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Etiquette for wearing a wristwatch. Choosing a watch to match a classic suit Is it possible to wear a sports watch with a suit?
We have long been accustomed to the fact that time determines our entire lives. For a modern person, it is absolutely unacceptable to be late for a meeting or keep an important client waiting. While in the office, we constantly look at our wristwatches - and it would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the most useful accessory ever invented by man.
Even the most strict and conservative style of dress in the office implies the presence of a discreet, stylish watch on your wrist. In the office, it is customary to wear a classic style watch “under a suit”, which is characterized by a strictly defined set of parameters.
Thus, the case of a classic watch is usually round or barrel-shaped. It should be thin to highlight the presence of a quartz or hand-wound movement inside. The dial should be as simple as possible - no decorations, the backing is only black or white; Possible enamel coating. According to the canon, the dial can accommodate another tiny dial intended for the second hand or minute repeater, but there should be no other modern functions in a classic watch; the only thing that a classic is allowed to have is a date indicator at the “three” or “six” position hours". Classic watch hands usually have a straight or triangular shape, but a “Breguet shape” (a thin hand divided by a circle towards its end) is also possible. The main decoration of a classic watch is, of course, the numbers. They can be Roman, Arabic, or made in the form of notches on the dial, but should not be made of precious stones or rhinestones - classic watches require a minimum of decoration, only guilloché decoration of the dial is allowed. A classic watch can have either a leather strap or a metal bracelet with various inserts.
Frederique Constant watches
 Men's Watch |
 Ladies Watch |
Watch Frederique Constant FC-235M4S5 are equipped with a quartz movement of our own production FC-235 and have a classic round case covered with 10 micron gold plated under sapphire crystal. The white guilloche dial features classic Breguet-shaped hands, Roman indexes and a separate small subdial for the seconds hand. The watch strap is brown and made of genuine leather of the highest quality. Such a watch will create your unique style and decorate even the most conservative business suit!
Concerning Caran d'Ache pens, included in the set along with the watch, then it is no less relevant business accessory. After all, a high-quality pen is a sure sign that you do not forget about the little things and can be relied on. 
Kit Frederique Constant FC-235M4S5-CDA
The Caran d’Ache brand today is a symbol of prestige and luxury, embodied in luxury writing instruments of the highest quality, which is guaranteed by the motto “Quality has no limits!” The Frederique Constant FC-235M4S5-CDA pen is an excellent example of Caran d'Ache - it comes in a gold-plated case with the Chevron engraving and will make you look even more respectable.
The watch house Frederique Constant also produces no less unique classic women's watches - such as, for example, Frederique Constant FC-235M1S5. The case of this watch is also made in a classic round shape, made of gold-plated steel. The watch is equipped with an in-house quartz movement FC-235-SO, and the white guilloche dial is decorated with Roman indexes and Breguet hands. The second hand is placed on a separate dial, which makes this elegant watch stylish and feminine.
 Men's Watch Tissot T57.1.421.31 |
Tissot watches
Another respected watch house whose classic watches are definitely worth a closer look is Tissot. The history of this company goes back 150 years, and the experience accumulated during this time is reflected in each model of exclusive watches of this brand. This company is imitated by many, others look up to it - but no other watch manufacturer has such a number of fans around the world. The main feature of Tissot is the finest attention to detail, both in technical terms and in design. One of the signature design elements for Tissot was the use of the letter “T” on various parts of the watch, which made the models of this company easily recognizable in any situation.Ladies Watch Tissot T57.1.421.31 |
Women's watches of this brand are similar in characteristics - Tissot T57.6.121.21. They are elegant watches worthy of decorating the wrist of a real business lady who confidently manages her business on an equal basis with men. The quality of the watch is beyond doubt - a steel case with PVD coating and sapphire crystal, an ETA quartz movement, and a genuine leather strap.
Longines watches
The review would be incomplete without mentioning the legendary watch house Longines, which over the 177 years of its existence has entered the history of watchmaking and has also made a huge contribution to the development of science, technology, aviation and sports.Longines watches have won 10 Grand Prix awards and 28 gold medals at world exhibitions, which is recognized as an absolute record among wrist and pocket watches. Currently, the main specialization of the brand is classic office watches “to match a suit”.
Such as, for example, a male model Longines L2.672.4.73.9 from the Evidenza collection. These legendary watches in a barrel-shaped steel case brought success to the company back in 1911 during the global heyday of the new Art Deco style. Since then, its impeccably elegant and timeless design has been a constant success. On the guilloche dial of this watch, in addition to the classic three hands, there is a date window and a power reserve indicator, and the bracelet fastening of the leather strap to the case prevents the watch from clinging to the cuffs of the sleeves. This elegant classic watch will adequately highlight your style and status.
 Ladies Watch Longines L2.142.4.51.2 |
 Men's Watch Longines L2.672.4.73.9 |
Women's watches look no less elegant Longines L2.142.4.51.2 from the same Evidenza collection. Their barrel-shaped case is made of steel, and the black guilloché dial, on which the hands, Roman indexes and date window are located, is covered with a durable sapphire crystal. This model is an office classic for stylish and confident girls.
A strict dress code implies the presence on a man’s wrist of a watch that is no less strict in style. But they are designed not only to emphasize status, but also to fulfill their direct duty: to show the exact time, because in business circles it is not customary to be late. So which men's watch should you choose? We will tell you about the 12 main rules for choosing a classic watch to match a suit.
1. The very first and most important thing: if funds do not allow you to purchase an expensive watch from a Swiss brand, then, believe me, you can find a worthy alternative (among Swiss manufacturers) - Rodania, Roamer, Candino, Adriatica.
2. Going in search of a watch “in transit” or turning to a copy is a bad idea. You will always know that what you have on your wrist is fake.
3. If you hold a respectable position, you definitely shouldn’t skimp on this status accessory. If you are interested in watches for a suit, you must understand that quality should be at the forefront. You ask: “Men’s watches, which company is better to choose?” Of course, Swiss companies! Frederique Constant, Maurice Lacroix, Raymond Weil.
4. The body shape should be standard (simple). The best option: round, rectangular or “barrel”.
5. The most common mistake is choosing a watch that is too massive. In the meantime, the body must be thin. Do you know why? A watch with a thin case does not catch the cuff of a shirt, but elegantly slips under it.
6. The shimmer of precious stones on the case/dial of a men's watch is not for the office. But guilloche dials are an excellent and most importantly elegant option for decorating any wristwatch.
7. No riot of colors! Only white/beige or black/gray dial base and brown/black strap.
8. Speaking of the strap. If the leather color of other accessories (shoes, briefcase, belt) is black, then the question is: “which classic men’s watch should I choose?” - it’s even strange to ask! Of course, on a black (in extreme cases, gray) strap! The situation is similar with brown.
9. In principle, there is no standard clearly regulating whether a suit watch should be on a leather strap or whether it can be on a metal bracelet. Here only the man chooses which watch is closer to his spirit. But, according to psychologists, the bracelet is preferred by strong and strong-willed individuals.
10. The watch dial may have an additional dial for the second hand, as well as a window with the day of the week and date. There may also be additional features, such as a moon phase indicator. But nothing more. Remember, classics presuppose conservatism, which means that fashionable trends that break standards simply have no place here.
11. The hands can be gold, silver or aristocratic blue. As for the shape, narrow straight, triangular or “Breguet shape” (also called “apple shape” - a thin arrow towards the end is divided by a circle) are welcome.
12. And if there are any restrictions on other elements, then you can choose any numbers or marks on a men’s watch! Roman, Arabic, in the form of dashes, dots or without them at all.
And in conclusion, we note once again that the best classic models are produced by famous watch houses. Give preference to reputable brands and
The fashion for wristwatches was introduced at the beginning of the 20th century by the military, who found it inconvenient to check the time using pocket watches. Over the past hundred years, wristwatches have become part of everyday use. Moreover, they began to more often serve not as a direct indicator of time, but rather as a stylish decoration. That is why the choice of watch is important depending on the event for which the outfit is chosen and the person’s own style.
A universal watch for everyday wear can look quite simple: both for women and men, it can have a small square or round light-colored dial, a leather or metal strap without additional decoration, and a neutral palette. These watches can be used when creating an office wardrobe. They will also be relevant on dates, walks, meetings with friends, etc.
Executive watches are usually used at important business meetings or at special receptions (if there is a need for them, of course). When choosing a watch of this class, you should remember that it should be combined with a suit for men and an outfit for women. Etiquette suggests that the strap of an executive watch should be the same color as the trouser belt, shoes, or wallet. For women, it should be combined with a bag, scarf, and gloves. It is desirable that the combination be harmonious in both texture and color. But it’s more important that the watch matches the style and shape of the whole look. Agree that a large watch on a thick leather strap will look awkward with a light summer dress, even if the color of the strap matches the color of open sandals.
The watch strap should match the accessories
Sports watches, as a rule, have more functions (pedometer, navigator, heart rate monitor) and, accordingly, larger sizes than regular ones. There are specific watches for pilots, divers, runners, etc. They can be worn not only with a tracksuit, but you should very carefully follow the rules of color combination with clothes and shoes.
According to etiquette, women's watches made of precious metals can be combined with jewelry made of the same metal or metal of a similar color. For example, a platinum watch can be worn with silver or white gold jewelry.
The watch should fit your hand, not hang down and, on the contrary, not squeeze your wrist too much. The size of the dial depends on the owner’s hand: for a narrow, thin hand, an elegant watch with a round dial is ideal, and a square or rectangular watch will make a wide, boned hand less massive.
The cost of a good watch, according to etiquette, should be at least two monthly salaries of a person. Fortunately, with the emergence of a large number of inexpensive and high-quality brands, this rule has become obsolete. However, a watch still remains an indicator of a person’s class, so you shouldn’t buy cheap fakes for expensive models - it’s better to buy an inexpensive but branded item.
Electronic watches with a plastic bracelet are intended exclusively for youth or to be worn in the gym. And they are absolutely not suitable for business meetings.
By the way, keep in mind that according to the rules of good manners it is considered impolite to look at your watch during a dialogue more than once every 15 minutes: this shows disrespect for your interlocutors.
Watch + suit: achieving the perfect combination
These tips will be useful for both a businessman who simply must maintain impeccable dressing style, and an office worker or manager who understands that business attire is not just a jacket and tie.
There are several standard rules to help you choose a watch to match your suit. They are very useful, every man should know them and we will tell you about them later. But first, let's make one important clarification.
The wording “choose a watch to match your suit” is not entirely correct. It's like matching a car to... well, to the interior floor mats, for example.
It is believed that the cost of a watch should be proportional to the income of its owner. Of course, this applies to expensive watches. Estimate your annual income and allocate 15% of it to watches. Now compare the cost of the watch with the cost of the suit and now just decide what you will choose for what. And don’t forget that you will wear a suit for one or two seasons, no more, but watches are usually bought for many years. However, due to the fact that the prices for watches in the online store site are lower than the market average, the above percentage of income can be slightly reduced.
If you decide to buy a watch first, and then choose everything else to go with it, then this is also not the best decision. Of course, a watch can become the basis of an image, but nothing more. After all, why do you need the Internet? Without leaving your home, you can choose everything for yourself: a watch, cufflinks, a pen, a trouser belt, a suit, a shirt, a tie... even socks. Of course, you will need to try on clothes, and you may need to take a closer look at accessories in the store. But this is the only way to choose the perfect set. If the ideal combination does not work out, we mercilessly send all search results to the trash bin and start all over again. If nothing works, contact a stylist or someone whose taste you can rely on. But all this is provided that you need exactly the ideal result.
But it's time to get back to the clock. You have already decided on the estimated cost and this immediately narrowed the search circle many times over. It's time to apply the rules:
- thin (so as not to cling to the cuff) and not too big;
- classic shape (round, rectangular, barrel-shaped);
- no decorations or unnecessary details (say no to stones, even diamonds, a bezel that is so useful under water, and other things that are not essential);
- the color should ideally match the belt buckle, cufflinks, and pen.
Watch: N-210B – strict classic; 1-1817C – “black square” in a “gold” frame; N-211B is a bit of a shooter, but stylish and beautiful.
Clock face:
- color: black, white, beige;
- without decoration, guilloche (applying a pattern of lines) - nothing more;
- no unnecessary bells and whistles, just classics.
Watches L"Duchen: D 253.41.21, D 253.52.23, D 183.11.21 - classic down to the smallest screw
- color: gold, silver, blue, same as the strap;
- shape: straight, triangular, “Breguet” (thin, with a circle closer to the tip).
- strap - black or brown (trouser belt, shoes, wallet, briefcase and watch strap should be harmoniously combined or simply be approximately the same color);
- bracelet – matching accessories, as already indicated for the case.
Claude Bernard mechanical watch 80091-37R BRIR, 80091-37R AIR, quartz 64005-357RM AIR
But there are always loopholes in the rules that give additional freedom of action. For example, the Claude Bernard 64005-357RM AIR watch will look equally good with gold and silver accessories, but it has nothing to do with the color of shoes and belt.
You've chosen your watch and everything else, do you think you can relax and count your expenses? No matter how it is! A man should have a watch:
- Executive services are very expensive, and this should be visible to the naked eye;
- Suit - those that you wear with a business suit, that's what we chose;
- Casual ones - you wear them when you go to the supermarket;
- For active recreation - for example, a watch with a diving bezel, large glow-in-the-dark numbers and hands. You take them fishing and diving.
And this may not be a complete list - it all depends on your range of interests. The shopping list can be quite long. But it is even more profitable to buy all these watches in the online store site, because every time you will save due to favorable prices.
Imagine a man in a tuxedo at a formal event. His posture, style, and demeanor attract the attention of everyone present. He casually glances at his wrist to check the time... on his watch with a Casio calculator on a rubber strap... IT'S A FAILURE!!
Such is the power of a wristwatch, gentlemen - they can either destroy or complement your image! Since a man has little jewelry in his arsenal, a watch is a manifestation of individuality. A good watch should be simple, versatile, elegant and classic.
Most men prefer to have several pairs of watches in their wardrobe for different outfits. The style of the chosen pair of watches should highlight your image. This is especially true for a business suit. Read on and enjoy!
1. Which watch should I choose for my suit? Digital or analog clock? Classic or universal? What is the difference?
Analog watches show time using hour and minute hands, and markers or numbers display a 12-hour day. Such watches are considered classic, more formal, suitable for business, important events or a date.
A digital clock is a clock with an LCD or LED screen that displays the time in numerical form. These watches are considered everyday watches.
Types of watches
Recent advances in wearable technology have allowed watch makers to make nifty gadgets that are more than just watches. Now you can make calls, track GPS coordinates and check your calendar using such gadgets.
Not counting exclusive models, there are five categories of watches worn by men...
Executive watches are watches with a simple, no-frills dial and a black leather strap, the most business-like ones. Such models usually show only the hours, minutes and possibly the date. Any additions to luxury watches are simple and devoid of sporty details.
Waterproof watches – Also called dive watches, they are typically worn as work watches. Designed for scuba diving, this watch is water resistant up to 100 m. Don't be like James Bond and wear a dive watch under your suit. It's like wearing work boots with a suit.
Sports watches are not completely universal, but they can be quite representative, especially from famous brands. The sports watch is durable, sleek and made from highly durable plastic materials. They are equipped with a compass, odometer, altimeter, GPS technology, heart rate monitors, as well as a number of other functions indispensable for a guy leading an active lifestyle.
Navigator's watches are distinguished by a simple dial design and a fairly large (more than 50 mm) diameter. This watch is accurate and easy to use. Initially, it was assumed that pilots would wear the watch over their jacket, and the winding crown was made large for ease of use with gloves.
Field Clocks - During World War I, wristwatches allowed infantrymen to stop the second hands of their watches to check the time. The field watch is quite durable, making it suitable for duty duties. The simple design makes the dial easy to read. Typically, these watches are not very large, have white or green numbers on a black dial, and are powered by a winding mechanism.
Which watch is suitable for which occasion? The design of a watch determines its purpose. By matching the style of watch to the format of the event, you can avoid common fashion blunders.
Black tie / white tie – for formal events, the main idea is simplicity. Traditionally, it is believed that your behavior will be considered rude if you look at your watch at such an event. A simple wristwatch in a classic style and a black leather strap will forestall any objections from conservative observers.
Business style - for business events - a simple, classic style gold or silver watch with a thin dial and a minimum of complications or no complications at all. A classic wristwatch or diver watch with a leather strap will go perfectly with a dark, conservative suit.
Business casual - an exclusive chrono, pilot or even an elegant field watch will go perfectly with a light-colored suit without a tie.
- Casual – watches with a metal bracelet are considered less formal. A metal bracelet usually goes with casual wear, while a leather bracelet will suit any occasion. Watches of any style can be worn in combination with jeans, a light shirt and elegant shoes. Digital watches can only be worn with casual or sportswear.
Sports style - when taking part in activities that involve unpredictable physical movements, for example, when playing sports, executive class, a watch will not be the right choice. The strap, case and dial should be made of protected materials so that you can concentrate on the activity without worrying about the watch slipping off your wrist and the glass cracking in the process.
Leather watch straps match leather shoes.
The material and color of the shoes will help you choose a bracelet for your watch. You need to start combining belts and shoes correctly. A black bracelet should be worn with black shoes and a belt; brown bracelet - with brown shoes and a belt of the same color. A silver or gold watch bracelet can be combined with any colors. Interchangeable straps are an excellent solution for men who wear shoes of different colors. The straps do not have to be the same colors as the shoes, but a similar tone (light, medium or dark).
Important! Don't wear a black strap with brown shoes. Or a brown strap with black shoes. Watches with a rubber strap are suitable exclusively for sporting or casual events. The chronometer watch is designed for sports and has a sporty style. As a rule, they should be worn while playing sports. Plastic straps are used for casual style digital watches.
In analog watches, the bracelet is made of leather or the same metal as the case. Rough, worn-out straps go better with jeans. Such watches would be inappropriate at official receptions. A quality leather strap is a classic choice, but a gold or silver bracelet is also appropriate as long as it matches the rest of your outfit.
Matching metal elements of accessories.
The metal watch case that houses the dial should complement the metallic accents of your other accessories. The body can be square, rectangular, round and polygonal. And the surface of the case is matte, glossy, embossed or inlaid with crystals and other precious stones.
The case can be made of various metals: steel, gold, silver, platinum or titanium. A gold watch can be combined with a belt with a gold buckle: they complement each other perfectly. The watch case is not visible? Then both gold and silver accessories are appropriate.
If you want to harmoniously combine a watch and a ring so that all accessories are the same color, for example, gold, you should take into account elements such as cufflinks, shoe buckles, side adjustable buckles on pants or a buckle on the back of a vest, as well as any other clothing jewelry details.
Watches with gold plating go best with clothes and shoes in warm colors, while those with silver go best with gray, blue and black tones.
Family watches are outside the rules.
Heirlooms are heritage. They are usually worn as a talisman or as a memento of the original owner. Family watches do not follow the rules of combining watches with clothes.
The reason is simple: they are original pieces of memorabilia that set you apart from the rest. Heirloom items allow you not to adhere to the rules mentioned here and even break them.
Heirloom watches are not worn based on the latest trends or fashion trends; it is a reminder of family history and culture.
Soldiers who served in the First World War passed on their wristwatches to their sons and grandsons in memory of the sacrifices made by that generation. And although time control is not the main function of these watches, these heirloom items are carefully kept and passed on from generation to generation.
When in doubt, match your watch to your shoes.
Black is usually more elegant, but that doesn't mean it's automatically better. Sometimes it is more appropriate to opt for brown shoes. For such cases, interchangeable leather straps are useful: one brown and one black for each watch. Or any other color for variety. Black leather is more formal than brown. A dark leather watch strap is more suitable for formal occasions. By the way, moccasins with a tassel without laces are a casual business style.
It's simple: can't choose a black or brown leather strap? You can't go wrong if you go by the color of your shoes. But silver watches harmonize best with shoes in black, gray, silver and blue shades. Gold watches are combined with brown, beige, gold and other warm tones. If you choose black lace-up Oxfords and a black suit, then complement the style with a formal watch.
To complete the look, also consider your parameters. The watch should be proportional to the body. Slim men can wear thin watches, while larger guys can opt for a chunkier, straighter watch case.
Use these tips to coordinate your clothes and watches. Be stylish and attract success in everything!
Still have questions?
