As the guys generally grow older, one of the things that we really look forward to is a great boys’ night out. Well, as the old adage goes: work hard, and play harder. After prolonged hours of working hard, we definitely need to take a time out.
A typical boys’ night out usually happens at a drinking place. It can be a local pub, a nice bar, or even a glitzy club. Of course, different location usually meant different outfits. And that, preferably, meant a different watch to match as well.
So, what are some of the suitable watches that we think are excellent for a boys’ night out? Let find out!
SEVENFRIDAY S-series
The new SEVENFRIDAY S-series. A fun, yet affordable timepiece.
First up, we have the funky S-series, from the highly successful SEVENFRIDAY.
Since its inception back in 2012, SEVENFRIDAY had acquired a reputation for producing well-designed watches with a reasonable price-point. The rounded square cases, together with its signature industrial-inspired design, had garnered a fair share of following throughout the last 5 years.
While SEVENFRIDAY explored different design styles with the V-series and Q-series, many collectors seem to prefer the aesthetics of the original P-series. This lead the brand to produce the S-series, which we are recommending. Essentially an evolution from the original series of watches with notable differences in the addition of an animation ring and crown guard, as well as a re-worked dial.
The timepiece is powered by Miyota’s 82S5. It is an automatic movement, featuring a power reserve of around 40 hours. It is also fitted with a NFC chip, which allows the owner to check for the authenticity of the watch, and other value add services SEVENFRIDAY will announce in due course. The 47mm timepiece is priced at S$1,915, and we feel that this is a great timepiece for something fun on a boys’ night out.
NOMOS Aqua Ahoi Datum
The NOMOS Ahoi Datum Atlantik. An interesting choice of colour scheme, which adds a great touch to the watch.
Over the last few years, NOMOS have generated quite a fair bit of interest in the watch collecting community. Collectors have started to notice this Glashutte-based watch manufacturer, who produces in-house manufactured watches at a reasonable price point.
The Aqua Ahoi Datum is one of the latest prices to join the remarkable collection. Featuring its signature Bauhaus-inspired design, the Aqua Ahoi Datum looks simple and minimalist. There are three different dial variations for the watch: white, dark blue, and light blue. Our favourite is the Ahoi Atlantik, which features the dark blue dial. We think that the colour pairs very well with the cream numerals and indices.
The 40.3mm timepiece is powered by NOMOS’s in-house DUW5101. This is an automatic movement, which comes with NOMOS Swing System. The additional function of the watch includes a date indicator, and it boasts a decent power reserve of around 42 hours. It is also worthy to note that the movement’s finishing is done rather nicely as well.
The Ahoi Atlantik Datum is priced at S$6,010. We foresee that its simple and clean design is definitely going to appeal to many collectors, and it will definitely work well with a variety of outfit for a great night out.
Azimuth Twin Turbo
A pair of Azimuth Twin Turbo.
Azimuth – where shall we begin? The brainchild of Alvin Lye and Christopher Long, is a brand that is no stranger to collectors in the Singapore watch community. Launched in 2003, the Neuchâtel-based watch manufacturer is known to produce funky avant-garde pieces such as Mr. Roboto and SP-1.
More recently, Azimuth launched another interesting and provocative piece: the Twin Turbo. The dual time-zone watch, which features an unusual case design, was inspired by a car’s dashboard. The two dials are certainly reminiscence of a car’s speedometer and tachometer. Another interesting touch to the 50mm timepiece is the “hood”, in which can be lifted up to gain access to the watch’s crowns. Although the hood is not a functional component, it adds an interesting dramatic element to the watch.
The watch is fitted with two independent ETA 2512-2 movements, from circa 1960s. These movements are placed at a 60° angle, to fit the placement of the dial. The movements were selected because of its size. And due to the limited amount of movements available, the Twin Turbo can only be produced at limited quantities.
If one is looking for an unusual and provocative timepiece, then perhaps the Azimuth Twin Turbo is worth a second take. It is priced at S$8,100, and the watch is limited to 88 pieces for each of the three different variants. The watch is certain to garner attention, and it might be an interesting piece to wear at a club or a party.
Rolex Explorer
The new Rolex Explorer, featuring some upgrades such as the inclusion of lume for the numerals on the dial.
For someone who is looking at an unassuming, simple, and solid timepiece – we have the Rolex Explorer.
The Explorer is often an underrated timepiece from Rolex’s repertoire. After all, some of the most popular icons include the Daytona and the Submariner. But what the Explorer offers is a solid timepiece and versatile watch. Recently updated in 2016, the new Explorer features some aesthetical modifications (longer hands and numerals filled with lume), as well as an improved movement. The Caliber 3132 is now equipped with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, which is both anti-magnetic and more shock-resistant. Its accuracy is also now in accordance to the stricter Rolex Superlative Chronometer standards.
Priced at S$8,770, the Explorer is priced competitively for a timepiece of such quality. It is certainly an excellent watch, and one that is versatile enough for any occasions and outfits.
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin 37mm
A pair of the new 37mm Saxonia Thin. A discreet, but wonderfully made dress watch.
For a night out at a gentlemen’s bar, there isn’t a much more perfect timepiece than the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin 37mm. A discreet and elegant dress watch, the Saxonia Thin is the excellent match for a well-dressed gentleman who is looking for a simple, yet luxurious timepiece.
Launched in mid-2016, the Saxonia Thin 37mm is the brand’s entry-level watch. While it may be the most affordable A. Lange & Söhne in the collection, but it is certainly a force to be reckoned with. As per the usual tradition, the Saxonia Thin is impeccably finished. The watch truly shines when it is reversed, where the movement is in its full glory. The timepiece is powered by the in-house Calibre L093.1 – which is a manual-winding, 167-part movement. It has a power reserve of around 72 hours, and the decoration is simply top-notch.
With a retail price tag S$21,300, the Saxonia Thin is not exactly accessible for many collectors. But the watch is definitely on a different level, and the craftsmanship behind it speaks for itself. Besides, at 37mm, it is hard to think of another simple dress watch that can come close to matching this one.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas
Vacheron Constantin Overseas in steel and a gorgeous blue dial.
Finally, we round up the article with one of our favourite watches from last year: the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas.
Over the last few decades, the Overseas – despite Vacheron Constantin’s status as one of the Holy Trinity in Swiss Watchmaking – was always in the shadows of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak and Patek Philippe’s Nautilus. But on its 20th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin updated its Overseas collection. And oh boy, we are in love with it!
The new Overseas features a simple dial design with stick indices, paired with a 41mm case and the signature half-Maltese Cross bezel. The other new touches include a modern in-house movement (the Caliber 5100) and a nifty quick-strap change function. The latter is extremely easy to use, and it is especially fun since the watch is delivered with all three different strap options (bracelet, leather strap, and rubber strap). Each option gives the watch a different characteristic, which gives it versatility as well.
Besides the strap, the watch is available in a variety of case/dial combination, which includes three different dial colours (brown, blue, and silver) and an option between stainless steel and 18k pink gold case. The watch retails at S$30,800.
Concluding Thoughts
We have selected six different timepieces for different venues on a boys’ night out. We have reserved the funkier and “fun” watches for partying/clubbing, and the classy ones for an evening out at a gentlemen’s bar.
What is interesting is that amongst our selections, there were a few watches that we think are versatile enough for any venues and outfits. For instance, we can see ourselves wearing either the Rolex Explorer or Vacheron Constantin Overseas at any occasion or venue without looking out of place.
So, do you agree with our selections? What are some of the watches that you’d wear on a boys’ night out? Let us know in the comments section below!
2 Comments
Hmm, shouldn’t boys’ night-outs include sport-based events? Or, alternatively, shouldn’t them involve playing of sports? In such case, a rugged, expressly quartz watch sounds more up to the job. A Casio, perhaps? Or a Tissot T-Touch? Definitely not anything more than a few hundreds. If “playing” is involved (any playing), probably no hair springs should be there.
Why can’t boy night-outs be about future discussion? AI taking over the world? Self-driving cars? Perhaps a smartwatch would fit the occasion?
On a separate note: depends on how much alcohol/vigorous activity is involved, expensive watches may not be the way to go. I mean, smashing probably feels a bit less painful on less money.
lol. Great comment!