There’s been a lot of buzz about smart watches lately, and a good portion of that buzz is about how these new high-tech timepieces are the latest must-have geek chic accessories.
But what if you’re the sort of geek who isn’t interested in being chic? What if you just want a functional wrist chronometer that shows off your geeky pride?
Fortunately, you have options. Here are 13 geeky watches that not only keep time, but will also keep your geek cred intact.
Higgs Boson Watch
The unusual hands on this watch represent the decay of Higgs Boson particles as they spiral around the watch face, marking time in hours, minutes, and seconds — all while unifying the elementary forces. $40.
Planisphere Watch
A map of the stars, right on your wrist. In the days before telescopes, astronomers used the Planisphere to chart the stars. This small version lets you to see which stars and constellations will be visible in the night sky any time if year — if you’re in the northern hemisphere (35° N to 50° N latitude). It even has a luminescent face, so you can identify the constellations without light polluting your stargazing. $64.
Astrolabe Watch
Before the Planisphere, early astronomers mapped the stars using the AstroLabe. And while this version is too small to chart the stars with any amount of accuracy, wearing one of the earliest scientific instruments ever devised on your wrist certainly adds to your geek cachet. $69.
Calculator Watch
Fashion meets function with this quintessential geek wrist wear. These watches were all the rage when I was in fifth grade. I had one, and I suspect you may have, too. $25.
Equation Watch
Show off your mathematical acumen with this problem-solving timepiece. Each hour on the dial has been replaced by an equation (some more challenging than others) that equals the standard expected integer. $30.
Navitron Steampunk Wrist Compass and Sundial
For those purists who prefer to keep time using the sun, this classy brass and leather chronographic contraption is for you. Includes a compass and latitude finder, too. $40.
Fulton Street
This watch, featuring a replica of a ship telegraph, is named for Fulton Street in New York City, which, in turn, was named after engineer Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamship (and an early maker). Available for pre-order (ships in November 2013); $285.
Keypad Watch
Expert chronomasters who prefer their time-keeping to remain obfuscated — or anyone who misses having a stand-alone number keypad — will appreciate the classic look of this “hidden time” watch. Plus it comes in a really cool box. $80-$99 (depending on color).
Titanium 3D Printed Watch
Made from laser-fused layers of titanium powder using a 3D printing process known as sintering. Due to this manufacturing process, the pattern on each watch is unique. $600.
Solder: Time Watch Kit
Of course, many of us geeks like to build our own gadgets. So the Maker Shed obliges us with this fine DIY soldering kit. After you’ve assembled it, you’ll be able to impress your friends with this slick LED watch in a clear acrylic case. $35.
Arcade Button Watch
Hearkening back to the early days of console gaming, this watch has a single, large button that, when pressed, gives you the time in an old-school LED display. Available in a variety of colors. $60.
Doctor Who Tardis Collector’s Watch
With the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who just around the corner, every Timelord and potential companion will appreciate this chrome watch — complete with a St. John Ambulance Association logo and classic (but small) “Free for Use of Public” sign (just like the real TARDIS) on its blue leather strap. There’s also a Galliyfreyan print on the dial for that extra touch of authenticity. Each watch comes with a unique serial number and a presentation gift box. Available for pre-order; £150.
Omega Seamaster
James Bond’s watch. Sure, it’s expensive, but, hey, it’s the watch James Bond wears. Around $3,000. You can also opt to choose from other limited edition (that is, even more expensive), Bond-themed Omega timepieces.
The perfect geeky watch, in my opinion, is a good GPS watch. In the past, these have typically been ugly as sin, but Suunto’s Ambit and Ambit 2 are pretty nice looking and something one could easily get away with wearing day to day. Not quite as pretty, and with some problems with at least some of the earlier units, is Garmin’s fenix. I’ve loaded a community produced trail map which details an incredible amount of trails from the PNW (better than any commercial map available that I am aware of) onto the watch, so while I’m out running, I’ve got all the trails right on my wrist, along with all the great GPS watch features the fenix offers. Plus, always good fun pulling data off the watch and onto the computer and getting a look at the track log on a map or seeing just how darn slow I really am.
Excellent suggestion! I do love a good GPS watch. I haven’t tried the Suunto Ambit yet, but I’ll be looking into it. Thanks for the recommendation.
What about a LEGO watch? I get more complements on mine than any other watch I’ve ever worn.
Right! That’s a great one. There are so many cool watches out there, it was a challenge to limit it to just 13.
The Omega Seamaster is the watch that the most recent *cinematic* James Bonds wear. If we’re going to be nerdy, then the James Bond watch spot should be occupied by a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which is what Ian Fleming said that James Bond wore. Similarly beyond my budget, but more authentic.