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XO Grey Fox

The simple, uncluttered, classic watch - style on the wrist.

Thursday, 10 July 2014

Nothing looks better on a man's wrist than a classically simple watch. Complex, over-sized, badly-proportioned giants, so beloved by football managers, simply don't exude the style and taste of a clean, well-proportioned, elegant and uncluttered design.

Here are four watches that, to me, exemplify this style. The first I've just discovered, the second I've hankered after for some time, the third I'm lucky enough to own and the fourth is British-designed.

Wempe Chronometerwerke Power-Reserve


The case and the proportions of the dial make this a really beautiful watch. Easily read and with a power reserve, this is a watch for the man who likes to show off his style in a quiet, understated way. Available from Wempe and luxury jewellers, see links in the next paragraph.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Ultra-Thin


A joy of simplicity in an extremely thin case. I've seen this watch in several guises and think that the explorer dialled versions (with numbers at the quarters, like this one) are the most beautiful. Available from luxury jewellers or watch shops like Wempe or Watches of Switzerland.

The Rolex Explorer 1016


The only vintage watch in this line-up and no longer made in this form, the Rolex Explorer has a long and noble history. Its simple robustness has created what, for some, is the ideal watch. Somewhat spoilt in looks in its later forms, this remains one of my favourites. You will need to search vintage watch dealers to find one.

Bremont Solo


Inspired by pilots' watches of the 1940s, the Bremont has more of a military feel than the other watches here, so, while it lacks the classic elegance of a dress watch, its  chunky simplicity is very attractive. Bremont are working hard to return watch production to the UK and much of their production is now designed and assembled in Henley, Oxfordshire. See Bremont's website.


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Labels: Bremont, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Rolex Explorer, Wempe

6 comments

  1. Heinz-Ulrich von Boffke10 July 2014 at 18:40

    Agreed on all counts. Nothing quite like a simple, understated (and unostentatious) timepiece on one's wrist.

    Best Regards,

    Heinz-Ulrich von B.

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  2. Charless Rundle11 July 2014 at 09:44

    "You will need to search vintage watch dealers to find one."

    Or buy a SMITHS EVEREST PRS-25 like I did.

    Really like your Blog by the way.

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  3. Grey Fox11 July 2014 at 13:05

    Many thanks - and yes, Charless, I agree - go to Timefactors (as I have a few times) for some good modern designs based on classic and military watches.

    GF

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  4. PhilofLeeds12 May 2015 at 14:12

    You can't run an article on uncluttered, stylish watches without mentioning Panerai, both Luminor and Radiomir (Luminor for me though). Look for the simplicity of the Luminor Base, either black or white face.

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  5. Grey Fox12 May 2015 at 14:22

    Thanks PhilofLeeds, Yes, I know about Panerai which are very attractive, but I've only chosen a few brands and don't claim this to be a comprehensive review.

    However, even if it were, I feel most Panerai models are too large for the smaller understated style of watch I'm talking about in this particular post.

    GF

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  6. Olivia Jhonson16 February 2022 at 10:22

    I really like classic men's watches! I think it is the most important accessory of a successful business man. Such a thing should be chosen tastefully, and you should not save money on watches. I want to give a similar one to my husband for our anniversary. The necessary amount won playing card games online. The main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing a reliable way to withdraw money. Details can be found in the source. Thank you for such a review of stylish men's watches!

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Older blogger (63) in search of style. Menswear & lifestyle writer.
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