I know that you’re going to say that watches with metal straps are commonplace. Well, I hope you will agree that some of the watches I will show you in the follow-up to this article are a little out of the ordinary!

So let’s see them. From left to right:

• Paul Smith “PS20”: Sky €575
• Alessi “di Piero Lissoni AL5011”: £135
• Starck “PH4002”: €250
• Nixon "Murf": White €399

The unusual thing here is not so much the straps as the faces. Note however, by pure chance, none of these watches have a strap with links, and they’re all fairly similar.

If you are interested: have a look at this site which shows the different types of metal straps available.

As I’m trying to make you understand, watches are not just everyday objects. The watches I will show you today are unusual, in that they use wood in their construction.

You will agree that the watches I have chosen do not reflect the tribal trend with its one-size-fits-all ethnic mix that you’re quite frankly better off avoiding once you’re no longer a teenager.

So wood, yes, but here used more like with certain aftershave bottles, because it’s sort of masculine and refined… (OK, the one in the middle isn’t very masculine, but I hope you get the picture). I’ve also chosen wood for another reason: you don’t expect to see it on your left arm, it draws the eye.

Let’s get acquainted. From left to right:

• Vestal “Plexi” Wood Gold €319
• Paul Frank “That’s Good”: Green €140
• Nixon “Murf” Dark Wood €399

My selection is most certainly not exhaustive. It’s worth noting that Nixon do a lot of wood watches, particularly the Rotolog styles that I like best.

See you soon.

Yet another well-designed watch from Nixon! This time, it’s the “Big Rig” model. It’s not new, but I haven’t yet had a chance to mention it. It’s got a quartz movement and a leather and steel strap with a butterfly closure.

£100 from Extremepie

Yet another superb watch from Nixon with a thick leather strap and a large metallic face. We laaarve it !