Putting on the watch every day is as natural as looking at your wrist to read the current time. It is therefore not surprising that the stylistic suitability of the wristwatch is often not questioned. According to the etiquette of wearing a watch with style, there are not many rules to take into account for the essential accessory of any gentleman to take on its full meaning.
Wearing a watch correctly: this is what you need to pay attention to!
1. Euphemism instead of bling-bling
The watch fits into the overall appearance or sets an accent, but does not attract unwanted attention to people with thick designs in the New Kingdom look. Likewise, a watch connoisseur does not wear a watch to impress the surroundings with a prominent brand logo at 12 o’clock. Rather, he appreciates the extraordinary quality and history of a manufacturer and a design that conveys style and sobriety.
2. Consider wrist size
The size of a case should absolutely depend on the wrist circumference of the wearer. Despite a trend that has been evident for many years towards larger wristwatches, it is advisable not to exceed the 40 millimeter mark too much if your wrist circumference is less than 18 cm. After all, who wants a watch that looks like a frying pan on their wrist?
3. Sporty watches pair best with casual fashion
As with any other clothing or fashion accessory, the choice of watch depends on the occasion. Sportier watches, such as chronographs, dive watches, and dive watches, should primarily be worn from casual to business casual wear.
4. Dress watches for formal occasions
Dress watches are best suited for elegant occasions and are usually no larger than 40mm. In addition to their relatively delicate case dimensions, “Dressers” are also much more restrained in their design than sports watches, in order to gently emphasize the appearance of the wearer, but without completely redefining it.
5. Match the colors
Ideally, the color of the watch case will match the rest of the metal components in the outfit. This not only applies to cufflinks, piercings, rings and chains of all kinds, but also to belt buckles. Classic color variants such as black or white are recommended for the dial. Watches with individual colorful accents can also be worn with everyday fashion. However, the shiny dials and bracelets are a bit too much for color fun.
6. Leather strap vs metal strap
With a leather strap, the watch appears discreet and unobtrusive, while with a metal strap it becomes more central. Leather bracelets look particularly elegant on special occasions, although the color should, if possible, match the rest of the leather clothing. This makes the outfit look more considered and coordinated. The advantage of the steel bracelet variant is that it allows you to create harmonious outfits with any color of shoes or belt.
7. Right or left? A question of taste
The watch is generally worn on the wrist of the non-dominant hand, that is to say on the left for right-handers and on the right for left-handers. However, this is by no means an obligation. For example, many left-handed people wear the watch on the same wrist so that the right crown can be operated more easily to wind the movement and adjust the watch. Whether it is left or right depends on the wearer and is above all a question of taste and habit.
8. Preferably just above the ankle
Basically, the watch looks most stylish when worn just above the ankle of the wrist. A sportier watch can be placed a little lower with a jacket, shirt or long-sleeved shirt so that it fits well on the sleeve or sticks out a little more.
9. Fit the bracelet well, but not too tight
Unlike women, who may wear watches like wide link chains, the watch should have little room on the male wrist – ideally just enough for you to fit only your little finger between the case back and the wrist. This means the watch is just tight enough not to dangle and loose enough not to leave a mark on your wrist.
10. Use the clock as a means of stylistic expression
Of course, it’s not all about etiquette when it comes to wearing a watch in style. As with any other item, there are certain style rules, but it is equally important to display your own style. This applies to both everyday outfits and formal occasions. For men, especially in business suits, the watch is an interesting stylistic device within an otherwise tight corset of fashion design options, depending on the industry. Ultimately, a watch as a piece of jewelry on the wrist represents the lifestyle and personality of its wearer.
The author
This article was created in cooperation with the watchmaking experts at Montredo. Montredo.com is the first secure online marketplace for high quality watches. Before a watch reaches the portal, it is carefully examined and a certificate of authenticity is then created – for added security and transparency when purchasing watches online.