
seconds hand sub-dial. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques line includes
the round Ultra Fine 1968 and the square Ultra Fine 1955. Both sport
simple graceful faces with minimal markings and complex mechanical
mechanisms beneath the surface. These high end watches are made by
craftsmen working to the most exacting standards. They are heirlooms to
be passed from generation to generation in some of the world's most
elite families.
While the high end watches of Vacheron
Constantin are out of reach for most consumers since they are price
between $20,000 to $30,000, there are many classically-styled quartz
watches for the rest of us in the marketplace. While classic watches may
not have their own shopping network television shows, they can be found
in nearly every local department store. Here are five of my favorite
affordable classic watches for men:
1.
Bulova Classic Quartz Silver Dial Watch. Bulova makes some very accurate and sophisticated quartz watches. At
$400 or $500 the Bulova Precisionist line is a marvel of modern design.
But, the venerable company also makes many traditional quartz dress
watches that are perfect for no nonsense business attire. My $99 Bulova
(Model 96B168) has a slightly technological look due to a subtle grid
pattern underlying the dial. Other models have a sunburst design.
2. Fossel Ansel Vintage Style Watch. If you are of Generation X, you probably remember the watches your
father and grandfather wore. They were simple, fairly, slim, and they
had plain faces and hash marks on the hours. In short, they were
attractive, minimalist, and superbly functional. Fossil brings that look
back in a more contemporary quartz package with a larger face more in
keeping with today's fashion. The retro look of the Fossil Ansel works
well.
3. Pulsar Men's Analog Dress Watch. Silver on silver is one of the coolest color combinations on any man's
watch. My old Pulsar does the job well. It's cool, competent, and
perfect for job interviews. A watch doesn't have to scream for
attention. Sometimes it can better serve you by standing competently in
the background and adding to your aura of competence. Of course, in the
right light, the dial of my Pulsar looks much like the dial of the more
expensive, automatic, Ebel Classic 100.
4. Timex Weekender.
Simple. Readable. Indiglo. Preppy. The $35 to $45
Timex Weekender looks
like the watch you'd wear at your summer place in the Hamptons. It
offers tons of preppy practicality in a non-snooty package. It's an
affordable classic. Plus, the Swiss don't have Indiglo backlighting at
one thousand times the price.
5. Armitron Diamond Men's Analog Dress Watch. Of course, not all classical watches are plain and functional. Some achieve a dramatic look with an accent jewel. For example, most Movados
have a timeless elegance. At a sub-$100 price point, you might take a
look at the Armitron Diamond series of watches. Mine has a deep brown
face, accented with golden batons marking each hour, and a tiny diamond
chip at 12 o'clock. It looks great, but not necessarily rich.
Classical designs have never gone away. They've just been waiting for
you to stop playing SCUBA Steve, Racer X, and Johnny Fighter Pilot. If
you are ready for a simple, elegant, timepiece that tells the time and
looks professional, your classic watches are waiting.
Sources:
"Classical Revival," Mark Bernardo, Watch Time Special Edition Buyers Guide 2012, www.watchtime.com
Personal Experience
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