What are your two favorite things to wear?

At the moment, my watches and sunnies are my two favourite items. Each has a story behind it. I use two wristwatches. Firstly, this Seiko 5, which my Dad gifted me. Years ago, when she came aboard, my sister brought it with her. For ages, I did not use the watch. The fastener had an issue. Plus, the wristband was a little loose. It had to be shortened. I forgot all about the timepiece…until now.

‘Porque no Los dos?’ (Why not both?)

When I pointed out some automatic timekeepers online, Mum told me why don’t I use the Seiko? She remedied the fastener. I did some web-based research for tightening the band. Months ago, I was able to resume using the timepiece. One thing bugged me though: the day/date was acting up. Last Saturday, I went to a watch repair shop in the city. I asked the Chinese repairer if he could fix the calendar. He simply shook his head. I told Dad this vignette. In turn, he said that the guy knew how to fix it. He just didn’t want to, he added. Anyhow, an old taco ad inspired the section’s title. Many epochs ago, Mexicans were debating between soft and hard tacos. The imp then piped up, ‘Porque no Los dos?’ The girl below is all grown up now.

Web-based research

Again, I researched online and followed the instructions to the letter. Instead of having a twelve hour day, I managed to work it back to normal. In updating the calendar, you have to be careful. Setting the day or date during the ‘danger zone’ could damage your pricey watch.

My Seiko 5 is now the right fit, is not loose any more, and displays the right time, day, and date. Though I have my mobile phone, you can’t discount the convenience of a watch. Furthermore, just like the Disney timekeeper, it’s the right fit. The watch utilises an automatic movement. The Seiko works while you wear it but the timekeeping is reminiscent of a quartz watch. The watch has a forty hour power reserve, meaning it will last for that long before it needs manual setting again.

The timepiece has a stainless steel band. Though heavier than leather, it’s likewise sturdier. In the long run, you would get used to it. My Seiko’s luminous face is one thing that gets overlooked. At night, it’s especially handy. No need to check the wall or desk clock. Even with your eyes half-closed, you’ll discern the time.

I’m amazed that it has well stood the test of time. My Dad’s investment was a shrewd one. With a quartz watch, every year or so, you’d have to replace the battery. While not that costly, the hassle of doing it yourself may not be for everyone. Automatic watches are still common, especially online. However, nowadays, they come in huge faces. Why the sudden interest in the big wrist-ed?

The handiest watch in history

Secondly, this Bold Goofy timepiece. I bought the quartz movement from Myer. I grabbed it when it was half price. The description announced that it was genuine leather. I liked the dark brown wristband and the white face. However, the small face width is what I like the most about this watch. These days, most timepieces are simply not the right fit. This watch’s face fit perfectly with my right wrist. Not too hot and not too cool.

On the other hand, it’s not very durable. The wear and tear would take its toll. For a few months, the Goofy used to be my primary watch…until the novelty wore off. Moreover, all Topher’s horses and all of his kin COULD put the Seiko together again. Once the latter could sit on a wall, the choice was obvious. Go with the automatic.

‘Like father, like son’

Speaking of automatic, my father once owned a Longines timekeeper. He bought it while studying in Germany. Swiss-made, the designer watch served him well. After twenty years of use, it just stopped. My mum reckons it merely needs a little TLC. Dad told me to look for Swiss-made watches, so you could be assured of the cutting edge quality. In particular, he mentioned three outstanding brands: Rolex, Longines, and Omega. These labels have been around for centuries and have proven resilient and dependable. Incidentally, both Rolex and Longines are major pro tennis sponsors. The former has a massive presence throughout the men’s tour. Meanwhile, the latter is synonymous with the French Open. Rafa Nadal has been a longtime Rolex endorser.

‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers’

Speaking of sunnies, I mentioned before that I am with Bupa. Each year, I use my extras cover to claim sunnies. For the past eight years, I have gone with Specsavers. I have an eye test every other year. Aside from checking my eye health and vision, you need a prescription to avail of said benefits. Since 2016, I’ve managed to retain three branded sunnies. Two of them are Timberland’s. One is brown; the other, a grey and silver combo. Both of them are lightweight and polarised. Both cases utilised sustainable materials. However, I liked the brown more than the later model.

I also have a blue Tommy pair. Four years ago, I collected this from the Specsavers Parramatta store. The shades have a thicker frame and feature the famous flag logo on the side. The frame comes in blue and black hues. The lenses are kind of rectangle. The next year, I obtained a self same pair. Last Christmas, I gifted it to my Uncle.

Basket boy

A close third on this list would be my collection of caps. I have headwear by Mitchell and Ness, Superdry, Polo Sport, and Rodd and Gunn. In total, I have six caps. However, I do use the sunnies slightly more than the cap. While the hats offer protection from the heat, the shades could work in windy weather too. Hence, the cost of sunnies are pricier. My most expensive cap is worth about forty bucks. In contrast, one pair of sunnies would cost others about a hundred big ones.

Two items to rule them all

For many, your favourite thing might be clothes or footwear. After all, these are traditionally your wardrobe’s dearest items. After a few wears though, you’d have to wash or spot clean them. Of course, you would do something similar to your timekeeper and your sunnies. However, especially with the watch, it doesn’t necessitate your constant attention. With the watch, shades, and caps, I’m all set. As Buzz Lightyear is wont to proclaim: ‘To infinity and beyond!’