Unlearn the unnecessary in the world of mid-tier and mid-entry-level luxury watches. Let the Watch Gonzo guide your course through the roundabouts and swirly labyrinths and rid-off all your horological ignorance. How bad your prenominal viewpoints face the blow is later to be found  out but it will work out a fair bit towards your illumination. 

Q. Dear Gonzo,

If I’m to look into a dress watch, what should I look for first? And what after that? I’m determined to put my money for this kind of a purchase for the first time, so I want to spend it good. Just help me guard a grand from going into the gutter.

A: There have been too many exchanges on this idea and by God, I’m tired. My friend, what you should look for in a watch is a varying list and I can only give you mine. I suggest you also ask a few others and pick the points you like the most.

IMHO, it’s quality that comes first. There’s absolutely no point in going for a big brand name with a flimsy built or material; next is obviously the design and the details. The attached history is a plus; it shows how far your watch shall hold. Dress watches have one more point attached; that’s their thinness. While it’s true the Swiss builds the thinnest but often the Swiss tenuity of the Piaget Altiplano is too much to ask for. If it’s a hardy dress watch that you want, a Citizen Stilletto is the nearest. As for the material, it’s really up to you and nobody has a say here.

However, you fascinate me with your use of g-s. Was that impromptu?

Q. Dear Gonzo,

From your perspective: What is a watch? And what watch for you is a watch enough? I’ve been reading your posts for some time and from where I belong, I find you bit too snobby on your choices.

A. Let’s say the definition I like most is it’s a form with functions, art and style and shaped by heritage. So a watch from a reputed brand and nesting an in-house movement is more a watch to me than something 10 times more expensive (like a Franck Muller) but mass-produced. Or, something that’s even mass produced but with something remarkable and exquisite enough to create an impression. If you are reading my posts long enough, I guess you understand what my ideas of remarkable and exquisite are.

But why even bother unless you are the Apple fanboy type trying to come up fast on the social ladder? Those that are already are not the types who would ask this publicly. That’s what sets the sartorially and financially fortunate from the sartorially and financially fortunate with class.

My choice of a watch-enough also varies with purpose. That, however; we keep for another day. For the time being, I suggest you look at both the Grand Seiko Automatic and the Casio Aviation series (and everything in between) to build some idea before you come back for the next installment.