Rolex Submariner

One watch that reignited out passion for horology this week is the Rolex Submariner. Five years ago it was considered too simple by many. It looked shy and meek next to those ubiquitous 50mm Breitlings, yet a few years later, the submariner remains king. It’s confident elegance and charming charisma has withstood the test of time, remaining relatively unchanged since the 1960′s (Don’t kill us Ben), this iconic classic will be just as gorgeous 10 years from now, as it is today.

If you’re going to invest in a time piece, or get one as a gift, you could do a lot worse than this.

BUY IT Rolex Oyster Precision Submariner Chronometer Stainless Steel Watch $5,000

1.) It must be black and silver.

2.) It must have a leather band (leave the Rolex at home).

3.) It must be subtle.

I saw this beautiful Audemars Piguet Millenary Piano Forte, I was willing to break the third rule. This watch is anything but subtle. Like other Millenary Watches, the Piano Forte has an offset watch face adorned with a mother of pearl piano embellishment. This automatic masterpiece features an oval case modeled after the ancient Roman Colosseum, and a case size (40x45mm) that is much more modern.

Audemars Piguet Millenary Piano Forte

Unforunately, this white gold masterpiece was only released once in 2007, and limited to 500 models. Fortunately, one is going up for auction here. They come with a matching burl wood model piano case to help show off this work of art.

Piano Forte and Case

But after seeing how good this watch looks on the wrist, and how perfect it works for Black Tie affairs, I’m almost considering pulling the trigger and getting one.

The Perfect Dress Watch

Almost. [Hat Tip]

BUY IT Audemars Piguet Millenary Paino Forte $3,000-$5,000 Estimated

Although this watch comes in a titanium version as well, we like the hefty weight (and price difference) of the stainless steel version. Both versions come with a scratch resistant mineral glass (would prefer sapphire but what do you expect for the price), and a very useful slide rule that is easier to use than a calculator.

With the slide rule you can calculate your car’s fuel consumption, average speed/velocity and the time you will arrive at your destination, you can also multiply and divide numbers, calculate ratio’s into percentages, integers and decimals, covert liters to gallons, pounds to kilograms as well as other metric conversions, all with a simple twist of the bezel. The slide rule also performs a few more complicated calculations that involve airplanes and nautical vessels that are beyond our understanding.

But the real gem of this watch is the Eco-Drive function. Citizen has determined how to harness the power of sunlight to power this watch. It can even use the artificial light from indoor bulbs to keep the battery charged. It can go over 6 months without light and still maintain a charge and never needs to replace the battery. This can help keep the seal on the casing and keep this puppy waterproof and ocean-safe for years to come.

For the price and value of the watch, there’s no reason not to get it.

BUY IT Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk $237

EDIT: We found the Titanium Version for only $257 – BUY IT

The World Traveller Clock from Dalvey is a great little gadget for the gentleman on the go. It is like the bastard child of a pocket watch and a wallet and raised in a monastery of alarm clocks. t folds neatly into a pocket and features a quality Japanese quartz movement, 12 hour repeat alarm with a single two minute snooze, second time zone hand, a power reserve indication, day and date display and hours and a separate second hand, which is revealed by simply preessing down a button on the side of the watch. It has a satin metallic face and fine Italian leather casing. It’s pretty compact too, which really facilitates the easiness of the clock’s transport; you could literally carry it in your pocket everywhere. When closed, the World Traveller Clock measures 2 inches (5.3 cm) wide, 2 1/2 inches (6.3 cm) tall, 7.8 inch (2 cm) thick, and weighs just 3.8 ounces (107 grams). The diameter of the face measures 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm).

I just love that it has a second time zone hand, that way you can always know what time it is back home when you are calling. That is so perfect for calling at irregular hours and then pretending it was an honest mistake, genius. The power reserve indicator is pretty neat too, since a dead clock can ruin a carefully planned itinerary. This is the type of clock that is equally at home on a series of extended business trips or for just touring around some nation’s countryside. The satin metallic face and beautiful leather casing are elegant, but not too showy. This make a great gift for father’s day, birthdays, or for yourself. They go for about $222.

Get one here.

Well known for his love of fine timepieces, John Varvatos has partnered with watchmaker Leonid Khankin of Swiss watch brand Ernst Benz to create two standout new watches. Limited to just 250 each and individually numbered, The Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition ChronoScope ($6,800) features contrast finishing with brushed and polished stainless steel, unique hands based on a timing gauge Varvatos was fond of, exotic skin straps including crocodile and bison, a custom leather watchcase, and more. Available exclusively at John Varvatos stores nationwide. -Uncrate

BUY IT Ernst Benz Chronoscope $6,800

If you’re looking for a watch that defies the laws of physics and gives you a reason to hire a body-guard. This watch is it. The Zenith gravity defying, gyroscoping,  tourbillon movements are designed to rotate on it’s axis to maintain it’s horizontal plane, thereby ensuring optimal amplitude for the spiral balance-wheel and essentially perfect time.

Ok, listen, if you’re that obsessed with perfect time, you need to go on vacation, relax, forget what day it is, because obviously your life is hard. But if you’re just buying this watch because it looks cool and you have half a million dollars that you’ve been dying to get rid off, or you just want to stimulate the economy by all means. Send us some your way while you’re at it. We have something we’ve been meaning to buy.

BUY IT Zenith Defy Xtreme Tourbillon Zero-G Watch $500,000

As the latest in Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, the Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial GMT Chronograph ($TBA) is a blend of terrific design and watchmaking prowess. This advanced timepiece features a Teak Concept dial with vertical lines reminiscent of the wooden decks on luxury boats, a GMT hand that makes one rotation every 24 hours to keep your jet-setting ass on time, a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, your choice of either an integrated alligator strap or screw-and-pin bracelet, and water resistance down to 150 meters.

-Uncrate

Designed to guarantee maximum precision, it features a self winding chronograph movement, a rotating bezel decorated with exclusive engraved numerals, and a dial with hourmarkers or Roman numerals. Available in a refined combination of colors, materials and levels, complete with a Barenia leather, crocodile, Ocean Racer, Diver Pro II or a Pilot bracelet, the new Breitling Chronomat B01 definitely has us sold.-Via

BUY IT Breitling Chronomat B01 $7,989

There’s only 88 being made, so track one down before they’re all gone.

1. Honor thy tailor

Even the best suits need altering. Pants need to be shortened, jackets need to be brought in, sleeves need to be narrowed (yes, you can ask your tailor to slim down your sleeves), and buttons need to be realigned with buttonholes (most guys’ shoulders aren’t entirely even, meaning your jacket often sits a bit askew). You should always buy your correct size, but you then need to have a tailor customize it to your body. It’s the difference between being appropriately dressed and being stylishly dressed.

2. Thou shalt wear sneakers made for a man

It’s fine to own crosstrainers and running shoes and hightops. But save them for the gym. When you’re on the street, keep your sneakers simple and classic. Go for ones like Stan Smiths, Jack Purcells, and Sambas. They work with everything, including suits.

3. Thou shalt invest in the right timepiece

Buy a high-quality stainless-steel watch. It looks as right with jeans as it does with your best blazer.

4. Thou shalt match your socks with your suit

When choosing socks, the basic rule is to consider the suit instead of the shoe—in other words, if you’re wearing a navy suit with black shoes, reach for navy socks. And when wearing a light suit, make sure the socks are darker than the suit but a shade or so lighter than the shoes.

5. Thou shalt not wear a tie that is too slim

Unless you’re a hard-core fashion guy who favors a superskinny tie, stick with one that measures about three inches at its widest point. It will be narrower than traditional ties, but not by too much. Tie one on and you’ll look modern and sophisticated.

6. Thou shalt put your wallet on a diet

Your wallet should not be as fat as a burrito. In fact, you should get rid of your wallet and, while you’re at it, trash all the receipts, video cards, and other unnecessary crap that’s stuffed in it. Buy an elegant, slim leather credit card holder and stock it with your essential cards. Then, fold your cash in a money clip. All that other nonsense can go in your desk drawer. You don’t need it.

7. Thou shalt wear the right tie with the right tux

Two points to remember: (1) A bow tie goes best with a peak-lapel tuxedo, while a straight tie works better with a notch lapel. (2) Regardless of what kind of tie you’re wearing, make sure the fabric matches the lapel. If your lapel is grosgrain, your tie should be grosgrain. If your lapel is satin, your tie should be satin. And one more thing: Your tie (no matter its shape) should be black. Colored ties are for the prom.

8. Thou shalt wear brown shoes—with nearly everything

Black dress shoes are easy—they’re understated and tasteful. Brown dress shoes up the style factor. People notice them. They go best with gray, khaki, or navy. Dark brown shoes are easier to pull off than light brown ones.

9. Thou shalt learn when to cuff ‘em

If you’re wearing a trim, modern suit with flat-front pants—the kind often shown in this magazine—you should not cuff your pants. However, if you’re a guy who likes a classic suit with a single pleat, go for a cuff—but not more than one and a half inches deep.

10. Remember thy undershirt

This one’s tricky. If you’re wearing a conventional white broadcloth dress shirt (which means it’s fairly see-through), you have two options: Skip the undershirt and you’ll look clean and stylish. Or, if you’re a hairy guy who perspires a lot and you feel safer in an undershirt, wear a crewneck. The lines of a V-neck or tank top will be visible beneath your shirt and tie and you’ll look cheesy. If you prefer a V-neck or tank top, you might consider other dress shirts. Go for ones with checks or stripes, which make an undershirt less visible. Or opt for hardier fabrics, like an oxford cloth, which make undershirts all but invisible.

Yup, pretty spot on.