IN the world of men’s fashion, donning a wristwatch transcends mere timekeeping — it serves as an expression of one’s style, personality and professionalism.

The manner in which a man wears his watch offers insights into his character, preferences and social status. Therefore, having a grasp of wristwatch etiquette is crucial for those aiming to make a favourable impression.

In this guide, the focus centres on the key rules governing wristwatch etiquette for men, along with guidance on selecting the appropriate watch for various levels of formality in attire.

If you find yourself in need of a quick review of different dress types and codes, fret not — we have a comprehensive guide for that as well.

Let us dive straight into the details.

Event-appropriate

First and foremost, always consider the occasion when choosing a timepiece. For example, on formal occasions, choose a sleek dress watch in simple colours such as silver, brown or black.

Casual gatherings may call for a more relaxed choice, such as a leather-banded analogue timepiece. On the other hand, sporty watches with durable straps are suitable for athletic pursuits or outdoor adventures.

Proper fit and size

The most important aspect of wearing a watch is finding the right fit. The watch should fit comfortably on the wrist without being too tight, which could leave an imprint or too loose, which could slide.

The timepiece’s face should also remain visible without overshadowing the wrist, ensuring a proper fit and comfortable placement.

Matching outfit

Matching your watch to your outfit in colour and style is also crucial. For instance, silver watches look great with cool clothes, while brown ones go with warm clothes.

Use the colour scheme to enhance your accessory style. Additionally, matching the timepiece strap to leather accessories like shoes or belts creates a polished look.

Meanwhile, steel iron straps are ideal for sleek formal wear, giving it a professional and sophisticated appearance.

Choosing the right watch

Selecting the appropriate watch is essential, as diverse occasions call for distinct styles of timepieces. To provide clarity, let us break it down and see how different watches vibe with various outfits.

Smart casual, semi-casual, everyday wear

Let us start on the casual end of the spectrum and work our way up. In a casual setting, such as a family barbecue or a beach vacation, the aim is to cultivate a relaxed and laid-back appearance.

In this context, it is preferable to steer clear of dress watches. Smart-casual attire, balancing trendy and semi-formal elements while prioritising comfort, is the preferred style, featuring outfits like blazers, chinos and button-down dress shirts.

Opt for aviator, field or chrono watches instead of sleek, formal ones for a more suitable complement. Seiko watches are likely the perfect choice for the best casual or everyday wear, given their budget-friendly prices, making them ideal for a laid-back and easygoing vibe.

The key is to avoid overly elegant and minimal details. Additionally, consider a smartwatch with water resistance for a carefree experience.

Business casual

Moving up the formality ladder, we reach the business casual dress code, widely recognised in the 21st century as a prominent style in contemporary men’s business attire.

This level of formality suggests leaving some of the more casual watches in the watch box. Brands such as Tag Heuer, Patek Philippe and Tissot shine as fantastic options for business casual attire, providing a polished and professional look without being too simple.

Regardless of the strap chosen, the key in this category is to focus on watches with streamlined features.

Business wear

Stepping into the domain of business wear, characterised by two- and three-piece suits and a refined appearance, signifies a more formal setting.

Whether attending weddings, celebrations, significant events or simply dressing up for daily business office wear, the outfits exude both professionalism and style.

Watches selected for this formality tend to lean towards the dressy side, emphasising elegance and sophistication. When selecting a watch for business wear, you can choose between a leather or metal watch band.

However, it is crucial to keep an eye on complications, as excessive complexity may detract from a business-professional look. The key to achieving elegance is embracing simplicity.

Opting for a distinctive watch, such as those from Hublot and Tudor, enhances this message, showcasing impeccable taste.

While both brands offer various styles, going for a simple and modern design is recommended to elevate your business presence.

Outdoor or sporty attire

When choosing a watch for your sports outfits, prioritise durability over style, since this kind of attire requires a timepiece that can endure physical activities.

Rubber or plastic bands are more suitable, as leather and metal may not be as comfortable or practical. This style tends to be very casual and the watch does not necessarily have to be explicitly sporty.

However, it should be lightweight and, at a minimum, water-resistant. A prime example is a Garmin smartwatch, which seamlessly combines attractiveness with functionality.

It keeps you connected to music and your smartphone while tracking athletic stats. Another solid option is G-Shock, known for its strength and durability, making it the go-to outdoor watch for many.