by Ryno Mulder
A watch is a must-have accessory for gentlemen everywhere, but getting it right when teaming your timepiece to your outfit can be tricky. Asking yourself a few simple questions is key to decoding the watch dress code. Here are some guidelines to watch versus wardrobe savoir-faire.
IS IT BLACK-TIE?
Watches traditionally don’t go well with a tux. The reasoning is that wearing one implies you have better things to do than celebrate that momentous event. If you would like to wear a watch to a formal event, it should be a dress watch. A simple watch face marked by understated elegance with a plain strap such as black leather is appropriate.
ARE YOU GOING TO A BUSINESS MEETING?
For a smart dress code, choosing a gold or silver watch with a metal bracelet in an ultra-classic design to go with your slimline suit will be pitch-perfect.
DO YOU HAVE A DINNER DATE?
A watch with a big face and bulkier silhouette such as racing, diver, or aviation-inspired styles hits the sartorial mark at smart-casual affairs.
KEEPING IT CASUAL?
Laid-back occasions are the only time a smartwatch is passable. And even then, do you truly need what is essentially your smartphone attached to your wrist? In a time where we’re all a bit embarrassed about our screen-time stats, no one needs to be any more (dis)connected than they already are. A classic watch will always be, well, classier. Not to mention making your mind less cluttered.