Nothing complements a suit quite like a high-quality watch. There’s just something about a timepiece that adds that final touch to a formal outfit. Fashionable and functional, a luxury watch is a universally accepted accessory, even for men who don’t wear jewelry, but still want to add a personal touch to their look. However, not all watches are ideal as a companion to your favorite suit, and choosing the right one can be a challenge. Here are five men’s watches that will add elegant flavor to your formal attire, listed in order from most affordable to most expensive.
- Maurice Lacroix – Eliros Date
This watch offers versatility and sophistication in a relatively affordable package. It somehow manages to be simultaneously sleek and modern as well as timeless and classic, making it the perfect companion to a custom tailored suit. This watch is available in a variety of attractive colors, so you can choose one that leans more towards traditional or something a bit more contemporary. At this price, why not buy one for every suit in your wardrobe?
- Glycine – Classic Automatic
Glycine rose to prominence in the early 1950s when their Airman watch became a hit among commercial and military pilots. Today, Glycine still offers that reliability and performance, while catering to the aesthetic desires of discerning timepiece enthusiasts. This Swiss watch features an automatic GL 224 caliber movement for exceptional accuracy and consistency, and the understated style complements a suit without stealing its thunder.
- Grand Seiko
According to Watch Wiki, the Seiko brand was first launched in 1960 with a focus on creating understated, elegant, and precise timepieces. Today, that tradition continues unchanged. Silver watches are often preferred alongside suits, as the white metal is less flashy than gold (or even platinum), yet it still adds a touch of tasteful class and luxury. The Grand Seiko is the perfect match for a business suit, and it would be especially at home in a corporate setting.
- Breguet Marine
Breguet is a brand that has been revered by timepiece enthusiasts since 1775. This Swiss company creates heirloom-quality watches that are accurate, reliable, and stunning to behold. While some of the modern Breguet Marines are sold with a rubber strap, we recommend opting for one with a leather strap or a bracelet for formal use. Of course, your personal style dictates your preference, and it’s unlikely that you’d face ridicule for wearing one of the finest watch brands available today – regardless of your strap preference. In fact, with the right suit, a rubber strap can provide a clean, tidy aesthetic.
- Rolex Submariner
Rolex is among the most beloved and iconic timepiece brands. If you’re not quite sure which watch is best for your needs, you can’t go wrong with a Rolex. The Submariner is the quintessential diver’s watch, offering exceptional performance and reliability in a very stylish package. Its distinctive dial is instantly recognizable to timepiece enthusiasts, and the overall design offers the best of both worlds – traditional and modern.
The submariner pairs quite well with a suit, but for black tie events that require a tuxedo, you may want to opt for something a bit more elegant and simplistic, rather than the sporty submariner. Rolex’s Cellini is an excellent choice for a more formal night out. We chose the Submariner as number one for its versatility, but if you’re looking for something for formal evening wear, you may want to opt for something more sleek and refined.
Matching Your Watch
Remember: luxury isn’t always synonymous with good style. You could pay a fortune for a timepiece and still wear it poorly. A general rule of thumb is that you should try to match the face of your watch with the time of day (i.e. a light colored face during the day and a dark one at night). You may want to also match your strap with your shoes and belt, although that rule doesn’t apply if you use a bracelet. When in doubt, go for simplicity over flash, and try to procure a variety of watches so you can switch as your wardrobe demands.
Author Bio:
Isaac Rivera is a freelance writer and timepiece enthusiast who currently resides in Manhattan, NY. Isaac has been collecting watches since he was very young, and he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge with the world.
