I kind of collect wrist watches in a low key way. Anything over $500 does not fit for me. Not because the watch might not be worth it or because i can't afford it (and typically I can't/would not) but because it otherwise feels like I'm making a good thing a status symbol. Anyway, I prefer automatics (no winding, no batteries) with a mid to large dial, but not super large or blingish. All stainless steel is important and no digital timing, please. So, an automatic, analog watch with no pot metal and next a cool dial and wrist band. The latter is a completely personal matter of taste and i would not smirk at someone too much so long as the are trying I forgo newer fashion watches like Fossil, Calvin klein, Perry Ellis etc... yes, some may look cool, but you are basically paying 100% more for a run of the mill Timex which one should also forgo. I actually believe Seiko is making the best watches for the money right now (under $500 again). There are others in the $1-$300 range like Swiss Army (not Victronix, please) and Bulova that I like and a whole host of lesser-known Euro/Swiss brands that are easy to find on Ebay and watch specialty web sites. I'm currently wearing an early 60's Helbros self-winding watch that I got on ebay last year that cost around $75.
Another great feature of a watch is to let people know to wind down a meeting. If you check your watch and the the other party sees you, they know it's time to wrap things up. If you just keep checking your phone, they might think you are looking at text messages or surfing Clutchfans.
Breitling Kreiger Baume & mercier Tissot Kreiger worn by far the most, breitling def my favorite (vintage green and cold chronograph w brown leather band w white stitching) but I rarely wear it.
My profession requires me to wear a watch as well. Nothing is worse than taking out your phone in front of patients to check the time.
I am a bit of a germ freak so i hate touching my phone if my hands are greasy. If i want to know the time then i just look at my watch instead of pressing buttons n crap
Same for me as a few others: I need to reference the time with my patients, and a watch is the easiest and cleanest way to do so. That, and for reasons I can't put into words, a good wristwatch is simply something a grown man should have.
