The longer that I collect watches, the more that I crave the interesting. While, at one point, a shiny black diver was exciting, I find myself wanting to experience new colors, materials, and complications more and more.
The result is that some wild-looking watches have ended up in my winder and my watch box. In the last week, I've worn watches with a rainbow-colored dial, a cartoon finger for a second hand, and a flashy spinning rotor where the time display should be. These are all watches that get a lot of attention on Instagram and at meetups from other watch collectors, but sometimes I wonder if they appear unstylish to the "normies."
Whether you intend it to or not, your appearance sends a message to other people about who you are. I suppose the message I'd like my watch (and car) to convey is that I'm an enthusiast.
It's not exclusive to watches either. Adult sneaker collectors might wear a pair of multi-colored Jordans intended for teenagers, while raw denim enthusiasts leave a trail of indigo behind, like proverbial breadcrumbs.
It's happened to me with cars as well. Despite being on the wrong side of 40, I drive a Honda Civic with a massive wing on the back to pick my son up from school (often while wearing the watch to match). Not because I think it makes me look cool, but because I love driving it. Attracting attention from the other parents (and police) is merely an unfortunate side effect.
I do sometimes wonder if it's gone too far. Should I give up and start wearing less eye-catching watches? Well, that sounds boring.
I do occasionally receive negative comments online for some of my more unconventional straps and watches. But these are in response to close-up shots of my wrist from someone who is not seeing the whole picture. Plus, who knows what these guys are wearing? Maybe they dress worse than I do. I'm not in the habit of taking style advice (or any advice) from strangers on the internet.
My unqualified style tip is to consider your whole look. I try to wear a mostly subtle outfit, with one or two colorful pieces. For example, neutral tone clothes with a yellow and pink watch strap, or a subtle watch, and some fun shoes.
It's rare for anyone even to notice my watch anyway. The truth is that people are not paying that close of attention to what you're wearing. Since no one else cares anyway, I prefer to wear what I want. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, so why not make the most of today?
