Do you still wear a watch? What would you recommend?

[Pigtailsandall]

I've not worn a watch in ages, but I used to - is wearing a watch terribly dated?

I'm starting a new job soon and quite fancy buying a decent watch, also to minimize the effect of always looking at my phone. Are there any brands people would recommend, mid-range, that work well and look good? I'd prefer an analog clock face, and prefer slightly masculine, simple designs. Open to anything other than silver/chrome, and no huge diamond embellishments etc.. My last watch was a present from my parents and I just realised I've never actually bought one for myself!

I own a couple of Radleys and I love them.

I mostly wear an Apple Watch with a metal strap. For smart days I've a Cartier Santos stainless steel which I've had for 20 years. It's a timeless classic which I love. I also inherited a gold Patek Philippe which I wear for special occasions.

It’s going to depend on your budget and whether you want new or second hand / vintage.

I have a couple of old wind up Omegas that I love, a Seamaster and a DeVille. Both bought for about £60 (got lucky). They keep good time, but I did have odd bits repaired with a local watchmaker (not Omega service prices though). An old wind up Tissot dress watch with a scallop shell bracelet that’s very pretty but not really for day to day wear. And a Titanium Seiko that has proved to be bullet proof.

@Redup > You know you can get new batteries put in don't you? I had loads of Swatches that I couldn't bear to throw out, but I thought the batteries couldn't be replaced. A jeweller told me this after my first Swatch (a model from the first release in 1983) was handed in for a new battery, and when I went to collect it they said they'd thrown it out because they were designed to be disposable [and I found out later that the original Swatches, like Ty Beanies, were worth a fair amount of money]. They certainly should have given me my watch back. Thanks to our lovely local Timpsons's I've now got a new life for about eight Swatches.

I have an Apple Watch. You can put an analog face on it if you prefer.

Once you have an Apple Watch you don’t go back

Just looked up the design on Google and there's one selling for over £546 on Esty - fuming 🙁

White baby g. Dated certainly but suits me as I can keep it on swimming in the sea and it’s pretty bullet proof.
Weirdly young kids are fascinated by it for some reason. I’ve had loads of compliments from 4 and 5 year olds!

I love a nice watch and I’m also not keen on diamanté embellishments and things. I have quite a plain Armani one that I wear all the time, I’ve got my eye on a nominations one, I like the round black one with the silver strap but I think they also do them in rose gold. If I had more money I’d really like something like a Raymond Weil.

I love my citizen eco drive too. Sounds very similar to yours, understated but people still comment on how nice it is. Had mine years too, only comes off for showers.

Adore my Jaegar-le-coultre reverso - west it functionally and as jewellery and it’s a little different.

I got one similar to this www.longines.com/en-gb/watch-flagship-l4-974-3-21-7 well over 20 years ago for Christmas and still use it regularly. Also use a seiko watch (big simple round white face and leather strap). I always forget to charge my fitbit!

My Longines watch was expensive but per wear has worked out to be good value.

I like those Nomination watches. Hadn't heard of them before. Waterproof too...important for me as I keep a watch on all the time

I've got a Cartier Tank which I rarely wear. Just don't like the feel of it on my wrist and petrified it'll get nicked.

Thinking of buying an Apple Watch.

The Jaeger is lovely.

I was bought a Tank Louis small model with metal strap (rose gold) by an ex-SO years ago but wish they'd got me a cheaper one. Am absolutely petrified it'll get snatched/ripped off my wrist. One time I was in a bar near me, sort of nice/dodgy area and got quite a few 'looks/comments' on the watch and realised if I didn't keep an eye on it, it could be gone in a second. It's insured with house insurance though.

Once you have an Apple Watch you don’t go back

What makes you think that?

I always wear a watch - I'd feel lost without one. I've got several, various ranges, leather strap, mixed metals, diamante for evening etc. Today I'm wearing a mixed metal strap Accurist which DH bought me years ago. Love my Skagen and Tissot watches for their clean lines.

I have a men Tag Carrera with a charcoal dial. I wear it everyday. I also like the Hermes Cape Cod.

I like Olivia Burton watches, big range to suit most tastes.

@StarfishBrain I thought you were exaggerating but no those watches are, um, at the higher price point. There’s an octopus one (which is out of stock - who is buying these?!) which is a mere £858k. Beautiful but wow.

Bering are very good. Similar to Skagen but better in my opinion. The glass doesn’t scratch and the batteries last for years. I bought mine in Lanzarote.

Yes me too

This 👆

The best watch I’ve ever bought is a very retro Casio. Not everyone’s cup of tea but it’s so light, inexpensive and comfortable. I’ve had Skagen, Michael Kors etc but the Casio is my fave, by far. Reminds me of my Dad in the 80s.