Finding the perfect watch is a common dilemma that many people face. The truth is finding the watch for you all depends on your dress code and taste.

No watch is suited to all occasions, and what you need from a gym watch will be very different to the features you'll require from a more formal watch.

Understanding the distinct nuances of watch etiquette can be challenging, particularly when discussing dress codes such as business-casual and formal-business attire. We are here to explain exactly what you need to know about finding the right watch, no matter the dress code. Let's go!

Contents

• How to find the right watch for you
• What colour watch should I wear?
• What type of watch should I wear?

How to find the right watch for you

If you wear a watch daily, you know how difficult it can be to decide which style to choose. Your choice of watch is important as it's often the first thing that catches the attention of others, so it's important to choose one that mirrors your style and pairs well with your outfit.

Before deciding which watch to wear, plan your outfit. A watch is a great finishing touch, but having your outfit together before choosing it, will make selecting a complementary piece much easier.

To find the right watch for your outfit, you need to consider three main points; the dress code for the occasion, the colour of your watch and its style.

To help you better understand how to choose the perfect watch, we'll break things down further in our men's watch styling guide.

What colour watch should I wear?

Once you've chosen your outfit, think about the key components, colours and materials that feature in it.

A great tip is to match your watch with your belt and shoes. For example, black leather shoes and belts will blend with a sleek black-strapped Ball Watch.

You should wear colours that work seamlessly together. For example, black and brown shades blend seamlessly with gold or silver tones.

What type of watch should I wear?

While colour is an integral factor in choosing a watch for your outfit, it's also important to ensure that the style of your chosen watch suits the event you're attending, as not all watch styles are versatile.

The type of watch you should go for depends on the occasion. Every event has a dress code, which you should consider before choosing your watch.

For example, if the dress code is formal, you should avoid wearing a smartwatch and lean towards a dress watch, as smartwatches are better suited to casualwear and sports attire.

As many dress codes are similar, sometimes the lines between which watches are suitable for each may start to blur. That is why we have broken down the right watch type for each outfit style, so you know the exact watch to choose.

What watch should I wear to the gym?

A smartwatch is a perfect choice if you're looking for a watch for the gym. A smartwatch is ideal for fitness lovers, as it can track your steps and your heart rate, as well as other useful insights; a must-have for those serious about making progress.

While a smartwatch is recommended for the gym, smartwatches are not the only stylish option for sportswear.

If you're hitting the high street in your joggers, Diver, Ceramic, and Chronograph watches are a great alternative to a smartwatch. These casual watches are practical and sleek, making them a flexible styling choice and a great first watch.

Dress-watches should always be avoided when wearing sports attire, as these are seen as glamorous, so the clash of casual and formal can be overbearing.

Watches perfect for casual wear

You will likely wear casual wear when you're not at work or at an extravagant event.Casual attire is simple clothing that isn't too informal and includes joggers, gym shorts and sliders.

Casual is arguably the most flexible dress code. You can pair your outfit with any watch, from ceramic styles to diver watches.

While a watch can certainly match the dress code, it does not promise to match your outfit. So, always ensure that you consider your outfit too.

Which watches are business casual?

A watch is a great way to add character to a business-casual outfit. When the dress code is business casual, you need a watch that works well with traditional attire.

The perfect business casual watch is a slim Chronograph watch. While we recommend you lean towards something subtle, Chronograph watches are available in various styles, including minimalistic options.

If you are aiming for a business-casual look, avoid wearing bright-coloured or untraditional watches, as these may overpower your look. Traditional colours and simple designs are the way to go for a clean and professional look.

Watches that are suitable for business-casual include Chronograph, Ceramic and Divers. These watches remain flexible, making them a stand-out choice for those looking to wear their watch across various dress codes.

Watches suitable for formal-business attire

As the dress code gets more formal, the more you need to keep your watch in mind. Formal-business attire is all about perfectly pressed and crisp, making an elegant watch a must.

If you scour our collection of watches, you're sure to find an abundance of timeless pieces suitable for formal-business attire. A diver or dress watch is a superior choice to embody the dress code.

While Diver watches are designed to reach deep waters, they're not just for divers. With a sleek design, Diver watches are a captivating option for those looking to dress the part.

What watch should I wear to a black tie event?

The most glamorous dress requirement is, of course, the black-tie dress code. A black tie event strips the dress code down to pressed black suits and bow ties. This elegant look requires a complementary watch that suggests formality and elegance.

A dress watch is a perfect watch to wear to a black-tie event. While other watches offer elegance and glamour, to truly embrace the utmost formal dress code, we recommend you avoid any other form of a watch - particularly those that are great for casual attire.

What is a dress watch?

What defines a dress watch is a watch designed for high-end dress codes that typically involve tuxedos and suits. It is often debatable whether casual attire suits a dress watch, but to avoid the complexities, we suggest you avoid a dress watch in casual scenarios.

A dress watch is commonly associated with any formal occasion and should be avoided if you wear sportswear or ultra-casual dress.

Watches for every occasion at Francis & Gaye

Now that you know which watch to go for, it is time to find it. At Francis & Gaye, we have options for every occasion. Whether you require a timeless classic or desire a unique watch, we have it all. Elevate your style from luxury watch crafters today by exploring our collection now.

Shop Our Men's Watches Now