In college, I almost never wore a watch. If I needed to know the time I just looked at my phone, plus they just got in the way. But in the real world, it's a bit of a necessity - you can't check your phone in some meetings, and they are expected at certain events. Here, we will break down some different watch categories and assess them on functionality, formality, and style.
Classic Watch
Every guy needs one of these in their closet. These watches feature a leather band (either black or brown) and a plain, small to medium face. If i had to pick one, I would pick a black band, white face, and gold case. This is your heavy-duty, everyday at the office watch. Professional, but not going to wow anyone. Appropriate to wear at work and all formal settings; not great for extracurricular activities.
Functionality: Flip phone in a smart phone world
Formality: Wearing a dark navy suit to a job interview
Style: Like a low 90's fastball right down the middle
Casual Watch
These have more variety. Maybe the face, case or band are a unique color. Maybe they are a made of an unusual material. Maybe the face is over-sized. These watches let you flash a little creativity or personal style. Appropriate to wear in business casual settings, while hanging out or when out and about with friends. One of my personal favorites is watches made by WeWood (as you may have guessed it, the band and casing are made of wood).
Functionality: Like a spoiler on a car that can't break 120
Formality: Perfect for gauging how many drinks you can get in before last call
Style: Like wearing rainbow socks to work
Metal Watches
For people trying to show a little flash at work or while out. Great if you have a few grand burning a hole in your pocket or to receive as a graduation present. Made of steel for a clean look; gold/silver for the fashionistas out there. Versatile - you can wear them with a suit or at the beach. Personally, I've never liked them, but some swear by them.
Functionality: It tells the time
Formality: The Swiss army knife of watches
Style: Bling, bling, bling
Sports Watches
For fishers, runners, and the other aspiring sportsmen of the world. These watches tend to be bigger, more complex, and have added functionality (submersible, GPS, etc). Great for their intended functionality but not great in the office or for around town. Some fitness trackers are small enough that they can be paired with a normal watch on a day-to-day basis, but ordinarily leave the sports watch at home when you go to work.
Functionality: Can tell you just how slow you really are
Formality: Like a short sleeve button down
Style: N/A
Smart Watch
The jury is still out on these from a utility perspective, but with the announcement and pending release of the Apple Watch, I am sure they will begin penetrating the workforce. Apple made a clear stance that they want their watch to be seen as a fashion accessory with the gold variants, but it's not clear whether these will catch on and replace traditional watches. My hunch is that they may catch on as a day-to-day timepiece, but will never replace the most formal of watches.
Functionality: So you can see that text message 10 seconds faster
Formality: Not quite yet
Style: My smart watch brings all the nerds to the yard
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