When two friends of mine, who were dating, recently split, my guy friend asked me to do him a favor: “Will you get my old watch back?” Less than thrilled about the burden of this responsibility, but happy to help, I devised a plan. I politely volunteered to take my girlfriend’s ex’s stuff (including his watch) off her hands and personally deliver them to him so she didn’t have to.
“Oh, that would be so helpful,” she said. Yes, she’s going for it! Or so I thought, until this poured out of her mouth: “There’s no way I’m giving back that watch though.”
Truth is I don’t blame her. There is really nothing sexier, or more stylish, than a great menswear piece on a pretty, dainty female wrist, especially when it belongs to someone you love (or have scorned, in this case). And unlike a boyfriend’s cozy old t-shirt, his watch is something you can wear beyond the confinement of your house walls. Socially acceptable in public, and, not to mention, flattering on everyone, the “boyfriend watch” not only seamlessly takes you from day to night, but adds the slightest touch of toughness that truly makes a statement.
There is, of course, sentimental value in wearing something that attaches you to a loved one. But you don’t need a boyfriend, husband, father or brother to get your hands on this perfect timepiece. Take the Emprise Collection, a series of watches created by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton last fall. For his 20-piece collection, Jacobs brilliantly created four fashionable sizes to accommodate both genders. Fossil has also jumped on this bandwagon. Their website features an entire section dedicated to “boyfriend watches,” including the popular Boyfriend Silver Dial watch.
Whether it’s your father’s vintage Rolex, a brand new Timex from the men’s department, or the one you stole from your husband or ex, the subtle pop of masculinity found in a “boyfriend watch” will make you feel as powerful and feminine as the great Katherine Hepburn in a pair of trousers.
[Photograph courtesy of Watchismo (left); Photography by Staff Photographer (right)]
Published on January 4, 2010
While there are many sites today dedicated to the pursuit of fashion and style, here at MRK Style we approach these subjects through a collector’s lens. Through exploring how people relate to Art, Family, Fashion, Food, Film and Travel—essentially life’s various, everyday obsessions—we reflect on how we all live with the things we love. 
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Great article – I love boyfriend watches! My sister’s husband just gave her his grandfather’s old watch for Christmas. It looks so fab on her, and means so much!
Comment by Melanie Dyer Pate — January 7, 2010 @ 8:15 pm permalink
Great article – I love boyfriend watches! My sister’s husband just gave her his grandfather’s old watch for Christmas. It looks so fab on her, and means so much!
Comment by Melanie Dyer Pate — January 7, 2010 @ 2:15 pm permalink