Wearing a watch, to me, feels as regular as brushing my teeth. I started wearing one — a Kate Spade outlet store two-tone find for $125 — a decade ago. It made me feel polished as a college student, showing up for class, slipping out my notebook, and taking copious notes, eying the way my watch caught the overhead fluorescents.
The inclination to wear a watch can be learned, like a habit. Wearing one doesn’t feel natural for everyone at first, but it can become part of your getting-ready-for-the-day, putting-your-armor-on process, if you want it to be.
There’s lots out there on how to spend thousands of dollars on a watch, but less on where to begin as you dip your toes into the timepiece water. My best advice is to shop second hand.
I wear an oversized Cartier Tank Française, which was an anniversary gift from my husband. I spent months looking at old outfit images I’d collected, making note of the kind of watch I liked on other people. Since I’m tall and opt for menswear, I knew I wanted something on the larger size.
My next step, after research, was to visit stores that stocked second-hand options. If you live in New York, try the Diamond District or The RealReal, and take lots of pictures. If you’re shopping online, be sure to measure the wrist strap length and make sure returns are accepted.
For the uninitiated, below are a few under $500 picks to get you in the groove. Wear one for a year and if you love it, maybe it’s time to upgrade. Or maybe you’ll find your under $500 watch just perfect.
* I wear my March Hare Harriet watch (above) whenever I travel. It feels very Joan Didion to me. And the leather looks as good as the day I slipped it on for the first time three years ago.
* Go bold with a modern watch from Machete.
* This Tissot watch bats above its weight at $350. I’m impressed!
* I wore a two-tone Shinola watch (above) for years before getting my Cartier.
* Be sure to check The RealReal or eBay if skinnier watches are your thing. You’ll find lots from Gucci and other chic brands for under $500.
* When I polled people, many loved wearing a Swatch. I think the forest green is particularly cool.
* This Breda sky blue face is begging to be paired with a floral sundress.
Thoughts? Would you wear one of these? If you wear a watch, what do you love about it?
Erika Veurink is a writer and consultant living in Brooklyn by way of Iowa. She writes the fashion newsletter Long Live and is the founder of EV Salon, where online connections happen IRL.
P.S. How to make a charm necklace and Erika’s week of outfits.
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