Men usually have only one accessory to express their taste and personality: the watch. That’s why choosing the right watch is very important, as it can make or break your style.
A watch is not only a functional device that tells the time, but also a statement of taste, personality, and status. A watch can reveal a lot about a person, especially when it comes to old money style. So, how can you choose a watch that exudes that vintage or old money style? Here are some tips to help you find the perfect timepiece.
Choose a dress watch
A dress watch is a type of watch that is designed to be worn with formal or semi-formal attire, such as a suit, a tuxedo, or a cocktail dress. A dress watch is usually simple, elegant, and understated, without any unnecessary complications or features. A dress watch is the most popular option for old money style, as it reflects the refined and discreet aesthetic of the old money elite.
Some of the characteristics of a dress watch are:
- A thin and round case, usually made of gold, platinum, or stainless steel
- A plain and simple dial, usually in white, black, or silver, with minimal or no markings
- A leather strap, usually in black or brown, or a metal bracelet, usually in the same material as the case
- A quartz or mechanical movement, usually with no or few complications, such as a date or a moon phase
Some of the examples of dress watches that fit the old money style are:
- Seiko 5 and Presage: A Japanese brand that offers affordable and reliable dress watches with a classic and elegant design. The Seiko 5 and Presage lines feature various models, that have different dial colors, textures, and patterns, but all share the same thin and round case, simple and clean dial, and leather strap or metal bracelet.
- Omega Seamaster: A Swiss brand that is known for its sporty and adventurous watches, but also offers some refined and sophisticated dress watches, such as the Seamaster. The Omega Seamaster line features various models, such as the Aqua Terra, the De Ville, and the 1948 share the same elegant and timeless design, with a smooth and simple dial.
- Vacheron Constantin Patrimony: A Swiss brand that is one of the oldest and most prestigious watchmakers in the world, and a member of the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking, along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony line features various models, such as the Traditionnelle, the Ultra-Thin, and the Retrograde
Seiko Spirit SARB033 is great affordable option
Choose a vintage watch
A vintage watch is a type of watch that is at least 20 years old, and has a historical or sentimental value. A vintage watch is a great option for old money style, as it shows that you have a sense of history and heritage, and that you appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of the past. A vintage watch is also a unique and personal piece, that can tell a story about you or your family.
Some of the characteristics of a vintage watch are:
- A smaller and thinner case, usually between 30 and 40 mm in diameter, and between 5 and 10 mm in thickness
- A patinated and aged dial, usually with some signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, cracks, or fading
- A worn and faded strap or bracelet, usually in leather, canvas, or metal, that matches the style and era of the watch
- A mechanical movement, usually with manual winding, and sometimes with some rare or interesting complications, such as a chronograph, a moon phase, or a world time
Some of the examples of vintage watches that fit the old money style are:
- Rolex Datejust: A Swiss brand that is one of the most popular and recognizable watchmakers in the world, and a symbol of luxury and prestige. The Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic and versatile models of the brand, that was introduced in 1945, and has been worn by many celebrities and leaders, such as Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr., and Roger Federer. The Rolex Datejust features a round case, usually in stainless steel, gold, or a combination of both, a fluted or smooth bezel, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a cyclops lens to magnify the date.
- Omega Speedmaster: The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic and celebrated models of the brand, that was introduced in 1957, and has been worn by many astronauts and explorers, such as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. The Omega Speedmaster is powered by a mechanical movement, with manual winding, and sometimes with a certified chronometer or a co-axial escapement.
- Patek Philippe Calatrava: Brand that need no introduction. One of the oldest and most prestigious watchmakers in the world. The Patek Philippe Calatrava features a round case, usually in gold or platinum, a smooth or hobnail bezel, a white or cream dial with Roman or Arabic numerals, and sometimes a small seconds subdial or a date window.
Rolex Datejust Perpetual Oyster holds its value well and there are plenty of options finding one used
Choose a watch that suits your personality
The most important tip for choosing a watch that matches your old money style is to choose a watch that suits your personality. A watch can reveal a lot about a person. So, how can you choose a watch that suits your personality? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What is your style? Are you more formal or casual, more classic or modern, more conservative or adventurous?
- What is your lifestyle? Are you more active or sedentary, more indoors or outdoors, more urban or rural?
- What is your profession? What do you wear to work? Are you more in the business or creative field.?
Based on your answers, you can narrow down your choices and find a perfect watch
