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 well your prenominal viewpoints face the blow is beside the context, but it will definitely remove the crusty layers barring your illumination.
Q1.
Dear Gonzo,
I’m kind of convinced by now that when it comes to men’s accessories a watch rules the roost, although I’m not entirely on the part that it can make or break a man. What if I sport a great hairstyle and own a designer wardrobe with a price tag exceeding your much-adored Grand Seiko several notches; say a pair of John Lobb William II or a suit by Gieves & Hawkes? Do you really think I need to top those with an expensive watch to build my credentials?
[Mail and personal details]: Removed
WG comments:
Given that I’m a hardcore watch fanatic, you should have directed your question elsewhere. But what becomes very apparent is you are one insecure little brat trying to raise your stature through brand names….sorry, through brand-name dropping.
A.
It’s better not to wear a watch than wearing a wrong one; it will drag you down to the pits of social hell. But cut out on your fantasies on the John Lobb pair or the bespoke suit; someone asking me this question simply does not deserve sporting one. And if you still don’t find that embarrassing enough, read on.
You seem to be obsessed with the names John Lobb and G&H, which, no doubt are respectable names from the classy fashion world but let’s straighten out on the obvious part first.
You must know that your John Lobb William II doesn’t go with a shirt and trouser from the shopping mall or that you can’t pair up your Gieves & Hawkes bespoke suit with sneakers. Luxury is a term that comprises several components to take form; overlooking one is enough to burst your bubble.
An appropriate watch compliments your total attire; it proves you lead an organized life. You do not need an ultra-expensive Swiss luxury for that. So a $3000 worth GS; a Seiko Anti Magnetic or a Presage exceeding or equaling the COSC standards is perfectly all right to go with your fantasies but as I told you right at the beginning, you simply do not deserve either of them.
Q2.
Dear Gonzo,
I like to keep things short and simple, so here I go. Is it really important to pass the COSC tests to be marked as luxury?
[Mail and personal details]: Removed
WG comments:
No; unless you are an easily-impressed mall-shopper.
A.
It’s really a mindset, especially during the times when we are almost done 
with hand tooling, pressed brass-bushings and the likes. Today, we have much advanced manufacturing methods with tight tolerances and superior materials (including jewels) and lubricants, so getting into the +4 seconds zone is not really that tough anymore. Take Seiko for example; I own a limited edition Seiko 5 sports and to my surprise, I’ve found its error rate never crossing the 4 seconds barrier ever since it started adorning my wrist! Shall I call this piece luxury? No! But a respectable timepiece? Definitely, a big YES.
