Pale-toned masculinity

Looking at the plain designs of Patek Philippes from each era, it's easy to see why they remain so admired, and this Patek Philippe from the 1960s is a perfect example.

This two-hand, manual-wind dress watch is a perfect example of the minimalist style of the 1960s, with thin line indices, pencil hands, and straight lugs. The signature of the Zurich-based Beyer brand makes this watch's provenance self-evident. If you're the kind of person who enjoys old movies, you'll also appreciate the appeal of this wonderful dress watch.

What makes this watch special, worthy of the Patek Philippe logo proudly inlaid in enamel, is the dial with its vertical and horizontal hairlines. The sharp finish changes its appearance when light hits it, but it has a vague and pale appearance.

It's like a gentleman quietly waiting at a bar, perhaps ordering a martini and standing there, waiting for someone to join him. The person next to him might strike up a conversation, but he'll say a few witty remarks and quietly take another sip from his glass.

A man with a modest yet determined aesthetic. Confidence is not something to be proudly shown off.