There's something about a man turning 40. When I hit the golden number couple of years ago, I realised that it’s when the modern guy truly comes into his own. He accepts, he embraces, then he shines harder than ever before.
One guy likes to be defined in terms of the Burberry London perfume he wears. Another feels that way for his Persol wayfarers that never leave his glove compartment. I am a huge campaigner of wrist essentials. The right accessories there can do a lot to elevate your style game. For instance, I wear a beaded bracelet on my left hand. On my other hand, it’s usually a classic timepiece. It has to be sleek, minimal and yet something rare.
I was pretty gratified when my family sourced this steel Cartier for my 40th. It ticked all boxes. It meant they understood both my classic aesthetic—and that my watch box had room for a special neo-vintage piece. When I set the box and the service papers aside, I saw a Cartier Santos Carrée Ghost, designed in the late ’70s. It was very stealth, very matte.
The ghost dial and slate grey iteration made it an effortlessly classic pick for an evening out. I can rarely do without it when I’m travelling. I don’t wear it every day, but I’m sure if I did, nothing would change in terms of the love that I have for it.
I’m not one for precious metals and so its steel bracelet works perfectly for me. Also, despite being relatively vintage, one can’t miss its modern vibe—the kind of old money style that’s coming back in a big way among horophiles. It’s what we’re also seeing among Pateks and Vacherons. What I love about this one is the integrated bracelet with glossy screws that are a Cartier hallmark.
Also, thanks to their brushed finish, the facets catch light when you wave your hand or just move. When I’m out and about, I am constantly waiting to be asked, ‘Hey, what’s that on your hand?’ before I break into a knowing acknowledgement.
I’m forever obsessed with the idea that this watch was born sometime around the same time that I was. It’s a watch version of me. I may not know who it belonged to previously but it’s certainly going down as part of my legacy. I can’t wait to pass it down to my children.
As told to Prannay Pathak