Watches come in many styles, from square-faced watches on a linked band to circular pocket watches kept on a chain, and every watch in between. Some jewelry pieces can be diverse and chameleon-like, nicely complementing formal or casualwear and blending in with an ensemble. Other bolder or more unique pieces demand the spotlight and may require a little more finessing to properly “pull off” the style. Whether the watch in your arsenal is a top-of-the-line, magazine-ad-worthy piece or a simple, fitness-tracking watch, read on for the best styling tips and tricks directly from experts.
Tip #1: Find the Right Watch Size for You
- Band size. Even the most beautiful watch can look silly if it doesn't fit properly. Nobody wants a watch that refuses to stay face-up because it's too loose or cuts off circulation to your hand because it's too tight. Remember, the fundamental rule for watch size is that you should be able to fit one finger between a watch and your wrist. You may need to add or remove watch links or adjust your strap until you get the right fit.
- Lug-to-lug size. Band size is just one component of finding the correct watch size. Find a watch whose lug-to-lug size (the measurement from the ends of the watch nearest to the sides of your wrist, where the band inserts into the watch itself) suits your wrist size. If this distance is too big, the watch will extend beyond your wrist, appearing too large. If this distance is too small, it may not take up enough real estate on your wrist, appearing too small and disproportionate.
- Watch face diameter. Another measurement to keep in mind is the watch’s diameter, or the distance from the left of the watch face to the right, not including the crown. Again, too large a diameter will take up half your wrist and forearm and may look too big. Too small a watch diameter will again mean the watch will not take up enough space on your wrist, making it look (and likely feel) too small.
- Case depth. Defined as the distance from the top of the glass case to the bottom of the watch case, this watch measurement is often overlooked. A watch case depth that is too deep can make watches appear oversized and unnecessarily chunky. Wrists under 6" should consider a watch depth under 10 mm, while larger wrists (7.5" or more) can accommodate a larger-depth watch, such as 12-14 mm or more.
Tip #2: Determine the Occasion
Your watch is more than just a timekeeper—it's a statement piece, a conversation starter, and the ultimate accessory that combines fashion and function. But just like any other accessory, it's important to consider the occasion when choosing a watch. A chunky sports watch might be perfect for a hike, but it may look out of place at a black-tie event. Sparkling diamond watches add instant glamor, but their level of formality can vary. A delicate watch with smaller stones complements a work outfit or a night out, while a larger, more dazzling piece might be better reserved for special occasions like weddings or galas. By tailoring your watch to the situation, you can ensure a put-together and stylish appearance for any event on your calendar.
Tip #3: Choose from Different Watch Styles
As you’re considering your occasion, here are a few of the major watch styles you may utilize, depending on your agenda:
- Luxury. Impeccably crafted with high-quality materials and timeless design, luxury watches are status symbols that likely won’t go unnoticed.
- Casual. Casual watches offer a balance of style and functionality for everyday wear, making them perfect for complementing your daily look.
- Dive. Sometimes referred to as “divers watches” or “diving watches,” these waterproof watches are known for their precision and durability. Built to withstand the pressure of deep dives, dive watches are popular among actual divers, but are beloved the world over by people who spend a lot of time on the water as well as people who simply admire quality-made watches.
- Pocket. A pocket watch is a small timepiece that was once an everyday fashion accessory. Unlike wristwatches, which are worn on a strap around the wrist, pocket watches are carried—you guessed it—in a pocket and are often attached to a chain. From railroad workers to wealthy fashionistas, pocket watches were the dominant form of portable timekeeping for centuries until the wristwatch's rise in popularity in the early 20th century. The epitome of sophistication, pocket watches add a touch of vintage elegance.
Tip #4: Choose from Different Watch Bands
From fancier, flashier bands you can adorn for a wedding or special event to rubberized fitness bands for optimizing comfort and athletic performance, watch band options are endless and a great way to style your watch.
Metal:
- Stainless steel. A versatile and classic choice, stainless steel watch bands easily transition from a casual look to a dressier one. They are durable, relatively scratch-resistant, and come in both polished and brushed finishes.
- Milanese mesh. These watch bands are made from a fine interlocking mesh that drapes elegantly on your wrist, conforms easily to different wrist sizes and provides a comfortable, lightweight feel.
- Titanium. For those allergic to nickel, titanium bands are lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant.
Leather:
- Full-grain leather. A luxurious and high-quality option, full-grain leather comes in many colors and finishes. As with other full-grain leather items, watch bands will develop a beautiful patina over time through exposure to the sun, oils on your skin and general wear. Patina refers to the gentle wear and aging of leather, appearing as a subtle sheen, accompanied by darkening or caramelizing of the leather's natural color.
- Top-grain leather. A more affordable option than full-grain leather, it still offers a nice look and feel. Top-grain leather may have a more uniform appearance, as any imperfections have likely been buffed away. Top-grain leather can patina; however, this happens more often to full-grain leather.
- Suede. With its soft, velvety texture, suede adds a touch of sophistication to any watch. It is important to note that suede requires a bit more care than certain types of leather since it is a more delicate material.
Rubber:
- Silicone. A popular choice for sports watches, silicone bands are comfortable, water-resistant and easy to clean. They come in various colors, making it easy to find one that matches your style.
- Fluoroelastomer (FKM). A more advanced type of rubber, FKM is known for its durability and resistance to sweat and chemicals. It is a good option for those who are active or lead a hard-wearing lifestyle.
Canvas:
- Standard canvas. Canvas watch bands are a great choice for everyday wear. They are breathable and lightweight, making them ideal for warm weather.
- Military style. Military-style straps are a popular choice for those who want a military-inspired look. They are typically made from a long piece of nylon threaded through the watch lugs and then doubled back on itself to secure it.
Dos and Don’ts for Styling Watches
- Don’t wear your watch over the cuff. Wearing a wristwatch over your shirt cuff is appropriate only if you are: 1) a diver, 2) an astronaut, or 3) late Italian billionaire Gianni Agnelli, who championed the "over the cuff" watch-wearing style. Otherwise, it's usually best not to wear your watch over your shirt cuff.
- Don’t check the time too often. In fact, some of the most notable watch aficionados don’t place much importance on having a watch set to the correct time, admitting they use their phones when they need to know what time it is.
- Do make sure your watch strap fits. It was mentioned before but it bears repeating as one of the most important aspects of styling a watch. For your own comfort and to showcase your watches in their best light, get a band that fits just right.
- Do make sure the watch matches the social event. To prevent you from wearing your fitness tracker to that swanky fundraiser next week, let’s cover this once more: watches are like any other accessory—they should align with the occasion. Just as you likely wouldn't wear your running sneakers to your cousin's wedding, you may also want to avoid wearing your rubber fitness-tracking watch for similar occasions.
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