Instagram #WatchWeek

A selection of watches featured on Instagram. (All watches and photos not my own, credited below).

A selection of watches featured on Instagram. (All watches and photos not my own, credited below).

I’ve known for some time that one facet missing from my men’s style arsenal was watches. Even though I have long been interested in watches I didn’t dedicate the time needed to really understand them, their history and their place in a wardrobe. My relationship with watches began at a very young age when my grandmother gave me a fully manual Timex. It is cheap and cheerful, yes, but I loved wearing that watch. It made me feel grown-up and important, issues that matter to an 8-year-old (not to mention a 44-year-old). As a grown up, though, I floated around from fashion watch to fashion watch until finally, about a decade ago, I found a 1950s (maybe 60s) Carlex mechanical watch at an antique market. While it is missing the cachet of a collectable (as a little-known brand) the watch has so much character and personality I wear it almost every day. It also reminds me of the watch my father wore when I was growing up.

The time has come to take a passing interest and by studying and researching, turn it into a passionate focus. I have spent the past few months reading articles, watching videos, meeting collectors and aficionados and scanning endless images to learn as much as I can about watch collecting. And the most important thing I’ve learned so far is that watches are ultimately a very personal choice. Like developing your own sense of style, you like what you like and that is just fine. However, the principles of building a classic wardrobe still apply: look for the best quality and the finest craftsmanship in an object that is harmonious with the rest of your apparel.

When I began building my wardrobe, I was very much attracted to styles from the past. It was part of learning about the history of menswear, I suppose. The same is true with watches, so far. I am most taken with designs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. And I’m not alone: the current trend in watches is very much vintage, and from that era. I’ve discovered many of these watches and brands thanks to Instagram and so this week I have been re-posting some of my absolute favourites. Here is a round up of watches that each have a story and a legacy, and why I chose them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI3WbCADv3j/

My thanks to all those who share images and information like these, which allow those like me, just beginning our journeys, to learn and grow.