CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

Earlier this year a watch report found that the value of ‘forgotten’ watches had exceeded $55 billion across the globe. It would be more than a shame for someone to have a dusty, old watch sat on the mantlepiece and not realise they are holding onto a hidden fortune.

Luxe Watches, expert pre-owned watch retailer, have put together a concise list of how to spot if your timepiece has any hidden value.

There are hundreds of thousands of discarded and neglected watches across the world. These outdated watches may have a considerable amount of value attached, meaning all those watches become hidden goldmines.

You may not be a watch connoisseur or know a Casio from a Patek Philippe, but you could still earn a wad of cash for that old timepiece in the attic.

A report in 2021 estimated that over $56 billion dollars in value was lost through ‘forgotten’ luxury watches where the owner had no clue about it’s true value. Luxe Watches, one of Britain’s leading independent pre-owned watch retailers, have put together a list of seven things and find out if time could be money for you.

Is my watch antique or vintage? Vintage are typically around 30 years old or more, have a collectible or novelty value and some sort of cultural significance.

Antique points to things over 100 years old, and for watches will generally indicate the pocket variety.

1. Can it tell the time?

Collectors want old watches for the prestige opposed to the functionality, but the working condition can alter the value massively. Check to see if you can hear the ticking. If it has a smooth metallic ring it means it is still in working order. If you hear a grinding noise, it could, unfortunately, mean it’s close to its end.

2. Can you find the serial number?

The serial number says a lot about a watch, and can be found on the caseback, inside mechanism or between the lugs if it is a Rolex.

3. Who’s the maker?

Even if your watch looks ancient, it can still be made by a huge brand name. Whether you recognize it or not isn’t important but you still might – Omega have been making watches for almost 200 years! Here are a few names to look for: Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Blancpain, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breitling, Vacheron Constantin.

4. What type is it?

The type of watch can say a lot about it’s value, whether it’s an antique pocket watch to stem-wind or jeweled. If it is stainless steel or solid gold then you could be onto a winner. Typically an elaborate design on vintage pocket watches is a big pointer to value. 

5. What is it made of?

If it is stainless steel or solid gold then you could be onto a winner. Typically an elaborate design on vintage pocket watches is a big pointer to value.

6. Does it have extra weight?

Heavier watches could mean there’s gold or other features of value.

7. Do you have the paperwork to hand?

Also known as provenance, an ownership record of the origin, history of owners and authenticity can put extra 0’s to the value. Having the basic proof of manufacturer alone is massive, but if your timepiece happened to be owned by someone famous it could lead to a huge windfall.

A huge part is to not go down the route of selling alone – Ebay is full of gambles and lacks the expert touch. A lot of people attach astronomical prices to things not worth a fraction of it, while others misvalue family heirlooms and lose a huge amount of money.

WORDS BY EMILY HENRY

Contrary to popular belief, men are just as interested in fashion as women are. You’d think that putting together a stylish outfit as a man would be somewhat easier, but there are some pitfalls to avoid. Here are some common men’s clothing mistakes, and how you can avoid them.

You’ve spent a lot of money on that watch, and you take great pride in it. One day though it’s going to stop running, and it will need to be handled. Many men will keep wearing it until they can get it fixed, as it was an expensive time piece. However, that’s something you should avoid. Wearing a broken watch can make it look a lot cheaper than it is. You don’t want anyone thinking you bought a knock off, rather than the real thing.

When you don’t need your sunglasses right this moment, what do you do? Many men place them on their head, but that’s actually considered a style faux pas. ‘Wearing your sunglasses on your head will ruin your hairstyle, and emphasize the shape of your head if it’s too oval’ says fashion editor Whitney Thomas, from Academized and UK Writings. ‘Instead, try wearing them on your shirt, or put them in your breast pocket.

This is such a common mistake, but luckily it’s very easily rectified. You know your tie shouldn’t be worn too short, but you’re worried about over-correcting and going too long instead. There’s a simple rule you should follow when wearing a tie: the tip of your tie should just cover your belt buckle. Follow this rule, and you can’t go wrong.

Keeping your cash in your pocket isn’t a style problem as such, but you can make carrying your cash much more stylish. If you don’t already have one, invest in a good quality leather wallet. It’s not only more stylish, but practical too. You’ll be able to keep cards and your driver’s license in there too, keeping everything together.

Here’s another tip to look out for when you’re shopping for shirts or jackets. You want the sleeves to be just the right length. That shows that the garment fits you properly, and looks a lot more polished. The best sleeves will end right above your wrist. Anything longer or shorter won’t give the best impression when you wear it.

Of course, there are some times when wearing a backpack is totally fine. If you’re hiking, of course you need a backpack. If you’re wearing a classic jacket though, a backpack is a no no. ‘It just doesn’t look right together, and so you need to find a bag that works better for your needs’ says journalist Julian Andrews from State Of Writing and OX Essays. ‘Instead, try a laptop bag to get a better combined look.’

Suspenders are having a real moment right now, and so you’ve probably invested in some for yourself. However, you need to make sure you’re wearing them the right way. For example, you shouldn’t be wearing suspenders and a belt at the same time. They both do the same job, so you shouldn’t need both. Choose one or the other with a button up shirt, and you’ll look stylish.

This is not only an issue of style, but of etiquette too. When using any kind of thermal pants for training, you need to have an outer layer on them. Thermal wear should be considered a base layer that you put other clothes on top of, rather than outer clothing themselves. Shorts or sweatpants work best over thermal pants.

As you can see, there are lots of mistakes here that you didn’t even know you were making. Now you do though, you can make some simple changes to look as stylish and as put together as possible. Make these small tweaks to your look, and you’ll look the best you possibly can, every day.

As you can see, there are lots of mistakes here that you didn’t even know you were making. Now you do though, you can make some simple changes to look as stylish and as put together as possible. Make these small tweaks to your look, and you’ll look the best you possibly can, every day.

British Designer Neil Barrett has been at the forefront in redefining the contemporary male wardrobe, mastering a forward-thinking approach and an unprecedented point of view, since it’s foundation. Debuting at Pitti Uomo, Florence in 1999, the brand continues to deliver innovative and distinctive collections, combining precisely-cut tailoring, accurate detailing and athletic elements. Season upon season, the brand has expanded its distribution network and currently counts 550 retailers worldwide, alongside 30 mono-brand stores, whose concept has been developed with Zaha Hadid Architects and with fans including Brad Pitt, Ewan McGregor, Colin Firth, Lenny Kravitz, Mark Ruffalo, Orlando Bloom, Jake Gyllenhaal.

For this season, he brings his signature minimalist aesthetic to a brand to an all American outdoor brand, founded in 1979, that made its name by making performance outdoor product that could withstand the unpredictably harsh weather of the North-Eastern USA, none other than Penfield. Today, Penfield is as much a symbol of progressive streetwear as it is of the traditional New England outdoor style. From innovative fabrics to its exceptional use of colour and theme, Penfield is continually evolving its product lines to reflect the wandering spirit of its wearers. As the brand continues to evolve, Penfield remains true to its purpose: TO MAKE PRODUCT FOR A LIFE IN THE OPEN.

These two very different fashion brands have come together to create a beautifully crafted collection of functional puffer jackets that utilise technical nylon qualities and fabric mixes, to infuse design with functionality. Lightweight, waterproof, technical jackets mix exaggerated silhouettes, bi-colour, luxury eco-shearing and high gloss trims all finished with Neil Barrett’s signature Thunderbolt Enamel Badge.

There are three styles; a Padded Nylon Bomber with Detachable Hood in Black, a Padded Nylon and Shearling Puffer Jacket in Black Military, and a Padded Nylon Bomber Jacket in Black.

If you’re thinking about making changes to your diet in 2022 I hope this advise helps you. Rich in fiber and low-calorie food with a high percentage of protein is a formula for your diet if you exercise and try to lose weight. However, it can be hard sometimes to stick to the diet when you have to avoid all the food you previously enjoyed.

But, what if I told you that there are delicious foods that are healthy and exercise program friendly? This list will make you stop looking at food as the enemy, and start loving your new diet.

Popcorn

It is hard to believe that some snacks can be this delicious and healthy at the same time. At least 78% of this cereal is complex carbohydrates that make up the highest quality energy source for our body. They have a good amount of vitamin B and magnesium.

Popcorn, however, is a perfect snack because it sends a signal of satiety to the brain, so the next meal is delayed a lot.

Be careful because adding, for example, oils reduces their nutritional value and, at the same time, increases the number of calories consumed.

Chicken Breast

It is not news that chicken breasts are rich in protein and low in fat. Even though some people claim that they are dry, there are various ways you can prepare them and enjoy every single bite.

One way is to broil the vegetables on one tablespoon of olive oil, then add the chicken breast strips. The meal will not be dry thanks to moisture from vegetables. You can add glass noodles or pasta. Let’s not forget that energy from carbohydrates is great to make good progress in exercising.

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin is great food not only for Halloween, but during the whole year. Did you know that Butternut squash has only 44 kcal, but 21 mg of vitamin C, 34 mg of magnesium, and 48 mg of calcium? All that makes it the perfect ingredient for various meals.

You can make soup, bake it in the oven, or make healthy pumpkin bread with the addition of protein powder.

Potato

Potatoes are most often consumed fried in deep oil and with fatty sauces, and that’s why many people think that is bad for us. But, as you can guess, it’s not. Potatoes contain potassium, provide long-lasting satiety, are good for heart and intestinal health.

It may be a good surprise that one middle-size potato has 0 g of fat! It has 4 g of protein and 37 g of carbohydrates. You don’t have to worry if you cook it. Another safe method is to bake it without or with the minimum amount of oil.

Soups

Soups are good for making visible results because they help you to feel full, they are full of valuable nutrients and you can make them with whatever you want. Here are some suggestions.

Chicken soup is not only a great stock but can be a separate dish. In addition to the chicken, add as many vegetables as possible for more nutrition and better taste.

A bowl of whole-grain soup is a delicious dinner. Choose cereals to your taste (chickpeas, barley, oats…), and then enrich the soup with vegetables and meat (chicken or turkey). This kind of meal will satiate you, but will not burden your stomach before a night’s rest.

If you prefer vegetarian soups, try a light soup of kale, mushrooms, quinoa, tofu, and miso paste.

Dark Chocolate

You can still enjoy the sweetness of chocolate, but it needs to contain at least 70% of cocoa. If your chocolate is only high in fat and sugar, it won’t be that powerful antioxidant.

To be clear, dark chocolate is still high in calories, so consume it in moderate amounts and not on a daily basis.

Oat Pancakes

Pancakes are considered high-calorie food because people eat them with a lot of maple syrup or oily chocolate spread. But, if you make them without these additions and use slightly different ingredients, you can make a healthy breakfast that will provide you with the necessary energy for exercising.

On the other hand, oats have always been considered a symbol of health and have been one of the most common products in diet plans. Oats contain many essential substances for the body – phosphorus, iodine, potassium, fluorine, zinc, iron, manganese, vitamins E, A, B, and K, as well as essential amino acids.

To make this healthy treat, mix 1 large banana, 3 eggs, 1 measure of protein powder and ⅔ cup of oats in a blender. When you get a smooth mixture, you can bake it on the non-stick pan at a low temperature. Boil one 1 cup of frozen forest fruit in the pot for two minutes and spread it on the baked pancakes.

The Bottom Line

If you lack the ideas of delicious dishes to implement in your exercise program, I believe this list will help you. I provided you with the ideas for breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner. The only thing you need to do is use your creativity and make sure that every calorie is worth it!