Why Guys in College Should Wear Watches
“Why would I wear a watch if I can just check the time on my iPhone?” says the entire millennial generation.
You make a good point, millennial generation, but hear me out. In an era where timekeeping technology pales in relevance against the backdrop of artificial intelligence and almighty blockchain technology, owning a timepiece that simply tells time with centuries-old mechanical engineering may seem unnecessary. More importantly, to many college students living cup noodle to cup noodle, the prospect of purchasing a nice watch seems to be accompanied with extreme financial opportunity cost. I’m talking the cost of about 100 cup noodles.
Although wearing a watch may not have obvious practicality, I am here today to shed some light on why wearing a nice watch is both a smart and mature move to make for a college student. It serves you in a variety of ways that bring real value to your life (yes, even more value than the lost opportunity of 100 cup noodles).
Communicates Maturity and Class
Similar to a suit, a nice watch on the wrist implicitly communicates to people that you’re a mature, classy, and reliable person. This may be because we often see watches on the wrists of very successful, affluent, and admirable individuals. Like it or not, your appearance strongly impacts people’s first impressions of you, and these first impressions are going to affect how they treat you, the opportunities they want to give you, and the vibe that you give off.
In this case, wearing a watch can only help you, especially if you’re a college student that regards every season as recruiting season (or even if you’re just trying to impress that cutie in your CS discussion).
Do Not Underestimate the Convenience a Watch Offers
Yes, in terms of sheer practicality, a watch is not necessary to survive in this contemporary era where the time is displayed on your phone, your computer, and chimed on the hour via the punctual Campanile. Sure, all you have to do is pull your phone out of your pocket and check the time. However, a watch still brings a level of time-checking convenience that only someone who wears a watch truly understands. Nothing is more convenient than being able to simply glance down at your wrist to check the time. Maybe you’ll have to flick your wrist up in certain situations, but even that easy gesture is more simple and than fishing for your phone.
In many circumstances, fishing for your phone may be socially unacceptable. Let’s say you’re in an interview or a meeting. Pulling out your phone to check the time would elicit bitter looks from your colleagues since it would imply: “I’m bored, how long have you been talking? I’m going to see how many likes my latest IG post has now.” With a watch, you’re able to glance at the time without committing this fatal wrong. You’ll also be able to check the time during a final instead of relying on a clock on the opposite side of the RSF. As an added bonus, you won’t be distracted by the notifications on your lock screen if you’re just glancing at your watch face (unless it’s an Apple Watch... can’t help you there).
Great Conversation Starter
There are many a times when you’ll find that wearing a nice watch will give others a point of focus for conversation. Unlike a zany phone case or a cringey pick-up line, the watch has been the spark of conversations for decades, and this phenomenon definitely isn’t stopping any time soon. There have been countless instances in which people would tell me that they have a similar watch or that they just like my watch, and fruitful friendships (or acquaintances) would ensue. Wearing a watch creates this conversation opportunity, allowing you to meet more people and have an easier time talking to them initially.
And if you’re a Haas major, this networking hack will prove to be incredibly valuable for your slithery expeditions.
One of Men’s Only Accessories
Compared to women, men truly have a paucity of socially acceptable options in terms of accessories and adornments. Although bracelets and necklaces are becoming a bigger part of menswear, the tried and true accessory for men is still the watch. Not only will the watch provide your outfit with an aesthetic edge, but it will also give you a point of uniqueness and personal style. A Timex Weekender with a nylon strap may reflect a hint of adventure. A Bauhaus style Daniel Wellington may represent minimalist aesthetic taste. A Rolex Datejust may signal class and affluence.
Whatever your preference, wearing a watch will add an edge and finishing touch to your everyday look. Imagine a guy wearing a white tee, khakis, and a pair of desert boots sitting on one of those benches on Sproul. That’s a good, simple outfit. Now, imagine him with the same outfit but with a brown leather watch on. That’s a great outfit.
Changes Your Relationship with Time
At the end of the day, a watch tells time. Sure it denotes social implications and solidifies an outfit, but its true purpose is to tell time. The seconds hand ticks away incessantly, reminding you that time is constantly moving forward regardless of your naps and meme consumption. This is why my personal favorite reason for wearing a watch is that it enables people to develop a relationship with time. Wearing a watch has a positive effect on students’ lifestyles because it helps them to be more attentive about how they spend their 24 hours.
After all, phones suck up your time, while watches keep track of it.
Conclusion
Watches are intricate, beautiful pieces of machinery that serve its wearer in an abundance of different ways. With so many different designs and mechanisms, watches are incredibly complex technologies that have stood the test of time. What this means for a busy Berkeley student is that it keeps you punctual, acts as a wingman in social settings, and gives your outfit an understated boost.
What more can a schedule-driven socialite like you want?
Here are some beautiful watches you might like:
Illustrations By Judith Kim
Words By Jeffrey Wang