SB Endorses: The Nato G10 "James Bond" Watch Band

As I've mentioned before, I only wear one watch. But I have a collection of bands and change them according to my outfit.

My new favorite watch band is the Nato G10 strap. It is 100% durable nylon and comes in a number of solid colors and stripes (the official "James Bond" edition being black/gray striped, as pictured).

The best part is, this great way to switch up your favorite watch can be picked up on eBay for about $15!

So feel free to pick up a couple different colors to add a unique punch to any outfit.

Dishing all my best-kept-secrets,

SB

Reader Question: Big Ben

Reader:

Hi Dan,

I must congratulate you on your blog. It's been a great inspiration to many including myself. Like myself, I know you like to interchange formal and casual items. I have recently read your tip of the day on watches, despite it being posted short of 3 months ago, but it left me partially questioning myself. I'm a big fan of large watches and I've been seeking one for quite some time.

My question… I rarely see unconventional oversized (51mm) watches paired with a suit, they tend to be smaller, classier, and a bit more discreet. Will the white oversized one look odd and/or out-of-proportion?

SB:

Hey, thanks for reading!

51mm! That's not a watch, that's a wall clock with a wristband! Unless you're Shaq Diesel at 7'2" / 350 lbs, I think it'll look a little funny with a suit. Your shirt cuff*, and maybe even your suit sleeve, will likely not fit over it's gigantic case, causing it to distract from your outfit rather than add to it.

I am a big fan of that Nixon piece, and love the idea of a white ceramic watch as a way to break up a "dressy" outfit, but I'd stay in the 35-41mm range (which is still considered L - XL). Don't go with the super-played-out white G-Shock...I'm pretty sure Nixon makes some smaller sizes. Although if it were me, I would save the $2,400 to invest in a more suit-appropriate classic that I can grow old with and pass down to my children like the Cartier Tank Solo or the IWC Portuguese, and find another way to dress down my suits. But hey, it's your money.

Yours in style,
SB

*for those who invest in custom clothing: did you know you can get your left (or right if you're a lefty) sleeve cuff adjusted to fit properly over your watch? Just ask your tailor!

My "Ten Essentials"

Per some of your requests, I will host my own "Ten Essentials", a popular feature seen on what used to be men.style.com (r.i.p.) where designers, celebrities, and other fashion-forward individuals list the "10 things they can't go without". So here's my crack at it...

1. Blackberry 8900

With my blackberry in hand not only can I check my email and surf the web, but I can keep in touch with friends in Canada for free, take and send street-style pictures, and blog remotely.

2. Montblanc Timewalker

I wear this watch everyday. It's case is the perfect size to go from dressy to casual (with a quick band change) and I love the neutral no-frills face. It also has sentimental value to me; at 19 years old it was the first time my self-contained business allowed me to spend over $1000 on something (yes, I've been buying my own clothes since the beginning of highschool)

3. Vintage Levis Denim Jacket

This is the perfect lightweight jacket. I wear it with everything from a t-shirt and chuck taylors to a dress shirt and bow tie. The best part, it gets better with time and only cost me $35 at a vintage clothing store.

4. Unlimited NYC Metro Card

I ride the subway. Everywhere. In NYC public transportation is often faster than cabbing-it and you are sure to come across some unique people and great street style on the train. Call me green (and economical).

5. Red Tod's Car Shoes

I love footwear, especially the in-your-face "my kicks are fresh" type of footwear (maybe it's from my roots as a basketball player/hip-hop fanatic). Nevertheless, these are one of my favorite pairs, and whenever I wear them women literally stop me in the street to compliment them, so they pad the ego as much as the outfit :)

6. APC New Standard Jeans

I've written about these in the past. The best all-purpose jeans that money can buy. Need I say more?

7. Basketball

If it wasn't for the game of basketball I probably wouldn't have gone to college, I wouldn't live in NYC, and I certainly wouldn't be writing this blog. The game has been the single most important influence in my life, and to this day I try to play 3-4 times a week to stay in shape and satisfy my passion for the game.

8. Filson Duffle Bag

The perfect bag. Utilitarian enough to look rugged and "manly" and clean enough in design to be carried with any outfit including my finest suit. Whether I'm heading to the gym or traveling for the weekend, I just "throw it in the bag".

9. Michael Andrews Bespoke

Every stylish man needs a good tailor. For me it is certainly an "essential". I take all my alterations and custom clothing orders to the experts at MAB.

10. Persol 649

Shades are my favorite accessory, and I usually go with these tortoiseshell frames made popular by Steve McQueen to complete my look.

Yours in style, SB.

Tip-of-the-Day: Refresh Your Band

Hey all. I'm back. The trip was incredible. My boy Ryan and I had some great times, learned alot, did alot of thinking/self-reflection, and (the good news for ya'll) it inspired me to bring my blog to new heights. Thanks again to all of those who sent emails and comments while I was away, responses are on the way.

As my first post back, I'm going with one of the most popular features, the "Tip-of-the-Day".

Buying a quality timepeice can be a tricky investment, 1) Because it will (hopefully) last you many years and 2) Because it could potentially break the bank. Here's a little trick that can help you make the most out of your wristpeice.

You only need one watch. Keep it simple and classic (no deep-sea diving instruments or drag-race stopwatch features). Keep the face a neutral color (white or gray are your best bets). And keep the case a medium size (from 36mm - 40mm) - small enough to look classy under a shirt/suit cuff and large enough to look cool when wearing it casually with a pair of retro J's. As an example, here's a pic of the Montblanc Timewalker that I wear:

Now here's the secret. Invest in one of these:

It's a watchband replacement tool which allows you to easily (with a steady hand to avoid scratches) remove the wrist band from your watch and replace it with another, granted your watch has standard spring pins (most do, but look into it to make sure). It only costs $4.95 here, a small price to pay to turn one simple watch into an accessory with unlimited options.

Some people pay a watch repair man to change their band, but doing it yourself not only saves you time and money but it also allows you to change your band according to your outfit, making it a much more versatile (and unique) accessory. Here is a good video describing how to change your band:

The Watch Prince is a great place to shop for affordable bands, just make sure you know the width that you need (measured in mm, typically 18-22). Start with the essentials:

1. Black Alligator and Brown Alligator. The dressiest band, looks great with suits and ties...remember to match your skins (see Tip-of-the-Day May 4 2009).

2. Black Rubber. Wear it when the times call for something casual or when working out/running.

3. Striped Ribbon. Perfect for the summer, when things get a little more casual and brighter in color.

Once you have those basics you can start experimenting and putting your own spin on it (all with the same watch!). For example, check out my man Kenyatte Nelson, Esquire's Best Dressed Real Man 2008, playing with color and accessories:

Thanks for reading. Much more to come. Yours in style, Style Blogger

Tip-of-the-Day: Metals to Metals, Hides to Hides

This may seem like common sense to many men, but it is worth saying.

As a general rule, a man's metals should all match in color (watch face, belt buckle, shoe buckle, ring, sunglasses frame, etc). If one is silver, they should all be silver. You can always have another set in gold, but avoid mixing them.

Similarly, a man's leathers should also match in color family. Black with black, brown with brown. This includes watch strap, belt, shoes, briefcase, wallet, etc.

Yours in style, Style Blogger.