Your formal outfits are some of the most showstopping pieces you’ll wear, and while they can do the talking all on their own, pairing them with a luxury watch can take your look to the next level. Here, Dan Galloway from Ramsdens Jewellery shares his tips for choosing a timepiece that complements your suit.
A well-tailored suit has the power to make you feel smart and sophisticated all on its own. But, when you pay attention to the little details of your look, you can earn yourself some serious style points. A watch is one of the most versatile and timeless pieces you can pair with your outfits, but with so many out there to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one will look best with your formal outfits.
From size, style, material and brand, I will be sharing my top tips for choosing a timepiece that completes your suit.
Find a watch that suits your wrist size
Watches come in a wide array of sizes, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that bigger is always better. For some men with smaller wrists, a large watch can look overpowering and take the attention away from a beautifully, tailor-made suit, so it’s particularly important that you think realistically about what will suit your wrist size.
There are a couple of different components to consider when you’re looking for the right watch size. Firstly, you’ll need to take a look at the watch case diameter as this tends to be the bulkiest element and therefore gains the most attention. For most luxury brands, men’s watch case diameters range from 38mm–46mm, with the smaller sizes suitable for men with wrist measurements of between 14–18cm, and the larger ones suitable for those with measurements of 18cm and over.
You will also need to consider the watch band size. Any well-proportioned watch will have a band that’s about half the diameter of the case, however if you’re going for a trend watch you may want to go a little over or under these measurement recommendations.
Decide on the watch metal
The watch metal you choose can make a big difference in how often you can wear your timepiece, and which of your suits it’ll go with. For cool-toned suits like black, pick watch metals with matching cool tones like sterling silver, stainless steel and platinum. If your favourite suits are rich grey or navy, you can highlight the warmer tones in these with yellow or rose gold watches.
For a perfectly cohesive look, it’s important that your watch matches the metal colour that the rest of your accessories are made from. For example, a stainless-steel watch will best complement a pair of silver cufflinks, while a gold timepiece will look luxurious when teamed with your gold tie clip or other gold jewellery.
Choose a timeless watch strap
Your watch strap should be something that never goes out of style, and when you’re pairing it with a suit you’ve spent a good amount of money on, you’ll also need to ensure it adds to the sophistication of your outfit.
If you prefer the look of a metal strap, I recommend opting for a beautiful jubilee bracelet-style strap. These are intricately designed but still look effortlessly stylish and will ensure your watch is timeless. Plus, with so many premium brands, including Rolex and Omega, incorporating these strap styles, you can invest in a beautiful luxury timepiece that will perfectly complement your suit.
If leather straps are more your style, you’ll need to choose premium materials that will enhance the luxury look of your suit. Although smooth, polished leather straps can be effective in doing this, getting more creative with textured alligator straps can boost your style points. Whatever type of leather you choose, it’ll be important that this matches your shoes and belt for a truly put-together look.
Consider possible watch styles
There are so many watch styles available, from Cartier’s dress watches to Breitling’s chronograph timepieces, meaning there is sure to be a watch style to complement your dress sense. And, while you’ll want your timepiece to suit your formal outfits, it’ll be ideal to choose one that you can wear on a daily basis, too.
To ensure you pick the right one for your needs, it’s important to think about your lifestyle. For example, businessmen will benefit from having a super-efficient timepiece like the Rolex Day-Date which boasts exceptional precision, while those who travel a lot will love the Rolex GMT-Master II, which allows you to keep an eye on two intercontinental times at once. The watch you pick should perfectly combine style and functionality, so pick wisely.
The right luxury watch can complete your formal looks and give you some additional style points. Follow my top four tips for choosing the perfect timepiece to complement your suit and watch as heads turn.
All images used for illustration purposes only
