First things first, how thin is a thin watch? I know it sounds a bit like, 'how long is a piece of string?' But when you come to think of it, when you're buying a thin watch it's probably the most important question you can ask. 'How thin is thin?' Well for the sake of setting a benchmark I'd say thin watches start around 10mm or just under 4/10ths of an inch in thickness (that's just a bit thicker than an iPod touch) and of course they get thinner (much thinner).
So why do you need a thin watch?
As with so many of the accessories we wear, a watch tells the casual observer more about you than probably your C.V. ever will. You see in just a quick glimpse at your wrist, your boss/bank manager/prospective partner has subconsciously assessed your character and created their impression of you. It may be totally wrong but as we all know first impressions count and if you're in an important situation you'll want to make a good impression. So ask yourself just one question do you want to appear as sophisticated and assured with just a hint of understated refinement? Or as someone who doesn't care what they wear on their wrist as long as it tells the time in 57 different countries and is predominately cheap. O.K. that may be a little harsh, but I'm pretty sure you get my drift. As the old saying goes,' you are what you wear' so wear something of quality.
But aren't they really expensive?
It's true, until quite recently thin watches were really the playthings of only the rich and famous. The thinner the watch the more expertise and craftsmanship was required to create it. However, thanks to modern techniques thinner watches are available at a fraction of the original cost. Admittedly you can still pay thousands of dollars for say a 'Jaeger-Le Coultre Master Ultra Thin' but there again if you shop around you can buy a beautiful Skagen at under $75.
What are the Advantages?
Well as I said before thin watches make a great impression. As Leonardo da Vinci said 'Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication' and somehow a thinner watch does convey an air of sophistication and refinement upon the wearer. Also, they're kind to your shirt/blouse cuffs (unlike larger watches) and by their very nature they're really light to wear. In fact I can honestly say, most of the time you hardly know you're wearing a watch at all.
And the Disadvantages?
If you're into watches with whistles and bells then you'll probably be better off with a thicker watch. Generally speaking the more you want a watch to do (i.e. be a chronograph, or a temperature gauge or measure tidal flow) then the thicker the case has got to be.
And to be truthful that's about it. 'You need to buy a thin watch' because once you've worn one, you won't want anything else. They're unusual and eye-catching but most of all they're really comfortable to wear and that's something I can't say about my old 'Super Duper, look-I-can-tell-the-time-in-every-city-of-the-world' digital watch - that's been relegated to the bottom of my sock drawer.
Dane Skort is an author and copywriter who specialises in collectibles, sports and generally cool stuff. http://www.squidoo.com/skagen-thin-watches
