For most of you reading this, the idea of only being allowed one watch probably fills you with utter dread. How could you possibly choose? Why should you even have to choose? Isn’t life tough enough as it is?!
But for some people, one watch is enough, and if that is the case for you, then choosing wisely is important. I used to be a one-watch person before I went over to the multiple-watch side, so here are some things to think about.
In my one-watch days, I literally never took my watch off. It went everywhere with me. It got wet, it got muddy (I like gardening), it climbed mountains, it went in the sauna and it was my invincible partner. So, if this kind of horological lifestyle appeals to you, comfort is your number one criterion, so look for a watch that you can forget you are wearing. You want to find a fit that is so comfortable you can sleep with your watch on (but just as a note, check it doesn’t tick too loudly)!
Secondly, look out for water resistance, because even if you aren’t doing laps in the pool or sailing on the weekends, you are going to get wet and it is nice not to have to worry about your watch every time you do the dishes. I would say 100 m water resistance would be a good starting point. Remember that water resistance is calculated while testing the watch in a controlled environment, so the minute you jump, dive, swim, or splash in the water, the pressure increases radically. As a general rule of thumb, 30m is good for dishes, 100m for swimming, and 300m for diving.
Next up, legibility is important. You are going to want to be able to read your watch at a glance. If it has luminescent markings for reading at night, all the better. And if, like me, you never remember what the date is, an aperture with the date can be a very handy addition, as can a second hand.
Now for colours, a one-watch accessory needs to be able to go with everything in your wardrobe, so avoid bright colours and probably all colours, to be honest. Stick to black, white, cream or silver dials, and favour case materials that look good with your skin tone.
Depending on where you live, you may also want to think about security issues. Wearing a rose gold timepiece with a baguette-diamond bezel is going to get you noticed, and although that is mostly the point, it is not always a good thing. This doesn’t mean you have to wear something inexpensive; you just need to be understated in your choice, so perhaps choose something that only other watch lovers will recognize and you will feel even more special.
This summer, there are a host of new one-watch contenders to choose from with new releases just out from Bulgari with the new Aluminium Capri, Maurice Lacroix has relaunched its Pontos S Diver. There is Doxa’s Clive Cussler, Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer, Zenith’s Defy Extreme E 2023 Limited Edition, and Panerai’s Luminor Due 38 mm.
There is so much to choose from, you are spoiled for choice. Maybe just one watch isn’t such a good idea after all!
