No one can deny that men love their gadgets. While women compare their expensive rings and necklaces, men compare their cars, watches and TVs. Of course the real appeal lies in the latest, the greatest and the most expensive gizmo’s. But there are is also basic gear which every man should not only own, but also carry with him most of the time. These items might not be as glamorous as an expensive sound system or a two thousand dollar laptop, but they are indispensable to a man.

Watch

It’s an item that has been around for centuries. The basic structure of a watch is very simple. It’s a small clock with a strap which allows you to attach it to your wrist. The basic design stayed the same over time, but watchmakers have come up with millions of little tweaks and additions, both in the functions of the watch and the look.

Today, watch is usually more of a fashion accessory than a tool. After all, we have clocks in our cell phones, computers, mp3 players and cars. Still, a good, reliable watch is something a man shouldn’t find himself without.

Nixon 51-30

This watch is a aimed at fans of water sports. It’s made of stainless steel, features a big face designed to be easily read underwater and an analog tide dial. It withstands depths of up to 300 meters. Available with stainless steel bracelet or polyurethane band.

Tokyoflash Rogue

Here’s a novelty watch which is stylish enough to wear with a suit. It features an LCD display which takes a little time to learn how to read. The strap is polished stainless steel that comes in black or silver. This is a watch that will definitely have people’s attention.

Omega Seamaster Watch

A watch with a reputation coming from a man universally regarded as a role model for style: James Bond. It has been associated with the iconic spy since 1995, when Pierce Brosnan first put on the Quarts Professional model. In the newest Bond movie, Casino Royale, Daniel Craig can be seen wearing the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. If you need something classy with a solid reputation and a European super spy look, this is a watch for you.

Timex Ironman Watch

Here is something for sportsmen, both serious and recreational. Besides the usual features of a sports watch, this one offers a unique set which can be useful for just about any sport. It features an extensive array of heart rate related functions as well as speed, distance and even altitude display.

Rolex GMT Master II

No watch list would be complete without a Rolex. This particular model was first made for airline pilots to workin multiple time zones. It features a ceramic bezel, the ability to keep time in up to three zones, and most important of all, it’s a Rolex.

Guess Brushed Buffalo Cuff Watch

This watch is a perfect watch for summer trips to the beach or elsewhere, where casual and relaxed clothing is expected. The case is a very stylish amber gradient color and the strap has a very popular distressed look, that will go perfect with cargo shorts and a polo.

Pocket Knife

There was a time when every man carried a pocket knife. And I’m not talking about the Hyborian age. Ask your grandfather. He probably has or had one. But the tradition vanished in modern times. Knives aren’t considered essential items for men anymore. Maybe people don’t see the need for them, but there are plenty of situations throughout the day where knife comes in handy: opening a letter, a box, cutting rope or string, prying something open. Knife is a versatile tool, and men should start carrying it again.

Ideas:

Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Small

The knife made famous by the person who made swiss army knives cool to carry around – MacGyver. It’s 3 and a quarter inches long and contains eleven tools, such as can opener, screwdriver, wire stripper and the famous toothpick and tweezers combo.

W.R. Case Amber Bone Knive Mini CopperLock

Case is a name that stands for quality among pocket knives. There are many different Case knives you can purchase, and virtually all of them not only perform good but look good. Case pocket knives are the kind of knives you’ would not be ashamed to put into the inside pocket of your blazer. This particular model is three and a half inches while closed and features a stainless steel blade and amber bone handle.

CRKT Lightfoot M1

Designed by Greg Lightfoot, who’s been named one of the top ten tactical knife designers in the world. This is the knife that you’d want in your pocket while hiking through rough terrain away from civilization. The blade is a little over three inches long and is made out of stainless steel.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter

This is a classic among folding knives. First designed in 1964, it’s still used by outdoorsmen today. The blade is three and three quarters of an inch long and is made out of stainless steel. If you want something that’s been tested again and again by hundreds of people, this is your knife. And it is durable enough to survive until you can pass it to your grandson.

Belt

Belts are like watches in a way that they are simple items with a basic design that has emained unchanged since it’s creation. And like watches, if designers want to create something new they have to be creative with it. Every man needs at least two pairs of belts: one casual and one dressy. And please don’t wear it with suspenders.

Patagonia’s Tech Web Belt

A very casual belt meant for the outdoors. It’s made out of durable nylon fabric with aluminum buckle which also serves as a bottle opener. So you can go rock climbing and drinking at the same time. Although it’s not recommended.

The Perfect Fit Belt by Branie

This belt belongs partly in the novelty section. The name perfect fit comes from the fact that the belt doesn’t work like regular belts which have holes. This one you can adjust in increments of 2mm. Very interesting, to the point of being a party gimmick.

Douglas Calfskin Buckle Belt by Ralph Lauren

Classic dressy belt. Beautifully crafted with no unnecessary additions and made from Italian calfskin. This belt can make any pair of pants look more expensive than they are.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Runaway

Minimalist perfection. Very stylish belt that is pleasing to the eye, and can be worn with dress pants or jeans, although jeans seem like a better choice.

Wallets

The amount of different types of wallets out there is staggering. Different designs, different materials, different sizes, different ways of closing it. It all depends on personal preference and lifestyle.

Duct Tape Wallet

A wallet from your childhood. It might seem like a novelty item, but the wallet actually looks stylish and is made with super duct tape, so it won’t peel or get sticky. They are durable and soft, and just plain cool.

Victorinox Zip Around Wallet

Very secure wallet designed for travel. It features a zipper on three sides which makes sure your money won’t fall out, and contains slots for cards and a mesh screen for your ID.

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Tilton Credit Card Trifold Wallet

A classy trifold wallet with an additional flap for cards. It’s made out of soft polished lamb and features 9 credit card pockets, leather framed ID window and additional compartments for change and other things.

Crocodile Slim Pocket Wallet Ralph Lauren

A vertical wallet is usually viewed as feminine, but more and more men choose this design. It keeps the bills nice and straight and holds several credit cards. It is very expensive, but this type of a wallet shouldn’t be kept in anything less than inside the pocket of a thousand dollar overcoat anyway.

Planner

Planners save lives. It’s a fact. The modern age brought us PDAs and Iphones, but a lot of people have decided to stick paper. There are obviously advantages and disadvantages to paper planners. Paper notebooks have unlimited battery life, they won’t break, you can make it easy to search through by using tabs and they’re cheaper. On the other hand they’re not as automatic and do not have as many functions as a PDA. If you have the budget, you should try both options and see which one makes your life easier. If you don’t have the budget, the choice is simple.

Moleskine Diary

Moleskine notebooks are probably the only notebooks with a fan club. Advertised as the notebook of Hemingway, Picasso and several other artists, this planner is durable and features a very useful design. It uses a rubber band to keep the pages closed, ribbon to mark the pages and a pocket in the back for storing papers. If you search the internet, you can find a lot of modifications that you can add to your moleskine.

Cross Personal Agenda 1846 Leather Collection

This personal agenda is a great notebook, which closes with a snap, and features a pen holder, as well as several slots of credit cards or other things, which means this notebook can double as a wallet. It is made out of smooth full grain leather for a more dressy look.