Wardrobe and Watches Pt. 2
As some of you may know, my interests are in menswear and watches - it's always been a pleasure trying to mix and match my clothes and my watches. I haven't really added much to my wardrobe or my watch collection recently, so I guess it was somewhat of a challenge to come up with fun combinations. Without further ado.
Hamilton Spirit of Liberty Chronograph
Probably the most difficult watch for me, the Hamilton Spirit of Liberty Chronograph has a lovely sheen that makes it dressy at first glance, but the 52mm lug to lug and 15mm thickness makes it anything but. I feel like the watch is one strap away from becoming near perfect.
I guess the wardrobe choice somewhat reflects the watch's nature. A more dressy shirt (though with button cuff) and a more easy knit jacket.
Orient Mako II
The Mako II is perhaps the opposite side of the spectrum compared to the Hamilton: aggressive sporty watch with a touch of elegant features. The wardrobe features an olive coloured military-looking chore jacket, with a light weight cotton shirt, and navy trousers.
Cle de Cartier
Cartier has a way of making their watches look very dressy at first glance, but also have enough sporty elements to make it work with casual looks as well.
I like to think the watch pairs nicely even with a denim jacket. Maybe it's because they both have to 60s-70s feel. Maybe it's just because the Cartier has some blue elements in the watch.
I'm not quite cool enough to pull off the Canadian tux, so I also had a pair of khakis on to continue with the more casual look.
That about sums up some of the more fun pairings I made recently. I'd love to read some of yours' pairings and thought processes as well!
Armchair watch collector
Great photos. I'd say that all those three are very adaptable and can easily be dressed up and down. The Orient more down and the other too more up.
I wouldn't consider myself a fashion plate, but I've had compliments on my ensemble many times. I'd throw that Hamilton on a nice mesh so fast.
This sounds boring but I’ve tried to go with boring dials and conservative colors to allow for maximum flexibility for different wardrobes.
Great photos. I'd say that all those three are very adaptable and can easily be dressed up and down. The Orient more down and the other too more up.
Thank you. I definitely have found that the watches can dress up or down well, looking to add a dress-dress watch someday.
I wouldn't consider myself a fashion plate, but I've had compliments on my ensemble many times. I'd throw that Hamilton on a nice mesh so fast.
Awesome! I don't think one needs to be dressed formally necessarily to look nice, I just like dressing up 🙂 I tried mesg on the Hamilton, it just looks like too much metal unfortunately. I will try it again though!
This sounds boring but I’ve tried to go with boring dials and conservative colors to allow for maximum flexibility for different wardrobes.
That's one reason I have kept to simpler colours, but I can see myself wearing a green watch... one day.
My simple rules is match the strap or dial with the shoes and the belt. Usually works in my opinion. Thats why i never bought watch with colorful dial.
My simple rules is match the strap or dial with the shoes and the belt. Usually works in my opinion. Thats why i never bought watch with colorful dial.
I agree, it's a good rule of thumb that most likely produces fine results 🙏
That's one reason I have kept to simpler colours, but I can see myself wearing a green watch... one day.
Start small. I have a green Seiko5 SNK and Seiko Orange Monster diver. They’re only worn on specific conditions.
Nice pics! I also enjoy classic menswear which is what got me back into watches. The addition of different watches with my fits is like the cherry on top!
Ticks and fits! Love it!
I've yet to master taking anything other than a wrist shot though 🤦♀ I'm not sure how people like you and @Chunghauphoto get such classy body shots.
Great post! Question - was the metal bracelet original to the Cartier? I have a 2015 Ronde and am having no luck with finding one from a 3rd party.
Ticks and fits! Love it!
I've yet to master taking anything other than a wrist shot though 🤦♀ I'm not sure how people like you and @Chunghauphoto get such classy body shots.
Thank You. Practice practice practice. Then keep practicing!
I don’t tend to post the 1000’s that didn’t make it!
Awesome shot @nytime 👏👏👏. Really cool when hobbies/interests collide!
Awesome shots!! Unfortunately, I’m just a lazy guy and my only go to for style is a polo shirt and khakis and white tennis shoes!!
Aka DAd fit! 😂
Start small. I have a green Seiko5 SNK and Seiko Orange Monster diver. They’re only worn on specific conditions.
I'm ambivalent about a "summer watch" but I can definitely see either watches working as such. Not a significant monetary cost for either beauties. Will definitely keep an open mind.
My pairings will be easier to show than to tell...
Well, that'd be the decent pairings of my doing. For the most part, it's simply infinite diversity in infinite combinations. Okay, well, not literally infinite. And pairings that are likely crimes against fashion - I may have committed a few and will keep committing them, in all likelihood, because I like that all the same. For your sheer viewing displeasure, a flieger on a NATO with dressy outfits:
Looks great, the stripes in the bands looks like a wrist version of regimental ties. Question: do you pair/match the stripes on your bands with ties/bow ties and pocket squares?
I love them! As you probably can tell my wardrobe is focused on plain/simple patterned items, just like most of my watches 😂 Love the more varied looks you have.
Also I don't mind you wearing the natos, just wondering how they wear 😂
Thanks!
As for how NATO straps wear... For me, really comfortably, but that's just me. In case of the Spirit, it's my preferred way of wearing that watch - the NATO accentuates the lug design and the silhouette of the case. I have two leather straps for the Spirit, as well as the stock bracelet - the bracelet is a nope for me, because of the butterfly clasp (these never work for me). I sometimes also put the Spirit on a tan rally strap, but somehow after a short time with that combination it's back to NATOs. They just feel so right with that watch, and having several in different colours is cool, since you can adapt it to get along with an outfit colour-wise, without tools, in a matter of seconds.
Looks great, the stripes in the bands looks like a wrist version of regimental ties. Question: do you pair/match the stripes on your bands with ties/bow ties and pocket squares?
I don't use pocket squares, and most definitely no bow ties. Ties...maybe once a year. I used to wear them more often, especially when I worked in watch retail - white shirt and a black or dark navy blue tie were obligatory. Dunno, maybe that had me slightly fed up with ties. The last time I wore a tie was at a vintage-themed Christmas party at work. I wore "Freckles," my 1949 Omega CK 2537-4, and the leather strap on it more or less matched the belt and the shoes.
The only thing I do is check to see if my clothes are clean, other than that, I could literally be wearing anything at any time. Today I'm wearing a Loot Crate t-shirt with "You've got red on you!" written on it, lime green shorts, and chequered Vans... oh, and that hideous Pagani datejust I bought. LOL
That's me at home too! I have a matching lime green shirt perhaps you'd be interested in 😂
Here's my Bar Cook Look.
Here's my Bar Cook Look.
Awesome! What's the special tonight? 😂
Awesome! What's the special tonight? 😂
Chicken Bacon Mac. Poor call, it's just not the weather for it.
I consider most of my watches to be my tools, for tracking something, or a quick way to tell the time. But I also consider them an accessory and a way to show my personal style.
When in any type of uniform, one of the quickest ways to have personality is through a watch and the accompanying strap. And believe it or not, in certain circles your watch gives a glimpse into what you do or your outlook.
I also like to dress sharp. Notice I didn't say dress up. If you have on a well fitting, and sharply put together casual outfit, IMO you will actually appear "dressier". Versus a poorly fitted, unmatched suit.
As a dude, I find it weird how in modern times, dressing sharp equates to being a dandy. I'd argue the opposite, dressing sharply, for your intended environment gives you and those around you confidence you know what you are doing. Showing you care about the little details conveys confidence.
(And to be be honest, I put some thought into my wardrobe, since it is a small way to communicate to my wife I want to look my best, or at least not slovenly for her, since she's worth it. 😎)
This is a great guide, thanks! Including the others' responses, and the Part 1 of this post. Looking forward to future parts! 😎
Chicken Bacon Mac. Poor call, it's just not the weather for it.
Hopefully you weren't too busy then! Never know if that's a good or bad thing 😫
I consider most of my watches to be my tools, for tracking something, or a quick way to tell the time. But I also consider them an accessory and a way to show my personal style.
When in any type of uniform, one of the quickest ways to have personality is through a watch and the accompanying strap. And believe it or not, in certain circles your watch gives a glimpse into what you do or your outlook.
I also like to dress sharp. Notice I didn't say dress up. If you have on a well fitting, and sharply put together casual outfit, IMO you will actually appear "dressier". Versus a poorly fitted, unmatched suit.
As a dude, I find it weird how in modern times, dressing sharp equates to being a dandy. I'd argue the opposite, dressing sharply, for your intended environment gives you and those around you confidence you know what you are doing. Showing you care about the little details conveys confidence.
(And to be be honest, I put some thought into my wardrobe, since it is a small way to communicate to my wife I want to look my best, or at least not slovenly for her, since she's worth it. 😎)
I love great casual looks too - I agree that in the end, it's the thought and effort behind the outfit that can make or break it. In the end it's you who feel good and that can also help convey confidence too!
This is a great guide, thanks! Including the others' responses, and the Part 1 of this post. Looking forward to future parts! 😎
Thank you, perhaps I'll do a more casual one next time around!
I really like that orient,how does it wear? I totally agree with you on Cartier,wish I could see the crown on that model.Their sapphire’s always look good.
I really like that orient,how does it wear? I totally agree with you on Cartier,wish I could see the crown on that model.Their sapphire’s always look good.
The Mako has been one that has made me question what the point of more expensive watches were 😂. I tried on the SuperOcean from Breitling after owning the Mako: of course the Breitling has better finishing and specs, but I felt like the fact that I was even considering to compare the two spoke volumes about the Mako.
The watch is 42mm, but it does wear a bit smaller. Not 40mm, but def 40.5-41mm. It's very comfortable on the wrist, with the lugs shaped downwards.
The finishing isn't the most intricate, it's 150$ afterall, but gets the job done. It unfortunately is housed by a mineral crystal so that's something to consider. The bezel is also very stiff and the grip isn't the best with barehands. With gloves it's fine though. The crown is pretty small, but it also adds to the more dressy look of the watch. Bracelet is pretty jangly with hollow end links, no quick adjust.
So yeah, definitely not the best dive watch ever made but for 150$ you get a ton.
Cartier, I will try to take a good picture of the crown 😊
Thanks for the info,Looking forward to see that crown.Not sure if I captured mine on tadaysWRUR