The Watch You Don’t Have to Think About – Vertex M100A
Photo by Chris Antzoulis
Running Late, Dressing Faster
It was one of those mornings where I’d totally lost track of time and reality. Muchas gracias, ADHD. I had a meeting with a potential client, the kind client who would nail the pronunciation of Jaeger-LeCoultre on the first try. I had to get there on time, and I was staring at a pile of laundry that had matured for so long it could file taxes as an independent.
I had a somewhat clean sweater and a pair of jeans that were wearable, and absolutely no time to overthink it. I needed something on my wrist that would indicate that I could very well be a functioning human; something nice enough to impress a watch guy, but that would go with anything because, let’s face it, on that day I was an anything.
So, I reached for my Vertex M100A, because it’s my “it goes with anything” watch.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis
What Makes a Good “Goes with Anything” Watch?
So, what makes a true ‘it goes-with-anything' watch? First, let’s start with these three things: time-only, stainless steel, and 40 millimeters or under. Then, it should have a clean black or white dial. If it’s a matte dial, even better. In moments like these you don’t need to call any more attention to yourself, trust me. The color allows for versatility, swapping from bracelet to leather to NATO for any situation you might find yourself in. If the lug width is 20mm, well then that’s the damn cherry on top.
The numerals should be big and legible, the lume should blind you while you’re walking down the stairs, and the case ought to be tough enough to survive any and all bad decisions. This type of watch in your collection should be free of anything too gimmicky or complicated; there’s no time to deal with it! This is a watch that’s good company when you’re late, and will shut up when you’re getting your shit together.
Too Many Watches, Not Enough Bandwidth
When you have over twenty watches, choosing one shouldn’t be emotionally exhausting. Yet, I’d sell what’s left of my soul to Satan himself for a clear answer each morning because every color, strap, and case material sparks its own internal debate.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis
My collection resembles the aftermath of placing a stick of dynamite in Elton John’s wardrobe, as it can get wild, sometimes sparkly, and I’m definitely all over the place. Each watch has a vibe. Each vibe comes with responsibility. And with great power comes great…wait, what the hell was I talking about?
Grab-and-Go vs. Goes-with-Anything
Oh yeah! Watch folks love to talk about the “grab-and-go” watch, typically a quartz piece that’s always ready. But I believe my point is a bit more nuanced than that. This is about the goes-with-anything watch; this watch is not only ready to go, but it’s also ready for any of life’s situations, whether they be formal or not, and in spite of all your best efforts, you can f*ck anything up by choosing this watch.
That’s the Vertex M100A.
A White T-Shirt for the Wrist
It’s time-only, stainless steel, black dial, and without any drama, because I bring enough drama all on my own, thank you very much. The M100A is a perfectly fitted white T-shirt; it works with everything, elevates nothing unless I want it to, and always makes me look cool. And guess what? I’m not.
The lume block numerals glow even during the day. The matte black dial exists unbothered, while I’m falling apart trying to match socks, but who friggin cares, I’ll just wear my Red Wings so you can’t see them anyway. On its bracelet, the Vertex is tough. On single-pass fabric, it’s casual. On a leather strap, it’s classy. Inside, I’m a goddamn mess, but my watch says otherwise!
It’s my mental stability watch. MY EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TICKER!
Looking “On Purpose”
Photo by Chris Antzoulis
I’ve always said you can wear whatever watch you want with whatever outfit you want. But I also think there’s more power in looking purposeful. The more on purpose you look, the better impression you make, the more convincingly responsible you seem.
People trust you faster when you look like you thought things through, even if you didn’t. But after that, it’s up to you to prove it.
Some mornings, there’s no time for curating a vibe. Some mornings are about survival. The coffee’s gone cold, the nose hairs are out of fucking control, and your sense of self has exited the building. That’s when you need a watch that makes you look like you’ve still got this shit together.
That’s when my Vertex earns its keep.
Neutral, steady, and diplomatic; it may be British-owned, but that’s Swiss-made for damn sure. It forgives me natural chaos and makes me look intentional. It’s telling me, “Relax, I’ll handle this,” while I look at the Post-It note on the inside of my front door reminding me to bring my keys and wallet.
When the Watch Carries the Moment
I made it to the client meeting. The sweater was fine. The jeans were…on. The Vertex was perfect. The client noticed it, of course, and we ended up discussing the Dirty Dozen watches and why this is my favorite version of one. The meeting went great.
And later, while driving home, I caught my reflection in the rear-view and realized something: the M100A hadn’t just gone with my outfit, it had gone with the moment.
The Rarest Thing in a Big Collection
We all chase watches that evoke a sense of emotion: the thrill, the nostalgia, the flex. However, sometimes the best watch in your collection is the one that always “works”. It’s ready when you’re not. It’s the watch you don’t have to think about.
And in a collection this size, and a life this chaotic, that might be the rarest thing of all.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis
REMEMBER, nerds…. to keep the comments clean. Please don’t make me pull out ole Abraham-Louis here.
