First step: Figuring out why I even wanted a Kevin Mills watch
So last month my buddy shows up wearing this slick watch with a blue dial. It looked expensive but not crazy blingy. I asked where he got it, he goes “Kevin Mills, bro – affordable but doesn’t feel cheap.” That stuck in my head when my old digital watch died two weeks later. Decided to check them out but man, their website showed like 50 different models. Felt totally lost.
Next step: Actually researching like a normal person
Started reading random forum posts at 2am while eating cold pizza. Saw people arguing about:
- Movement type – Apparently quartz means battery-powered and automatic means fancy self-winding?
- Strap material – Metal vs leather vs that rubbery stuff called silicone
- Water resistance numbers – Who even swims with watches? But 30 meters keeps rain off, got it
Took screenshots of three watches I kinda liked. My girlfriend said they all looked the same. Not helpful.
The scary part: Trying to understand sizing
Measured my wrist with a string like a cave man. Was surprised to learn 40mm cases fit skinny wrists better. Went to a mall to try similar sized watches from other brands. The sales dude kept pushing a watch costing twice my budget. Felt like running away.
Lightbulb moment: Realizing what actually matters
After wasting hours comparing specs, remembered my buddy’s advice: “Pick what makes you smile when you check the time.” Made a simple checklist for myself:
- Daily beatings – Need mineral glass to survive my clumsiness
- Weekend vibes – Leather strap for dinners, silicone for groceries
- Battery life – I’ll forget to wind an automatic daily, quartz it is
The decision: When panic buying almost happened
Almost bought the flashiest one just to end the research nightmare. Then saw their “basic collection” section. Found a simple black dial with date window and stainless steel strap. Added to cart. Removed. Added again. Told myself if I still wanted it tomorrow morning, I’d buy it. Woke up still wanting it. Clicked purchase.
Afterthought: Was it worth the headache?
Took 10 days to arrive. Opening the box felt like Christmas morning. Wore it grocery shopping just to check the time dramatically. Yeah it tells time – same as my dead Casio. But damn if I don’t feel fancier grabbing milk. First proper watch win.