My 5th watch has been a game changer and a time saver, and has potentially removed a big target off my back, so to speak. What do I mean? Well, I’ve come to learn that as a traveler, whipping out my phone to check the time, or even just carrying it in my hand is not always the best or safest option. I was constantly reminded of this in Cambodia. Seemingly, every time I had it in my hand a random local, whether a shop owner, my motorbike driver, or just a passerby, would advise me to put it away because all too often people would have their phones snatched right out of their hands. So, travelers, take heed. Keep you and your phones safe and invest in a watch so you’re not constantly pulling your phone out just to check the time.
I love The 5th because their timeless watches fits my style perfectly! Minimalistic yet stylish. However, what attracted me most to the 5th brand is their goal, ¨Inspiring people to want and get more out of life. To go after what you love. And to make the most of every moment. Because worse than finding out, is wondering ‘what if?’¨
Every traveler needs a good watch. Personally, my life revolves around constantly being in one place or another. I´m always on the go, and there´s always planes, trains, and other things to catch. Plus, since moving abroad I have definitely had to adjust my punctuality habits more like the lack thereof. So when I got the opportunity to collaborate with The 5th watch company I was ecstatic. No more digging through my purse aka the abyss of random stuff looking for my phone to check the time. No more distractions when I pick up my phone, but end up on Facebook for half an hour. No more missing trains because my hands are full with food and I have to make the decision to stop walking and eating OR dig out my phone and check the time. Food won. Food will always win. No more!
But, I’ll be honest, until recently I hadn’t worn a watch in years. In fact, I can probably count on one hand how many watches I’ve owned in the span of my lifetime. My favorite was a Goofy-shaped Disney watch whose numbers and hands were backwards. This was in elementary school.
In high school I had a Pez (yes, like the candy) watch that I indefinitely ¨borrowed¨ from my little brother. Also, I vaguely remember sporting a watch from a Burger King kid’s meal…Rugrats maybe.
What?! They were cute. Judge me if you must.
Recently, I tried to convince my other little brother to let me have his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle watch, but he wasn’t having it. I know, I know I need to grow up. But, come on, who doesn’t love TMNT?!
So, yeah. That has been the extent of my watch ownership. A bunch of kiddie watches that I should be slightly embarrassed by but I’m not. I do what I want. However, I figured it was time. Time to put my biggest distractor (my phone) away and get a real adult timepiece.
We are two separate entities sharing a common goal, achieving it in different ways. I can dig it.
Back to the watch. My two biggest concerns were if it would fit (I have teeny tiny wrists; thus being able to wear a 7 year old´s watch), and if it would be too chunky. Both of those concerns dissipated as soon as I tried on my new timepiece. The band is perforated with enough holes for even the smallest wrists, and the watch itself is not chunky at all. The face is a bit big, but it´s just taken a little getting used to. Overall, I absolutely love the watch.
Also, I love that the bands are interchangeable. My Upper-East Watch comes with a black band and a grey band, so I can switch it up whenever I want. Aside from amazing products, I also love the unique business model that the 5th implores. They only sell and release new products 5 days out of the month, starting on the 5th of each month. This leads way to an heir of exclusivity. You actually have to have a password to access the site on the 5th of the month, so it’s important to sign up for the VIP list, that gives you exclusive access to all sales 9 hours before the general public. These watches sell out fast!
What is something you would recommend for all travelers? Leave a comment below!
@wanderlusteurs
Love your style, Colby! I’m like you, I never wear a watch anymore. I have quite a few but am always on the go that I don’t put it on. It’s true that I just look at my phone, which definitely leads to scrolling through my social media feeds. 🙂 Wearing a watch again would help with productivity, for sure. 😉
Colby
For sure! I am the worst when it comes to picking up my phone to check the time and getting distracted by 100 other things. I´´ve definitely gotten better about this.
Katie @ The Budget Backpack
…ohh and this came out on the 5th, too! Love it! While I’m not in the market for a new watch, you’re totally right- the exclusivity totally makes it more alluring. I think the two major must-haves for me are a bandana and a weather-appropriate scarf (something light in spring/summer, heavier in fall/winter. The bandana can be used for anything- but it typically hiding a bad hair day or covering my ears if its chiliy. I have a scarf that has been a blanket, privacy shield, sarong, makeshift neck-pillow… you name it!
Colby
Hahaa…a scarf is a must-have for me also. I´ve even had to use it as a towel before. Talk about multi-purposeful lol.
Raksha
Nice I like
Raksha
Firstly Sorry for my short comment. I had written an additional comment but for some reason or the other couldn’t post it. Secondly I would like to say that it was very nicely listed and yes I agree with your style. Even though I don’t follow much with the new styles but I think some of the stuff you have listed does add up for an amazing style. ?
Colby
Thanks Raksha!
Sam Coronado (@followyouroad)
I wear watches on a daily basis! As a traveler it keeps me from fumbling inside my bag for my phone and risking getting it snatched. It also makes for a good impression 🙂 I agree that this watch is truly a must-have!
Colby
I agree. I do think watches make a good impression. I feel like there´s an old saying about that, but I can´´t quite recall at the moment.
Meg Jerrard
Sounds like a fantastic watch – I need to buy a new one actually, I agree that whipping out my phone to check the time, or even just carrying it in my hand is not always the best or safest option when I’m traveling – and I do it all the time :S It’s an inconvenience though and I often try to stop people on the street to ask the time. I might drop this on my Christmas wish list!
Jen Sotolongo
I am always paranoid whenever I take out my phone to check the time, and like you, I stopped wearing a watch a while ago, when my battery died and I just never replaced it. I actually quite love wearing a watch, so perhaps I’ll go back to that trend again after this inspiration!
Izzy
Dang that watch is so slick! I love how classic it looks, definitely my kind of aesthetic. I just requested a beautiful map watch that I’ve been keeping an eye on for a while. It’s at the top of my wishlist. Especially being a traveler, it just makes so much sense to have one on you at all times. Glad you found something beautiful to travel with now 🙂
Colby
Ooo I´ve seen those map watches. Really cute and so fitting for a traveler!
Heather Ditmars
You’re lucky to have had the opportunity to collab with a product line like this! You go girl. Super cute watch, super cute personality.
Colby
Thanks so much Heather! It has been an awesome opportunity.
Katharina
I have a couple of nice watches but I always forget to wear them. But I agree sipping out your phone isn’t always the safest thing to do. And I actually got mugged once doing just that. This watch is a beauty. Wouldn’t mind getting it for Christmas myself
Colby
Oh no! That´s so awful to hear! So glad you´re ok.
Diana - MVMT Blog
I love the style of the watch. It looks elegant and classic but also so simple. I also love how it comes in so many pretty colors. Adding this to my Christmas list 🙂
Colby
Yes, yes. I am eyeing a few more for what will soon be a small collection 🙂
Laveena Sengar
This watch looks stunning. I am totally sold. I completely agree with the fact that i always take my phone out to check out Time anywhere outside while traveling. I will look for information.
Livi Bee
Nice watch! I just purchased two new watches, so I’m not currently in the market for a new watch. I’m going to check it out anyway though; you never know what I may find. Something I’d recommend to travelers is a travel diary. I almost always forget the names of restaurants and entrees.
Colby
I couldn´t agree more! I always have a journal or notebook with me. I am the same way…so forgetful hahaa.
Clare
The watch looks great, though maybe a bit too grown up for me!! While travelling I just wear a cheap waterproof watch. It would be nice to own something a bit nicer when I am back home and getting dressed up to go out!!
Colby
Definitely! I feel like these watches can be worn either way, dressed up or down.
Chantal @ Translating Traveler
I can so relate to your story! I haven’t owned a watch in ages, also because I just can’t find a decent watch that fits my baby wrists. This is a beautiful watch that could finally make my wrists look more grown-up 😉
Carmy
That watch is quite beautiful! I always have my watch on me to avoid the phone digging too! It is such a pain to find somethings when your bag is filled with 100000 items.
Colby
Tell me about it! Then when I try to put it in a more accessible front pocket I´m always worried someone is gonna reach in and take it. So thank goodness for watches to alleviate all of that.
EG III
That’s a sharp watch…looking very stylish! I myself feel naked without a watch so you’ll always find me with at least some sort of timepiece on. For me, my kindle is my best friend during travel…I prefer the HD versions because you can’t read, watch video or listen to music.
Nancy
It seems like watches are making a huge comeback, I talked to 3 people this week alone who are buying them. I like this one though its large enough to actually see the time and it looks so fashionable too.
Anju
You are one fashionable traveller! 🙂 Love how classy the watch is, and love your shoes in this outfit too! I myself have a similar looking watch from MVMT, they have a very minimalist style I love!
Colby
Thanks so much Anju!
Ben
Thanks for this post i’m all ready looking at getting one 🙂
Paul
I must admit I haven’t worn a watch for years and mostly rely on my phone…which often runs out of battery and leaves me stuck! This has made me realise just how much I need a good watch for our travels!
blair villanueva
Love the simplicity of your timepiece which is awesome coz you can wear it with most of your clothing coordinates.
Colby
So true! It’s a very versatile watch.
Ami
Wrist Watches for me are more of an accessory, though I must admit that when I travel they are a boon coz I have the phone on the local time zone and the watch on the home 🙂 Saves the trouble of calculating time!
Colby
Very true! Having to manually change the time anytime you’re in a new timezone is a bit of a nuance. Unless you want to calculate the time in your head, which may be an even bigger nuance hahaa 🙂
Joanna
The watch looks really beautiful and it fits with your outfit. Not sure I would take it with me traveling, unless I am going to a very safe destination. As you said, it wouldn’t be nice to get it snatched from your hand.
Colby
The thing about this watch is though it’s stylish and excellent quality, it’s not flashy. It doesn’t scream “Take me! Take me!” So, I feel safe wearing it no matter the destination.
Castaway with Crystal
WOW what a beautiful watch! So simple and elegant! Will keep an eye out for one of those 😉
Indrani
It is an ideal gift, I like the style and looks.
I manage time with my phone but I can’t refuse stylish watch of this type. 🙂
Colby
Isn’t it cute? And they have sooo many other styles that I want!
Rashmi and Chalukya
I am not a great fan of wearing a watch. Same like you I don’t even remember when I stopped wearing a watch. I would definitely love to check this out.
Miriam Ernst
Even if I wear a watch everyday I also take my phone to check time quite often, I don’t know why, sometimes I may just forget I wear watch! But I don’t have one of this brand (that I like by the way), have to change it 😀
Colby
Me too hahaa!! It’s still taking some getting used to (not pulling out my phone all the time).
Tae
Being on time is so important and I’ve yet to find a watch that suits me! I love how this one can be dressed up or down, and is still classy without being too flashy – aka a theft magnet. It really is a great travel accessory!
Colby
That’s what I love most, also. I can wear it with so many different things!
Theresa
What a beautiful watch! Like many of the other commenters, I’ve long since switched to a cell phone for my time piece, but this is so elegant, it almost makes me want to go back!
JONA | BACKPACKING WITH A BOOK
Colby!!! You look so fabulous! And the watch matches your taste! Don’t get me started with the look of your blog! Sooo neat and gorgeous!
Colby
Thank you Jona!! That really means a lot 🙂
Davide uTravelShare.com
I am not a watch fan right now, I was many years ago but I think that the Technology, like using a Phone, helps to forget myself about a watch! Anyway I love your style, wow!! 😀 congrats for your post
Colby
Thanks so much! I agree, for years I have relied on my phone. Even though I wear this watch everyday now, I still find myself grabbing for my phone to check the time. Hard habit to break, I guess 🙂
Mary - A Mary Road
My wrist watch just gave up on me, this is so perfect timing!
Colby
Yes! I’d definitely recommend The 5th! I went from wearing no watch for years, to now wearing my watch everyday.
Ana Ojha
I’m a watch person and have some good collection of watches! I like the stylish design of your Fifth Watch. Though have never heard of this brand before!
Mark and Kate
Love that watch!!! Elegant looking without being too much.
Colby
I totally agree!
Mark and Kate
Also, I love 5th! My brother love watches and he is also a traveler. He doesn’t mind spending on watch but i must warn him all the time not to go to crowded places for his safety.