Les Jones

Dear Lazyweb > Help me pick out a watch for my 40th birthday

Dear Lazyweb,

The big 4 Oh approacheth. My wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday, as she always does, and this time I gave it a little more thought than usual. I decided a watch would be a good marker for this milestone in my life.

I haven't been much of a watch wearer. I've got a gold Seiko that was a high school graduation present from my other, a Timex Ironman I used to wear for backpacking, a Fossil I requested as a Christmas present during a watch experiment a few years back, and an old windup, gold Elgin I inherited from my dad. I've rarely worn any of them, but the thin Elgin is my favorite for its size and minuscule weight.

These are my criteria:

• Silver, because I already have two gold watches
• Self-winding, because I might not wear it every day and I want the time to be right
• Lighter and thinner is better - I never wear the Fossil because it's too clunky
• Budget up to $500 or so - I've never lost a watch so it's a safe investment, but less is okay, too, natch
• Date would be nice, and glow-in-the-dark hands would be really nice
• Big, clear numbers are a must. I ain't gettin' any younger!

All help appreciated.

UPDATE AND BUMP: Of the watches I've looked at the Hamilton field watches appeal to me. Classic, no-nonsense designs in a variety of styles.