Peculiar as it may appear for a guy that pens material about stylish presentations for men, I have never possessed a healthy curiosity for timepieces. Sure, I owned a few unremarkable pieces – Kenneth Cole fashion watches to be exact. However, its ownership was born of a necessity to wear a watch during more formal occasions – nothing more. My understanding to date as far as being a properly attired gentleman is concerned, a proper timepiece is almost always an integral component of one’s presentation.

Nevertheless, I have never assigned myself to the popular belief that a watch represents a gentleman’s station in life. Determining a gentleman’s position in life – based upon a discreet accessory worn on the wrist – was not fair and presumptuous. Moreover, given the digital age we all currently enjoy, being cognizant of the time should never be an issue with ubiquitous displays surrounding us. Smartphone. Tablet. Laptop. Desktop. Hell, a good old-fashioned wall clock will even suffice when necessary.

So, unless I was scheduled for an interview or attending a wedding; wearing a watch was simply nonessential. However, during the course of the past year, I was subjected to mild abuse from a work colleague regarding the lack of watches in my personal collection. His perspective did not hinge as much on the status symbolism, rather, it was intended to complete a distinguished and dignified presentation for a gentleman. And after some personal reflection, that standpoint began to resonate. Over the course of the following two years, I added a few modest pieces to my collection.

One of those timepieces was a token of appreciation from my employer for 15 years of dedicated service. No, it was not a Rolex. Nonetheless, I was not ungrateful. And actually, I was presented with an entire catalog of gifts for my selection, so I was very appreciative. The gift catalog featured a handsome selection of watches; I eventually landed on the Citizen Brycen Eco-Drive Chronograph. The Japanese watch manufacturer is an excellent entry-level choice for a gentleman starting a watch collection. I selected this model because of its old-school, utilitarian aesthetic. It’s a hearty, sporty timepiece. I love the navy face partnered with a brown semi-perforated leather strap. The case is 44 mm, a bit large, but not too gaudy for my sizeable forearm and wrist. The Eco-Drive technology means it is powered by light, so maintenance is extremely minimal. The complications feature a tachymeter, 1/5-second chronograph measuring up to 60 minutes, 12/24-hour time and date. This is my casual or business-casual timepiece; perfect for denim jeans, khakis, merino wool v neck sweaters, or crisp sport shirts.