A kind of epiphany for me were automatic wristwatches :)

Compared to smartwatches they aren't expensive, look classy and show time and/or date. The quality of Swiss, German and Japanese is reliable. No batteries, no electronics and they wind up by wearing.

Recommendation: Look for the models from the 50ies/60ies which are smaller and still in production, the less known manufacturers have reasonable prices. I love the original Mido Commander.

The cheap ~$10 casios are also excellent. They do have batteries, but they last for several months and you can but replacements at a supermarket for ~$2.