Ivana Atmojo

Today I’m going to write a bit about men’s watches, of how there are stories about these different yet equally great timepieces with exquisite craftsmanship.  I read this wonderful article about men’s watches from Esquire black book a while ago (Yes I do read men’s magazine, to keep myself updated about men’s style too). So I thought I’m going to share this with you (mixing it with my own opinions), so that you know that there are great stories too, other than a bunch of reasons (that come with it) to buy such exquisite watches.

Why do I think that watches even matter at the first place? Well, I’m a great believer that this timepiece represents the owner’s personality. When you pick the right piece (meaning: the one that really suits your personality), your personality will shine through even more—making a certain statement & some kind of presence projected through your being. I would recommend my clients to invest wisely on watches. Similar to the concept of power suit, when you MEAN business, the last thing you want is to look shoddy with some cheap fake watches. But of course, I’m not asking you to cut all your expenses and get the most expensive watches. Everything in life is about MANAGEMENT, okay? 

Having said that, I also want you to realise that the air that you project from your inner heart is always stronger and more influencial than even the most expensive watch in the world. A GREAT someone with inexpensive watch or a BAD someone with expensive watch? The former wins! (You get the idea)

So let’s begin with the great stories of some of the great watches: 

A. The Pilot

IWC Schaffhausen was established in 1868. One of its legendary watches to date is the BIG PILOT watch, which is really massive at 4.6 centimeters in diameter. In the early date of the World War II this huge watch did not serve as a fashion statement—it was designed to be read easily while one is flying a fighter plane. If you notice the distinctive ball crown, it was made so one could wind it with gloves on. Furthermore, its signature extra-long leather strap allowed it to be tightened around one’s thigh.

What I think: Most suitable for men of 40 years old and above, I would say. It’s an intriguing combination of steadiness, courage, and free will.

B. The Classicists      

Some of the classic watchmakers are: Vacheron Constantin (est. more than 250 years ago); Patek Philippe (est. 1839); & A.Lange & Söhne (est 1815); and Parmigiani Fleurier (the baby of the bunch at mere 30 years old).  

What I think: I like Parmigiani Fleurier, I think it’s boldly provocative and sexy, but its design could be pretty overwhelming at times—not for you who worship simplicity. Patek Philippe speaks & looks old-time European to me, and I like its subtly elegant cases—very welcoming with a flair of contradiction. All in all,  I would describe Patek as a combination of  both pride and humility in one. I love love love…Vacheron Constantin (see picture), I think there’s something hypnotizing about it: very manly and strong, yet it exudes a strong sense of sensibility & passion. A.Longe & Söhne is my least favourite, I find it too restrictive. But if you love anything that smells like German culture, this one is for you.

C. The Driver 

TAG Heuer has long been associated with automobile. Its accuracy was recently measured at 1/10,000^th second in 2004 at the Indy 500. There is little need to calculate time to such extreme , but that I believe is what’s called striving for perfection. 

What I think: You can never go wrong with a Tag Heuer, can you? (Featured in the pic below is Tag Heuer Formula 1, whose design process involved Fernando Alonso–Formula 1 double world champion)

D.   The Nauticals  

Watches with the most hardcore nautical specs like these are intended for men to express their adventurous sides. Rolex Submariner, first appeared in 1954 with innovation of quick-released clasp and rotating numbered bezel, was made popular by James Bond Agent 007 (played by Sean Connery). The modern-day Bond (Daniel Craig) now wears Omega Seamasters. The newcomer in this category is Oris Carlos Coste (see pic), a limited edition titanium piece inspired by Carlos Coste—the world champion free diver. With the ability to withstand a depth of 2000m, it sure will come handy in the shower *LOL*

What I think: Rolex seems to be too predictable nowadays. Omega keeps more mystery and personality alive. Oris is a modern interpretation of the classics, and definitely is a fresh alternative of the former two.

E. The Big Boys 

Big watches to feed men’s big egos, that’s what I believe. You can recognize right away from a distance a Cartier watch from its old-school Roman-numeral look and its stance as jewelry on its own. With its name carved on the outer case, you couldn’t possibly miss a Bvlgari watch either. In 2006, Jaeger Le Coultre invented a timepiece that measures nearly 55 millimeters, to suit the style and needs and egos—of the new generation of men. It’s classic watch is called the Reverso. 

What I think: To me, Cartier watch looks sexier on women than men. Bvlgari watch is too flashy sometimes, almost outshining its intended purpose of classiness. My top pick is Jaeger Le Coultre (see pic), it’s edgy in a traditional way and vain at the same time—like Yohji Yamamoto and Karl Lagerfeld combined. Who could beat that? 

Which one suits your personality  the most, people?