Thursday, June 5, 2014

Watch Word: Birthday

So today's my birthday and I'm 44. (Brief sidebar: I truly don't understand all the people who won't tell you how old they are. It's like wearing a bra that's 3 sizes too small in the cup and two band sizes too large and refusing to accept that you aren't a 36D when you get fitted. I mean, your boobs aren't any differently sized because you refuse to hoist them properly. Avoiding the discussion does not make you any less busty.)

At any rate, my point is not to take shots at the peeps who get coy when the discussion of age comes up.

My point is to tell you about the birthday present I purchased for myself this year. Note: Every year I get myself a birthday gift (actually, every year I also get myself an Xmas gift). Apparently I really like new things, in the guise of "special-occasion presents" - particularly the ones I choose for myself.

This year my choice was decided, about a month ago, when I saw Lisa's post. Gist is, she was giving away a wooden watch by JORD. This is a Swedish outfit with an outpost in the midwest, if I'm not mistaken. They make all wooden watches, using different woods and finishes, which take a variety of shapes - all verging on massive, IMO. No, I didn't win the giveaway. Neither did I expect to so I found the site and bought one 5 minutes after I read Lisa's post. As you can see, I was intrigued.

Let me tell you a little something about me: What with my delightfully slender wrists, I am a Lady-watch wearer by nature. Actually, I'm a no-watch wearer by habit because I cannot wear one without it conking out almost immediately. I have no idea why this is - I have had my watches serviced and I take good care of them - but I suspect my heart arrhythmia may fuck with the batteries. Anyway, I have the most gorgeous Baume Mercier gold watch my mother gave me years ago, this thing is so Lady it sets the fucking standard. But every time I give it a go, it stops.

It's too bad, really, cuz that thing makes me look like 2 million bucks. Seriously, it's the instigator of good service everywhere - not that I don't inspire it naturally! Alas, I'm way to practical to wear a watch that doesn't tell time.

But time marches on, as they say, and I haven't been overly impressed with my Lady-options. (Alas, once you've worn a gold watch, it's hard to shift focus.)

So I decided to switch it up 180 degrees and buy the Lady-est watch of the bunch at JORD, the Ely:

This one is made from maple wood.
It's still ridiculously substantial, but it reminds me a bit of a wooden Rolex. And since it costs about 20 grand less than a Rolex, I thought it might be worth a try.

It arrived yesterday, just in time, and it was massive. I mean, it is massive. If you like massive watches, get the smallest one and you'll be fine.

I thought I'd give it to my husband, whom it fit perfectly, until he said: It just needs a link taken out and it will fit you in the right, slouchy way. Um, ok.

So I said: How would I do that, like, right now? 

And he said: Get me that paper clip and the little screwdriver for your serger.

In 5 minutes it was done. Seriously, how the fuck does that guy know how to modify watches? It's not like he owns one. I tried to get him to explain it to me but, frankly, it was boring so I can't share with you the mystery of link removal at this time. BTW, he was very impressed with the watch construction and called it "highly adaptable".

Some things:
  • The Ely is very light, but bulky.
  • It's an elegant watch, even as it's not petite.
  • The wood is lovely and in no way scratchy or inclined to snag. It's been finely sanded and is entirely smooth.
  • I think it's well-priced for what it is. Mind you, I'm irritated no end by the amplified shipping charge to Canada. Shipping is free within the US, which is why I shipped it to my mother, and she sent it to me with some other items.
  • It comes well-packaged but don't expect anything fancy.
  • The instructions for setting date and time are convoluted, but easily found on the website. I can't say the little wind-y gizmo is the most precision-made thing I've ever seen. But you don't have to deal with it that often.
So now I have a sexy, slouchy watch with which to approach my mid-forties. (Note, I'll update this post later to include a photo of it on my wrist. Haven't had a chance yet...) And JORD has some fairly good free promotion, if I do say so myself.

Today's questions: Have you heard of this brand? Do you like the idea of a wood watch? Have you seen other versions? (Here's one I've found in a TO boutique.) Are you a Lady-watch wearer? Let's talk!

46 comments:

  1. Ack! So jealous! Have wanted one of these for ages! For now I will settle for living vicariously. Besides, at least I'll get to see yours IRL! And though I said it already, I will say it again... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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    1. Thank you S - and thank you for your beautiful presents. I LOVE potions!

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  2. Happy birthday!
    You know I don't mind my age either, but I find it depends who I am with and if I think they assume I'm younger than I am or not. I work with a lot of 25 and unders, they know i'm older, but if they think I'm 30, I' okay with that.
    What a neat watch. I can see how that would work well as a slouchy watch.

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    1. I say every year is a good year! And it's fun to be the wise crone with the 30 year olds, I think :-)

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  3. Happy birthday!
    Never heard of the brand until Lisa wrote about it. It's pretty but wood watches aren't my thing so I never expected to see it again. Interesting to see it here.

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    1. Ah, the blogs are a wind-y path... It's growing on me, this watch. And thank you!

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  4. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! I hope you are being treated like royalty! Have a great day!!!

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    1. Thanks G - I was treated like royalty! Which is so my thing!

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  5. Happy Birthday!

    I also treat myself on my birthday and at Christmas because why the heck not? I treat everyone else at that time of year!

    That watch is lovely. I haven't worn a watch in years, but that one intrigues me. Do let us know how it holds up!

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    1. Great minds think alike :-) I'll keep you posted on the watch. So far, so good...

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  6. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I agree with you completely about the not telling your age thing. I actually think that kind of attitude promotes the idea that there's something wrong with aging. Oy, don't get me started!

    I always buy myself a birthday present (or three) too - glad to see you've gotten yourself a lovely gift! Have a wonderful birthMONTH - because it should be celebrated for more than a day!

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    1. Thanks G! And I completely agree about destigmatizing age. How will everyone know that it's terrific to be every age, if everyone's hiding the truth? I mean, I may not have some of the perks of youth, but I have many of the perks of middle age and, secretly, I prefer them! I will celebrate all month, if only because it's birthday central here. Next up: Scottie's 50th.

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  7. Happy Birthday! And, you make 44 look very very good :-) I like you analogy with the bra. I was so floored when I got a real bra measurement that I wanted to lie about it!

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    1. Cidell: You are so sweet! Thank you. That whole bra sticker shock thing is tough. But the ones who realize it's just a letter and a number, end up looking gorgeous in the right size. As well you know!

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  8. happy birthday! love the watch you picked out. so cute! i have more of a sporty white gold watch, as i'm not huge on the dainty lady watches for myself. even though i have tiny, tiny wrists. however the 6 popped out and i keep forgetting to take it to the jewelers to see if it can be fixed! and i'm totally with you on the age thing, even though i get a little shy about discussing my own. i've had enough strange/slack jaw reactions to my age/number of children ratio to make me uncomfortable! silly, but i don't like much attention. (for the record, i'm 33, 4 kids, oldest almost 10, youngest 5. i totally understand how that can sound crazy to most people!)

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    1. Thanks Lisa! I cannot believe you have 4 kids. I know I've said it before but I'll say it again. It's not because of your age - though you got a head start on me :-) - but because it's so much responsibility! I'm impressed! Hopefully you'll have a chance to get the 6 fixed on your watch. You deserve a gorgeous, working watch.

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  9. We're twins! I like the big watch look, myself, so I'm glad to keep it slouchy. I had to take it to a watch guy, however, for the sizing. You have a gem:).

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    1. Ha! Isn't it amazing that Scott knew how to fix the watch?! He's crazily able to fix anything. I don't know how he does it. And thanks for letting me know about this watch. I've been wearing it since I got it and I like it! Of course, I keep asking people to tell me the time because I forget I'm wearing a watch that works.

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  10. happy birthday. i love your new watch! i hand't heard of them until i saw by gum by golly post about the one she got for mel.

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    1. Thanks! I know - I saw Mel's too. That one is super huge...

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  11. Happy birthday! Hope you've had lots of fun.
    What a great idea to treat yourself at birthday and Christmas...why didn't I think of that. Love these watches. Seriously tempted by one for the watch collecting Mr. Me...I'm not good at wearing watches because my dream watch is a Cartier (I know!) and nothing else quite matches up! ;-) One day....

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    1. Evie - you have to take up the trend. All the cool girls are buying themselves presents as often as they can find excuses :-) Oh, I want a Cartier too...

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    2. I'm definitely in!
      Every time I pass a Cartier shop I leave nose prints on the window. Swoon!

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  12. Happy birthday! I always buy myself a birthday present and a Xmas present too, usually something expensive. I think we deserve it, so why not?! I have a Tag watch that looks exactly the same as your lovely wooden one but in silver. It's my perfect watch, I can't imagine ever wearing another one (it was a Xmas present to myself!) So if I was buying a wooden watch, I'd veer towards the exact one you chose.
    I'm 45 and can't understand the whole coyness over age thing either. What the hell's that all about? You're looking wonderful for 44 anyway, have a great day! x

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    1. Oooh, expensive makes it even better :-) Maybe you need the wooden watch too, for those days when you want to be a little different (but mainly the same)? And thank you Jane. We both look gorgeous at any age :-)

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  13. Happy birthday! :-) I'm totally stealing your idea of buying myself gifts, and since no one got me anything for Mother's Day, my birthday, or our anniversary, I've got a LOT of shopping to do! ;-)

    I'm not a watch person. I think my wrists must just be too tiny, because they always slide around and drive me crazy. And I dislike the look of the leather bands. The wood looks cool, but I'd never wear it.

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    1. Do it! You have to make up for lost time! I don't like leather bands either. Something about them creeps me out - like when they get wet. I seem to be wearing this watch so, so far, so good. We'll see if I take to it or if it's an occasional piece.

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  14. Happy birthday! And I totally with you about gift thing )). I call it "gifts for beloved me from me" )). And they are almost always the best of them all.

    Wooden watch looks very cute (totally not my style but I really like how it looks).

    I have a vintage gold watch that belonged to my grandmother, but I wear it may be twice a year, because if I wear a watch to often it stops working or gets lost or stolen or broken (I gave up on watches after something like ten of them, some of them were finished in a couple of weeks, some lived several months, I think that longest was something like couple of years).

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    1. Thank you M! I've been thinking of you and just saw your latest post. I hope you will be back to blogging soon. I know you have a new leader and I hope that he brings stability to your part of the world.

      On sillier topics, this watch isn't really my style either, but I'm adapting well! Interesting that your watch stops working when you wear it too. Definitely keep that gold watch from your granny safe. It sounds beautiful.

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  15. I got Paul to splurge on the Hermes Cape Cod double-tour for my birthday a few years ago because, ahem, I'm worth it,no? Def. out of our usual birthday range but I'm a fan of the direct approach as a way of avoiding a perhaps slight temptation to pout otherwise. And I think Pater has learned to agree. Love your watch and I bet you wear it fabulously.
    Wish I were there to toast your birthday, but I did think of you with my glass-raising here in Bordeaux. Happy Happy Happy!!!

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    1. Oh, that watch is so preppy and strong, all at the same time. Timeless! And thank you so much for a toast in Bordeaux! I feel so special. It's almost like being there. Well, I'm almost there :-)

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  16. Happy birthday from one June baby to another. Great month to be born in. Have a fabulous - creative - year.

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    1. Thanks M! We rock :-) Here's to creativity aplenty in the coming year for both of us. xo

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  17. Happy Birthday! A little late, and I'm sorry about that. My brain is still rather sieve-like…

    I'm glad you got the watch. I'm still thinking about one,but every watch I've ever had has had to be made seriously smaller (and I'm not tiny). I don't have the handy husband either. But I might go for it. I think bigger watches on dainty wrists are very cool.

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    1. Thanks M! And no need to apologize - I'm impressed that your brain is functioning so well after such a tough time with your back!

      I'm really enjoying this watch, btw. I wear it every day - and it's still running!

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  18. This watch looks lovely and if I were a watch wearer, it would be exactly the style I would choose (more refined rustic than showy gold for me). I have not worn a watch in about 20 years and have no plans to change that, but I have a feeling that Mr. Stitch, being the woodworker here, would love this item for himself. Off to check their site...

    P.S. Is Lisa the model for Brooklyn Tweed?

    P.P.S. I also always get myself a birthday and x-mas present. No one but me knows exactly what the perfect gift will be, right?

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    1. Oh, it's a terrific watch, now that I've worn it a bit I can confirm. He would love it!

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  19. I hate saying my age but I always tell the truth, because: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/age

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  20. Happpy Birthday lady! I'm not far behind you. 1970 yo! I bought myself a schmancy gold one a few years back as a sort of 'grown up' present to myself, and it still needs a couple of links taken out because it's fall-off-my-wrist slouchy. Is that easy to do on your own? I do love the wood--it's very elegant.

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    1. 1970 rulez :-) I think it is easy to remove the links - my husband did it in 5 minutes. I just couldn't begin to tell you what he did.

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  21. Happy Birthday! I decided to stay 43 2 years ago as I like the sound of that age.
    I too have the Witchy affect on watches. I can wear clockwork ones; and I had a beautiful gold plate 1920's one until some skangers climbed through a window and took all our gold jewellery. (They left silver etc)
    I hot a Seiko

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    1. Not a bad plan - but age is wisdom :-) And how fascinating that you have the same thing going on with watches. It is truly bizarre. I'm so sorry about your beautiful deco watch. Fucking thieves.

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  22. I got a Seiko Eco watch in Aus a few years ago and it works a treat. Runs off kinetic energy which I have plenty of. I had a solar one before but it died in an Irish winter when I neglected to expose it enough. Kinetic energy suits me best and I can still see the face of it, despite needing glasses to see most small things.
    Happy Happy Birthday xx

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