Hanging Up His Wings
When I was growing up, my dad wasn’t around all too often. It wasn’t that he was an absentee dad or neglected his family, but when you work for a commercial airline, your schedule is largely out of your hands. After 40 years of flying planes, last year my dad announced that he would be retiring from the industry.
Of course, this came as quite a surprise to all of us since he has such a passion for flying. As you can imagine, my mom is ecstatic about the prospect of spending more time with him-especially because they have thousands of miles saved up and plan to do some serious travelling. The retirement party is this weekend and I was able to find the perfect gift online: a personalized men’s watch with an assortment of pilot-themed decorations underneath the watch glass.
Automatic Watch Winders
In our digital age, wearing a watch is becoming somewhat antiquated and the concept of a watch that needs to be wound seems borderline archaic. But personally, I enjoy the nostalgic feel of classic timepieces. And while they may not be the most pragmatic accessory, they certainly have more panache and personality than the digital clock on my cell phone.
Of course, having to wind a watch incessantly isn’t fun, no matter how much you love antique timepieces. So I invested in a couple of automatic watch winders. Now I can simply put my watches in one of the devices before I go to bed, and in the morning they’re wound and ready to keep accurate time throughout the day.
Basic Survival Skills
When most people think of survival skills, they conjure ideas of minimalist adventurers testing their physical and mental capacities in nature. But just as it takes a good deal of knowhow to survive in the wilderness, thriving in the urban jungle takes a specific skill set as well. It may not seem like it, but everyday we are required to employ a variety of skills—from using a mini-screwdriver to change your watch battery, to cooking dinner on the stove.
Many people take these simple tasks for granted growing up, relying entirely on their parents. I’ll never forget how inept one of my college roommates was when it came to the most mundane tasks; he needed help doing everything—addressing an envelope, grocery shopping, doing his laundry. These tasks may seem second nature to you, and that’s a good thing. It’s important to hone these basic skills if you want to be self-sufficient.
Basic Jewelry Upkeep
Jewelry, like any other accessory, can lose its shine and luster after some time. It is important to know how to care for them properly. Here are some tips in caring for your jewelry:
~It helps if you keep your jewelry pieces in jewelry boxes. A jewelry box will keep them in one place, and avoid getting your jewelry misplaced. Choose a box that is lined with cloth to avoid any scratches on the jewelry.
~Pearls and opals need a little moisture. Make sure that your box has a small amount of moisture as this keeps the pearls shiny. However, pearls keep their shine best when they are worn more often as they acquire the body’s natural oils.
~Necklaces must be stored separately from each other. A jewelry box with small divisions would be great for necklaces to avoid the chains from being tangled together.
By keeping these tips in mind, you are guaranteed that your jewelry pieces will last a lifetime, perhaps even longer.
Taking Joy in the Small Things
When I was younger, I committed myself to being as low-maintenance as possible. I never bought anything that required maintenance, and when something did require attention, I would often simply stop using it. As I’ve grown older, however, I’ve developed an appreciation for the multitude of tiny skills necessary in day-to-day life.
Whereas I used to eschew menial tasks, now I revel in the opportunity to learn a new skill. Something as seemingly mundane as changing watch batteries can be an occasion for learning the intricacies of the watch movements and learning how the battery powers them. When you begin to look at every day tasks as a learning opportunity, all aspects of your life become more enjoyable—at least in my experiences.
Leather Bands Have Lasting Appeal
In recent years, leather watch bands have fallen out of favor with fashion gurus and the general public alike. They tend to wear down quickly if they are neglected, and even with proper care, they tend to stretch and crack easily. And while it may seem as if leather bands are quickly becoming antiquated, there are several reasons why they will continue to have appeal, if only to a small group.
Unlike metal bands, leather watch bands allow you to easily alter the size of your watch. This is particularly handy for people who are on diets, as the size of your wrist often correlates with your weight. One of the main draws of the metal band is its opulent appearance; by contrast, a leather band can help your achieve an understated look, which comes in handy when on vacation and attending events where you don’t want to attract attention.
Alkaline v Lithium Watch Batteries
When you are replacing your watch battery, there are two main choices: lithium and alkaline. Some people may believe this decision is superfluous, but your verdict will have an impact on both the performance and longevity.
An alkaline watch battery is comprised of zinc and manganese dioxide, which combine to form a chemical reaction. These batteries are considered a middle-of-the-road option, as they are relatively inexpensive, have a high energy density and a long shelf life. If you want a top-of-the-line battery however, go with lithium. Lithium watch batteries have the capacity to produce higher voltages and have a long life span, making them ideal for frequently used devices, such as watches.
Replacing Watch Crystal
It doesn’t matter how accurate your watch is or how ornately the face is designed if you can’t see through the crystal. Watch crystals have a propensity to become nicked, dinged and scratched specially with harsh wear. If the state of your watch crystal has you contemplating an investment in a new timepiece, you should be aware that you have other options.
Replacement watch crystals are relatively cheap and can be installed in just a few minutes. Before purchasing glass for your watch, take note of the material your current glass is made of, the diameter of the face, and if it is domed or not. For those who are apprehensive about changing the crystal themselves, you local jeweler can usually perform the repair the same day.
Maintaining a Family Heirloom
When my father passed away last year, my siblings and I had to go through the arduous process of dividing his assets according to the specifications in his will. Of all the items bequeathed to me, his watch that he wore during his bomber missions in WWII carried the most importance. The watch has been a family heirloom that his father passed on to him, and I am committed to keeping it in the family for years to come.
The watch hasn’t been used for several decades; needless to say, it was in need of some reconditioning. I certainly don’t want to wear the watch on a daily basis, but I would like to keep it functional. To that end, I recently purchased a set of watch repair tools and I have been meticulously making minor adjustments to improve its workings.
American Status Symbols
There are certain products that have become synonymous with success and luxury in American culture. For decades, the Cadillac was the status symbol for flourishing businessmen, and in many ways it still is. Although we usually don’t think of men as jewelry wearers, the Rolex was also become a codpiece of sorts.
When I opened up the third branch of my thriving Mexican buffet chain, I decided to reward myself by purchasing my first Rolex. Since I’ve gotten it, the timepiece has rarely left my wrist. For those rare occasions when I choose not to don it however, I have invested in a watch box to ensure that it is out of harm’s way.