When it comes down to luxury watches, or any watch for that matter, it can be hard to know when to wear the right watch in the right situation. However, if you’re reading this, I’ve got some good news, because we at Lux Horology are going to help you understand when and when not to wear your watch. Whether that’s going for a hike, or attending a dress party, we’ll cover it all.
It can be tough to differentiate the different styles, matching colours and materials to go for when choosing your watch for whatever you may be attending or partaking in – but it is important to get it right. After all, you don’t really want to be attending a dress party with a black jacket and a blue rubber strap watch. I mean, each to their own… but if you want to nail that style then read some of the tips below and see if they can help you. The mans watch is the most important accessory, unlike more women – men tend to not include as many accessories in their day-to-day style, but when we do, it’s important that we get it right.
1. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO WEAR DIFFERENT WATCHES?
Outfits –
When wearing your watch, one thing you most likely notice, is the outfit you’re wearing the watch with. Does the watch match your outfit? This can be in terms of the colours involved throughout each of them, or it can be down to the materials in which both of them have. Either way, it’s important to know when and where not to wear your watch, related to the outfit you’re wearing, or planning on wearing.
For example, if you’re wearing a green top, then maybe it wouldn’t be best to wear a bright yellow strap with it, such as a Breitling Endurance Pro. And this goes for when you’re wearing different materials too, such as an active wear fabric with a leather strap watch – it’s all about matching them appropriately to gain the best results, in terms of style, as well as comfort too.
Practicality –
Talking about practicality, we mean that, when you next go on that hiking trip, or cycling day out – it’s important to know which watch to wear. You’re NOT going to wear a leather strap watch (made for formal wear), simply because… it’s made for formal occasions etc. and you’re more likely going to want to wear a rubber strap watch or even a stainless steel or titanium, because they are much more practical and robust for the situations and environments you’ll face.
Formal/ Casual –
Casual watches include the standard stainless steel timepiece, robust and durable for everyday wear. Dress watches being more formal, so you’re going to look at leather strap watches, and also look at indicators such as a moon phase etc. which adds character, which can be paired with certain outfits too. Don’t worry, we will expand into more detail, a bit further down.
2. OUTDOOR WATCHES
Hiking/ Climbing –
When entering the natural environments in which surrounds us, it’s hard to tell whether or not the watch we’re wearing – is the right one for the job at hand. First of all, I think it’s pretty clear that you’re not going to wear an 18ct gold Patek Philippe dress watch when hiking up a mountain. One, the watch is most likely going to be very expensive, and two, the watch has a leather strap and will not have the correct functionalities in order to stick by your side.
You’re much better off, going with a classic stainless steel or titanium watch, which ensures you of that robustness and durability, whatever the situation is like around you – in terms of environmental impacts which could account to the watch not being useful. Not only is the stainless steel style watch a great choice, but also the rubber strap is too. This is down to it’s versatility in any environment, and the fact that comfortability is of a great priority – just make sure that it holds some good functionalities in order to live up to your watch standards.
Diving –
You’re wondering what watch to wear when in and around the pool? Or looking for that diving watch, that you’re hoping to each new depths with? Either way, both of them apply due to their common partner being the ability to withstand water. So if those questions above applied to you, and the answer was yes to one or both of them, then listen up! Do not wear a dress watch when going in or around water – yes they’re most likely going to be waterproof, but it’s just not appropriate for the setting, plus I’d be surprised if it matches your swimming shorts, I’ve seen my fair share of questionable trunks when sunbathing by the pool in my time.
Although in saying this, sometimes leather straps can be helpful – as long as it’s of a good quality.
A diving watch will have specific functionalities in which other watches don’t, as you’d imagine. Such as a buckle and clasp for extra safety, and features like a rugged bezel and crown for ease of use when underwater. A simplistic but full-of-character stainless steel watch will do the job this time (pun intended).
Aviation –
So you’re a fan of the sky eh? Well you’ll be glad to know that all types of watches are available to wear when flying, from stainless steel to leather and rubber. Leather and rubber straps are most likely going to feel more comfortable, especially over long distances etc. but it is your preference at the end of the day. So if that stainless steel Breitling Navitimer is on your Wishlist, then go for it.
Not only do rubber and leather strap watches add comfort, but they also bring another creative and stylish element to the outfit you’re wearing, I’m sure the jacket or gloves in which you’ll have on, will be of similar colour – but also the change in material will contrast other elements, meaning your style as a whole will be much more co-ordinated.
3. FORMAL EVENTS/ WEDDINGS
Formal events/ Weddings –
Attending formal events, such as banquets there is a different style of class involved, you’re not going to turn up in jeans and a top – it’s more like suits, dresses etc. So, if you are the man who is always needing to attend such events, it’s important to make sure you’re style and watch game is on point.
Leather strap, leather strap, leather strap – yes that’s right, leather strap. One of the most important things when wearing formal attire is to match that outfit with similar elements present throughout dress watches (leather strap watches). This is important because it’s just a rule.
Matching the colours to your jacket/ blazer is important too – making sure that the co-ordination throughout is of priority. This highlights your organising skills and radiates that you look after yourself in terms of self-care.
Makes sure to allow for that subtleness to shine through – meaning DON’T wear the watch on your right wrist, as it will be shown when you shake hands with others. You want it to be subtle, but powerful enough to be noticed too.
Having a moonphase can be stylish if your outfit isn’t as full of character, but if your outfit is already bold, then stick to the simplistic numeral dial, with a date window etc.
4. EVERYDAY WEAR
Looking for a watch which will serve it’s purpose on a daily basis? Perfect! Well, a stainless steel watch is the perfect companion for your everyday tasks, it maintains that robustness, it blends well with all outfits, and it is durable in terms of the longevity in which it holds. The overall perfect run-around timepiece.
This all depends on your day-to-day tasks though – because if you’re someone who’s active and is working out a lot of the time, or who is taking part in strenuous activities throughout the day, then a rubber strap watch might be a better choice. One, because it will most likely be more comfortable over long periods of time, and two, it will be more versatile and adaptable to whatever you’re doing.
5. CHOOSING YOUR WATCH
Lastly, it’s all dependant on what style of watches you enjoy wearing, which will be the make or break decision in your watch choosing journey. So, if you take some of the tips from this post, I hope you’ll understand the importance of certain rules as well as the crucial decision of what features, style, colours and performance ratings each watch holds. If you’re looking for a review about a certain watch, then make sure to check out the watch reviews, which go in depth about the different features and the advantages and disadvantages.
