I’ve known for some time that one facet missing from my men’s style arsenal was watches. Even though I have long been interested in watches I didn’t dedicate the time needed to really understand them, their history and their place in a wardrobe. My relationship with watches began at a very young age when my grandmother gave me a fully manual Timex. It is cheap and cheerful, yes, but I loved wearing that watch. It made me feel grown-up and important, issues that matter to an 8-year-old (not to mention a 44-year-old). As a grown up, though, I floated around from fashion watch to fashion watch until finally, about a decade ago, I found a 1950s (maybe 60s) Carlex mechanical watch at an antique market. While it is missing the cachet of a collectable (as a little-known brand) the watch has so much character and personality I wear it almost every day. It also reminds me of the watch my father wore when I was growing up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/6xgtZfSc6b/

The time has come to take a passing interest and by studying and researching, turn it into a passionate focus. I have spent the past few months reading articles, watching videos, meeting collectors and aficionados and scanning endless images to learn as much as I can about watch collecting. And the most important thing I’ve learned so far is that watches are ultimately a very personal choice. Like developing your own sense of style, you like what you like and that is just fine. However, the principles of building a classic wardrobe still apply: look for the best quality and the finest craftsmanship in an object that is harmonious with the rest of your apparel.

When I began building my wardrobe, I was very much attracted to styles from the past. It was part of learning about the history of menswear, I suppose. The same is true with watches, so far. I am most taken with designs from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. And I’m not alone: the current trend in watches is very much vintage, and from that era. I’ve discovered many of these watches and brands thanks to Instagram and so this week I have been re-posting some of my absolute favourites. Here is a round up of watches that each have a story and a legacy, and why I chose them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI2cx46DVhI/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI3WbCADv3j/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI5Bt8XjpxJ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI6A-FbD7oE/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI7mX7lDPBW/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI8jhdoDDk9/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI-HFjFjfQT/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI_N-L1D7qZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJAp74HDW5S/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJBJ7X5Dk99/

My thanks to all those who share images and information like these, which allow those like me, just beginning our journeys, to learn and grow.