Watch it: A guide to the perfect timepiece

Many people don’t wear watches anymore. Why bother when the time is available on nearly every technical gadget known to mankind?

I’m not wed to my cellphone, though. And there are occasions when I actually step away from my computer. It is during those moments that I like to wear a watch. I just prefer having immediate access to Time.

That said, I do admit to having a few specific requirements for my time-keeper.

First of all, I prefer to wear men’s watches. They’re larger (I’m nearly blind), less bling-y (I’m not flashy) and more comfortable since the band tends to be wider (comfort is king… err, queen).

I require a watchband that’s black, dark brown or silver, and it should never catch on my arm hair.

The face of the timepiece must have a scratch-resistant surface, and present an analog countenance. I learned to tell time on an actual clock, and wearing a digital watch feels like cheating. Sadly, my alarm clock is digital, and years of staring at its face in an insomnia-induced stupor has instilled a serious dislike for those shiny, neon digits.

So, I like a big man’s watch with a wide band and an analog face. But those aren’t my only requirements. I also prefer arabic numerals to roman ones. The numbers should be in a large serif font, and all 12 digits ought to be visible.

As for extras, I like to keep things simple. The only additional accoutrements I want on a watch are: moon phases, calendars and a second hand.

Above all, the watch needs to be accurate.

How do you like to tell time?