How many watches should a man own?
It is clear from the outset that there is no single answer to this question, nor could there be. Everything depends on the man and his lifestyle. There are different types of watches, however, and their suitability for different situations is often quite specific. I will discuss this from a personal perspective.
If a man uses only one watch, he should focus on quality and durability when choosing it. For a single watch, I would personally prefer a metal bracelet or silicone strap and at least 10 ATM water resistance (marked 100 m). Then you would not have to worry about forgetting to remove it before jumping into water or playing basketball with friends. I would not choose an entirely sporty style for your only watch, though, as you sometimes need to wear a blazer and the watch must suit that too.
With more than one watch, you can choose one for the specific occasion. Let me use my own selection as an example. I have five watches: three form my optimal selection, while two have been with me for a long time.
My watches reflect my lifestyle: I often wear a blazer and formal clothes, so my dressiest watch was chosen accordingly. It is a Swiss-made Gc watch with a leather strap and traditional design. Alongside it, I have a classic Armani watch bought in Italy back in 2007 that still works perfectly; only the strap needs replacing.
Next are my casual watches, suitable for relaxed clothing, a sweatshirt or colourful jumper, and even flip-flops and a patterned T-shirt. I have two of these too: a Daniel Wellington with a nylon strap in French flag colours, and a Police watch won in a Rock beer promotion. As of 2018, the DW is my recent favourite: simple, clean and light. It is certainly the most comfortable option in summer. DW straps are also easy to change yourself, so you can refresh the appearance without buying a new watch.
My final watch is a Suunto M5. It is a mid-range heart rate watch that I put on whenever I head out to exercise. It is extremely light, with more than enough features for recreational athletes. It is marked 3 ATM (30 m). I have swum with it, but would not recommend doing so: a 3 ATM watch is not designed for swimming, and saunas and hot water damage seals on any watch. Always check your watch’s manual to see what it can withstand. The watch has a comfortable perforated strap that helps prevent sweating during exercise.
I always recommend thinking about yourself, or the recipient, before buying a watch. How does he dress, what is his lifestyle, and does he prefer one watch or choose a different one for each occasion? Let this guide your choice. Also consider the case diameter: a very small watch does not suit a larger wrist. You can try the dimensions against your wrist using a tape measure. Strap length can usually be adjusted, but not to fit every wrist. Also see the guides how to choose watch size and strap length and automatic, quartz or solar-powered.
Patrik, Käekellad.ee (November 2018)