Enabled by my status as a “creative type,” I had conformed to a very modest, laid-back style that the overwhelming majority of serious occupations generally disapprove. So, as I stared at the options available to me—a beat-up GPS watch for distance running, and a bulky analog watch with a thick leather strap with a uniquely offensive pungency my sense of smell had somehow learned to ignore—I realized my only option was to leave with my wrist bare.
Think Long-Term When Building a Watch Collection
In the aftermath of the wedding (which, in case you were wondering, was quite nice despite the floral arrangements not being up to the lofty standards of the mother of the bride), I began looking for a versatile watch that would be suitable for similarly formal occasions. It was during my search that I stumbled upon Wrist Society, where I learned that someone such as myself, even with my admittedly narrow fashion sense, could build a fashion-forward watch collection without breaking the bank. After reading up on Wrist Society, I realized that my previous approach had been entirely wrong, and would have yielded similarly disastrous consequences in the future had I followed through. Although I did find quite a few watches that I felt possessed enough versatility to suit my needs, none could have possibly been versatile enough to suit the wide range of situations and circumstances for which I was trying to prepare. With a shift in focus that allowed me to think about my long-term needs, I recognized the value in building a versatile watch collection.
Keep an Open Mind
Since, in my view at least, Wrist Society represented the path of least resistance, I signed up for a membership and have since received a new watch every month. When I first signed up, I did so with the intention of canceling the membership after three or four months, figuring I would have little interest in assembling a watch collection I would be unlikely to wear anyway. To my surprise, however, three months passed without any action on my part. Once I reached the six-month mark and had six new watches to show for it, I made the decision to keep my membership active. Not only have I come to look forward to the excitement I experience as I discover a new watch each month, but I have also been inspired to update my closet a bit in order to properly showcase my newfound watch connoisseurship. Looking back, I believe the first few months of the membership forced me to be more open-minded to the full spectrum of watch styles available to me. Left to my own devices, I imagine I would have instead gravitated to similarly styled watches that felt more familiar, given my previously limited watch appreciation. To build a truly versatile watch collection, I now realize the necessity of cultivating a mindset open to any and all watch styles.
Recognize the Value of Practicality and Nostalgia
Although I held onto my digital GPS watch, as well as my chunky watch with the too-thick leather strap, it is only when I am out for a run or in the deepest grip of nostalgia that I ever wear either one, which is probably for the best. Despite its obvious lack of versatility, I still appreciate the practicality of my GPS watch, while also understanding its limits. As for the bulky analog watch, I remain confident that its thick leather strap will again become stylish sometime in the not-too-distant future, giving me a unique, well-worn, vintage timepiece certain to provoke the kind of smile that so often accompanies the pleasant feelings of nostalgia. Featured photo credit: Wrist Society via wristsociety.com
