The 6 Timepieces That Are Gent Approved

 
While you’ll find modern gentleman wearing watches of various styles and types, this was certainty not always the case. In fact, many men initially eschewed the wristwatch when it was introduced in the early 1900s, saying they’d “sooner wear a skirt” than put a timepiece on their wrist. Of course, that mindset changed rather quickly and dramatically, but the overall history of timepieces spans from thousands of years and what makes them effortlessly iconic. 

Photo: Getty Images CK Watches 

Sundials, Stars and Water

Sundials truly get all the credit as the first devices used to measure time more than 10,000 years ago, while ancient Egyptians used the positioning of the stars to measure time at night. Timepieces were subsequently devised using various materials, such as oils, candles, and water. Water played a huge role in time measurement with Japan’s water clock circa 671 and China’s water-powered astronomical clock tower in 1090. 

Weights, Pendulums, and Mechanics

Mechanical clocks entered the scene around 1300, with weight-driven timepieces eventually developing into clocks relying on mainsprings for power. Galileo Galilei helped further advance the development of timepieces with his studies on pendulums in the late 1500s, paving the way for Christiaan Huygens’ creation of the pendulum clock by 1656. Dutchman Huygens kept at it for decades eventually producing a portable clock that relied on spring and balance-wheel regulator. This opened the door for the development of mechanical clocks, which debuted throughout London and Paris in the 1700s. 

Pocket Watches and Wearable Timepieces 

Pocket watches and clock-watches worn around the neck were introduced in the early 1500s. Design and time-keeping abilities were poor; the devise at the time were more for status than function. Minute hands were added in the 1680s, followed by self-winding capabilities in 1780. Although wristwatches were first commercialised in the 1800s, when 2,000 were ordered by Kaiser Wilhelm for naval officers in Germany, men didn’t embrace the concept until decades later. 

Men’s Watches Come into Fashion

Men’s watches came into vogue with the help from Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. The pilot asked his pal Louis Cartier to create a wristwatch he could wear while flying, one that would let him time his flight while keeping both hands on the aircraft’s controls. This led to the first men’s wristwatch prototype known as the Santos wristwatch. 

Today you can find men’s watches in a variety of styles, materials, types, and functions to suit any number of personal tastes. And many gents gladly wear them with flair, for their function as well as their mark of status and style. 

But when it comes to knowing which watch to buy, that can be a world wind experience, especially if you aren’t exactly sure which model can give you that effortless attitude and style. 

If you are starting out as an amateur watch collector or trying to add another well-loved timepiece to your already impressive collection, I have compiled a few gent approved timepieces, you can build your collection around. 

A Dress Watch 

Photo: Getty Images 

No matter the event you are attending, or a black-tie affair, or a dressy casual mix, a classic dress watch never goes out of style and a well-made leather strap that has smooth and supple leather makes all the difference. A Cartier timepiece is typically a classic piece and understated that always stays elegant. 

A Military Style Watch

Photo: Citizen Black Out Watch 

A military style watch by Citizen for example, is powered by light so you don’t have to worry about old fashioned batteries getting in the way. An all-black watch can be a showstopper with a 100-meter water resistance so getting it wet won’t be an issue. 

Sports Style Watch

Photo: Getty Images Rolex Watches 

The submariner is a professional watch with a sports classic edge. From Rolex, its unidirectional rotatable bezel and solid-link Oyster bracelet. The latest generation Submariner and Submariner Date remain faithful to the original model launched in 1953. In watchmaking, the Submariner represented a historic turning point; it set the standard for divers’ watches. 

A Smart Watch

Photo: Apple

This might sound unbelievable, but smart watches are getting less tec oriented and being designed with a more classic look. So, you get the best of both worlds, the technology base, and the classic wristwatch. Brands like Apple, Android are excellent options. Think you phone being worn on your wrist. 

The Aviator Watch 

Photo: Vincero Altitude 

Also referred to as, the pilot watch. The aviator timepiece was originally reserved for commercial and fighter pilots and a great choice for travellers alike. The Altitude from Vincero has a modern take on the pilot watch. It features a dual-time zone functionality, 10 ATM water resistance and large Swiss numerals making it perfect for adventures, red eye flights, and everything in between. 

A Tactical Watch 

Photo: Tudor Black Bay Stainless Steel Watch 

Durable and high functioning. Tactical watches are heavy-duty and serious. And on most forward-thinking occasions, have a retro-inspired aesthetic. A watch from Tudor is the wise choice. They have superb and astonishing power reserve, and water resistance making it completely suitable for extreme-deep sea diving. Stainless steel and ceramic dial combine in a visual of power and prestige. A safety catch on the bracelet and a bracelet extension system patented by Tudor are further advantages, while adding nautical flair. 

Which 6 timepieces that are gent approved would you invest in? 

Written by Heather Noire