When it comes down to it, watches are probably redundant in daily life. I mean every Tom, Dick and iPod has some way of telling time on it.

However, I just can’t help but look at my wrist when I want to know — or indicate — the time, which gets awkward when I am not actually wearing a watch. For simplicity’s sake, nothing beats the Timex Expedition line, either the “classic analog,” which I prefer, or the “essential digital,” if you find you need to time yourself or something. They’re cheap enough to replace once you’ve banged the hell out of it. They come in a variety of styles, and, if you can get one with Indiglo, you can signal rescue rangers in the dark.

True story…I remember sitting around Pod with two men much my senior in terms of age and station. They both sported Rolexes and as they discussed their watches, I caught one stealing a glance at my Timex expedition.

“Yeah,” I said, holding my wrist out. “Jealousy is a normal reaction.”

This one is the closest to what I have now, except mine is black. I certainly didn’t pay $70. You should be able to do better at Target.

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