Three watches for men with outstanding personality

This probably isn't a good idea, as mystery is part of my charm, but I'm going to pull back the curtain on this column and reveal how some watches make the cut while the vast majority are consigned to the dustbin of history.

Well, frankly, the vast majority of the thousands of watches released each year are, in a word, horrible. Of the watches that do pass muster, a great number are from big brands that don't really need me talking them up, unless there's something particularly noteworthy. So I tend to look for watches that have personality.

And one watch that has bags of personality is the Victorinox INOX Paracord (above left and right). In essence a tool watch, by that I mean one that is designed to perform a specific function or work in certain environments, the Paracord is also on trend fashion wise as its standout feature is a strap designed by Swedish bracelet maker Naimakka. The military-inspired strap is made of nylon cord and interwoven several times, which makes it pretty much indestructible. Matching it in toughness is the 43mm case, which comes with a removable protective bumper. The dial glass is made of rock-solid sapphire crystal and inside is a Ronda 715 quartz movement. Features are kept pretty simple, with luminous hands and a date window, but water resistance is an impressive 200 metres. The watch comes with an additional rubber strap. The Victorinox INOX Paracord is priced at HK$5,800.