Watches offer a blend of functionality, style, and tradition that makes them special. You’ll find that adding a watch to your EDC is way better than relying on your phone for the time. Believe me, your time management will improve keeping you organized. Unlike a phone, a watch allows you to check the time without needing to use your hands, especially handy when you’re multitasking or on the go; a look at your wrist and go. Many watches serve different purposes, some are built to withstand tough conditions and others will help you track your day. Whether you’re exercising, camping or going about your day, a good watch can handle it all.
I own a couple of smartwatches, the latest fad in our tech-obsessed world, and although they are good tools I’ getting overwhelmed at them. Especially because they need charging, once a week at best. Honestly, they’re just tiny screens strapped to your wrist constantly buzzing and beeping, overloading you with information and reminding you to move, breathe, and who knows what else. In my opinion no one is getting healthier or changing to a more active lifestyle with them. They only track and upload your personal data for “free”, to who knows where. In short they seem like disposable items, nothing transcendental.
I decided to dust-off my traditional watches and I have been loving it. Better to have a handful of different watches that matches different outfits as opposed to changing band colors. I prefer a classic watch, something with a bit of craftsmanship that simply tells the time with style and grace. In this era of edgy tech and smartwatches I would rather have something timeless, elegant and interesting.
The James Bond Casio Royale (Casio AE-1200WHD)
I want to believe this watch was designed by Howard Stark (Tony Stark’s dad) in the late 80’s for an Avenger but hard to sell it knowing that James Bond wore it, you know someone from MI6. It’s a tremendous watch, the design is fantastic. It’s chunky, retro, and very cool. You know, something classy but also very practical. A winning deal at an affordable price, you can look like a million bucks without spending it. Who doesn’t love style and functionality? It’s packed with everything you need. World time, alarms, a stopwatch, you named it. Like having a Swiss Army knife in your wrist that fits just right in. Very impressive!
Is not a G-Shock but it’s built to last. Casio knows how to make things that hold up. So if you’re looking for a watch that looks incredible, has quality, does a lot and doesn’t cost you a fortune and has a hint of nostalgia this is it. It’s a winner. Trust me, you’ll love it.
Garmin Vivomove Luxe
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe Hybrid Smartwatch is the best of both worlds as it combines the elegance of an traditional analog watch with modern smartwatch features. The premium design is stainless steel and Italian leather, with a hidden display that shows you notifications and health stats. It offers sophisticated tracking without sacrifying style. The smarts will work for 5 days, until the battery runs out, however the time keeping will continue going for about 3 more days.
To go more in depth, the watch appears to be a classical analog watch until you interact with it. Tapping its face will activate its hidden display. It features premium materials find in high-end watches such as a stainless steel case, sapphire glass and, in my case, a leather band. Speaking of its smart features, it has heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress tracking, step count and activity tracking. Its compatible with 22mm band, so pair it with your best quick disconnect bands.
On the negative side, there are a pair of things I dislike. The first things is the battery life and the constant charging of this watch. Yes 5 days is not bad, but I would rather charge it once a year. The second thing is I wish its hands would lid in the night as it is impossible to si the time in dark places (using the analog watch that is).