But it’s not limited to the shirts or the shoes we wear. Our accessories also speak a lot about who we are. A flashy earring or necklace implies that you like to stand out from the crowd. You’re probably outgoing and don’t mind being the center of attention.

Take watches for instance. Someone who dons a sports watch with high water resistance is probably athletic and always outdoors—most likely the beach. A smartwatch wearer most likely lives a fast-paced life.

I may be a busybody too, but when it comes to watches, I actually prefer something functional yet classy.

Welly Merck watches

Smartwatches are impressive pieces of technology, but I just want a simple, elegant watch that tells the time and doesn’t have any bells and whistles on it.

But I’ve been that was different from the usual watch brands that you’d find here in the Philippines.

And so I looked elsewhere. Isn’t it such a good thing that we have the Internet?

After ages of browsing for various watch brands overseas, the one that really caught my eye was Welly Merck.

Why Welly Merck?

Tell me: when you visit a brand’s site for the first time, do you head straight for their products, or do you explore around for a bit and get a feel for what the company is all about?

I’m more of the latter, you see. I’d like to know if the brand I want to buy from is worth it.

The Welly Merck Fighter Oslo watch

In the past few years, there’s been quite a bit of new watch brands popping up with pretty origin stories and elegant yet minimalist designs.

Before I found Welly Merck, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so strongly for a watch’s About Us before. It wasn’t the love story that got to me, but the reason they made the watch in the first place.

“The Welly Merck watch line is for those who choose to make a statement. As a brand, Welly Merck seeks to align with people who, like the founders, never stop striving, never stop working hard, and who face obstacles with determination and class.”

For years I worked hard and endured many struggles to get to where I am now. But I’m not satisfied. Not yet. I don’t think I ever will be. I’m always striving to be better each day, and to do it with style.

The Welly Merck Fighter New York watch

So, after some browsing, I decided to give myself the Fighter New York, which is a smaller version of the Classic New York. I’ve got thin wrists, so this suits me perfectly. It’s a 26mm case with sapphire crystal glass, 5 ATM water resistance and Swiss quartz movement.

The watch costs $149, but it comes with free shipping and returns as well as a three year warranty, as it is with all their watches.

So far, it’s been a great addition to my watch collection. It works perfectly and suits my fashion style well. And the price tag? I like to think of it as a symbol of how hard I’ve worked to get this far in my life and career, and inspiration during times when I feel like giving up.