Ever walked into a room where everyone seems to know everyone? Familiar hugs, air kisses brushing cheeks, easy laughter looping between old friends. You hover at the edge, wanting in, but interrupting feels impossibly rude. So you retreat into the corner, hoping someone will notice.
Enter the wrist-watch: a conversation starter like no other. Think of it as the business card for your outfit, an instant signal of taste, functionality and intent. The right watch doesn’t just tell time; it tells people who you are, in that decisive “I mean business” way. It’s an investment piece that can carry you through the years, capturing memory as well as sentiment.
At 22, I’ve already owned four. A neon-green one that popped against my otherwise dreary beige school uniform. A matronly silver watch with black leather straps, chosen in my self-styled “40-something at 16” phase. A brown strap with a bold golden dial for days when I wanted the watch to do all the talking. And my favourite: a gold-plated Titan once gifted to my mother on her wedding day.
I realised watches carry every moment that ticks on their dial. Here are some timeless options designed to start conversations and quite literally stand the test of time.
The Sawyer Analog
Named after Tory Burch’s son, the Sawyer is far from inconspicuous. With a golden stainless-steel cuff in place of a strap, it straddles the line between watch and jewellery, somehow being the finest of them both. A hundred percent guaranteed to start conversations.
Paradoxe Diamond
With a Dali-esque dial symbolising the “fluidity of time,” Pascal’s Paradoxe showcases surrealism, in the subtlest way. A ring of modest diamonds signals endurance, while the deep green face contrasts beautifully against a golden bezel and black leather strap. Plus points for being wearable on the daily.
Gem Silver
Understated, yet quietly arresting. The mother-of-pearl dial on the Laphont Gem Silver rewards those who take a second look. Its the perfect way of bringing a little performance to dress-code determined situations. While, it may not announce itself across a room, it can easily become the most interesting in one.
Drop Essence
The contoured dial seamlessly curves with your wrist to become an andromorphic extension of your hand itself. Complimenting instead of competing, this D1 Milano does simplicity best.
Tiffany Eternity Watch
Inspired by Tiffany & Co.’s 1960s and ’70s archive, the Eternity is unmistakable with its signature Tiffany Blue dial. Its crown, a nod to the house’s iconic six-prong engagement ring setting. This is the one you’ll want to pass down for generations.
Curiosa Bangle
If subtle isn’t your calling, Swarovski’s Curiosa Bangle is the wrist equivalent of an Ocean’s 8-level heist. A barrage of crystals guard a delicate geometric dial, a tribute to vintage cocktail watches. Wear it to the meeting a 4, keep it on for the gala at 8.
Kelly Watch Mini
“It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin.” If the SATC line was about watches, it would be about this Hermès mini. It’s a diamond-set steel case, spangled lacquered dial, detachable padlock, black Barenia calfskin lanyard (for those days you need to wear a watch around your neck, duh). It’s a bracelet, a pendant, a functional statement, and a piece of art. What else could you need?
On an accessory roll? Get more inspo here.