Wearing a watch is a tradition that dates back centuries. In the 15th century, the pocket watch appeared for the first time. It quickly became a symbol of wealth and aristocratic status. Italy is considered the birthplace of this watch, and therefore Europe was the first continent to enjoy this revolutionary invention. The buzz about this "modern gadget" quickly spread around the globe and turned into an absolute phenomenon. Thus, in the 20th century, manufacturers like Rolex, Cartier, Omega, and Patek Philippe transformed the ordinary pocket watch into a splendid wrist accessory. To this day, their models continue to impress us with precision craftsmanship, a sense of fashion, and elegant style.
Today, humanity recognizes three main types of watches: quartz, automatic, and mechanical. Since LW is a fashion blog, we won’t dive into technical details, but instead focus on the watch as a fashion accessory. Let’s see how to style each option and pick the most suitable one for your special occasion.
1. Mechanical Watch. Let’s briefly explain for those unfamiliar with the term. A mechanical watch is a model without a battery that operates with manual winding. It’s a classic, so you should carefully consider your outfit when wearing one. For a formal dinner or a business meeting, choose a model with a thinner leather strap, preferably in classic colors such as black or brown. Go for a clean dial without unnecessary complications. If you’re wearing a suit and shirt, you may match the watch’s color with the buttons of the blazer or shirt. However, a leather mechanical watch won’t quite fit casual style (unless the strap is thick and rugged). For everyday looks, opt for a metal bracelet. Pair it with a cool T-shirt, jeans, and a jacket, and step out with confidence. If you’re looking for a mechanical model suitable for semi-formal occasions, choose one with a robust case and steel bracelet. This works well with a shirt, blazer, and trousers. Be careful with jewelry and accessories, as mixing metals can ruin the harmony. For example, wearing a gold watch with silver rings can look awful. Always keep the balance and don’t mix precious metals.
2. Quartz Watch. The quartz watch works with a battery and visually doesn’t differ much from a mechanical one. The same fashion rules apply here as mentioned above. You can recognize a quartz watch by the sharp, ticking movement of the hands (while mechanical ones move smoothly). A few style tips: don’t wear a sporty quartz model with formal clothes—it will make the look too casual. It’s best to choose a leather strap in the same color as your belt or shoes. For a sporty look, pick a rubber strap. If your model has a minimalist design, pair it with a turtleneck or a modern shirt, but without a tie!
3. Smartwatch. They’re modern, full of functions, and their advantages are countless. Above all, they are digital watches offering a huge variety of dials, which makes them perfect for creating different looks. Naturally, this makes them especially popular in the fashion world. Technology has turned this small accessory into a true marvel that works around the clock for its owner. Here, everything depends on the strap of the specific model. You can create the perfect sporty look with a smartwatch that has a silicone strap, well-matched with a T-shirt or tracksuit. For a modern style, go for colorful straps. Add an oversized hoodie and cargo pants, and you’ll look flawless. To achieve a business look, choose models with a small, discreet leather or metal strap. Avoid overly bright dials and lower the display contrast slightly.
For a watch to look good on your wrist, it’s important to pick the right size. What do I mean? Don’t break the proportions and balance of your look—choose a watch that matches your wrist size. For example, if you have a thin wrist, a large watch won’t look good. The reverse is also true. Sometimes, however, it’s hard to judge if a model is the right size. To make it easier, here’s a quick guide:
1. If your wrist size is under 15 cm, specialists recommend a case diameter of 34–38 mm. (Tip: If you love bulky watches but your wrist is thin, go for a model with an ultra-thin case.)
2. For wrists 15–17 cm, choose a case of 38–42 mm.
3. Watches with a width of 42–44 mm look best on wrists 17–19 cm.
4. If your measurements don’t fit these ranges, you’ll need to decide the best case size yourself.
Here you usually don’t have much choice, since most models come with a strap width equal to half of the case diameter.
As most people wear their watch daily, it often gets dirty and needs regular cleaning. First, turn off the watch (if it’s a smartwatch). If the strap is leather, carefully remove it. Prepare a bowl of lukewarm water with only neutral soap. Never use aggressive cleaners! Dip a soft toothbrush into the water and gently scrub the dirty areas, avoiding the mechanism, especially if the watch isn’t waterproof. Finally, dry with a microfiber cloth. If the strap is rubber, you can wash it directly under running water. A full cleaning should be done at least twice a month. Avoid spraying perfume directly onto your watch!
Nowadays, the market offers a huge variety of brands and models. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular:
This is one of the most popular models worldwide. Extremely feature-rich, the Apple Watch is a favorite among people who want to track their physical activity, receive notifications, and even make calls directly from the watch. It comes in different sizes and with a wide variety of straps. It stands out with its modern design and the ability to personalize the display. The most common sizes here are 40/41 mm and 44/45 mm, with cases made of aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel—each with its own characteristics.
1. Aluminum — these watches are the lightest but also the least resistant to impact.
2. Titanium — also very light, but they provide strong protection against mechanical damage.
3. Stainless Steel — these models are slightly heavier but offer solid protection.
You can recognize these watches by their distinctive case shape—a rectangle with rounded edges. This design maximizes the display area, making it easier to read text without losing information.
This manufacturer focuses on design, health, sports, and most of all—the battery. The battery life of these models is exceptional. I own one of these watches and charge it about twice a month. The display design is a classic round shape and comes with many functions. The only drawback is that, for now, there aren’t as many apps available as for the Apple Watch, but the price is more affordable.
Garmin’s reputation is well deserved. These are some of the most accurate watches when it comes to GPS. In terms of battery durability, only Huawei can compete with them. The wide selection of maps makes them ideal for people who love to travel often. The downside is that the interface is a bit more complex, but you quickly get used to it.
If we set smartwatches aside for a moment, six super-luxury brands stand out: Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Tag Heuer, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. These are the highest-class watches that would definitely appeal to any connoisseur. Owning such a jewel is pure pleasure. Of course, the price of these models is high, and not everyone can afford one.
Rolex has no equal when it comes to luxury. Over the years, Rolex has become synonymous with prestige and refined taste, thanks to the traditions the brand strongly upholds. Although it does not offer smart features, Rolex remains an eternal favorite for admirers of the highest-class watches.
A Swiss brand with a rich history and superb precision craftsmanship. Trust them, just like NASA and the Olympic Games did. Omega is a symbol of class and attention to detail.
If we had to describe this watch in three words, they would be: practical, durable, and affordable. They are the best choice for people who want a reliable everyday accessory without a large budget. The popular G-Shock series is known for its durability and sporty look.
The most common types are mechanical (manual winding), quartz (battery-powered), and smartwatches. The choice depends on your style, the occasion, and your functionality preferences.
For formal occasions, leather straps in classic colors (black, brown) are preferred. For everyday wear—metal or rubber, in harmony with your shoes, belt, or accessories.
If your wrist is under 15 cm — 34–38 mm case. For 15–17 cm — 38–42 mm. For 17–19 cm — 42–44 mm. If your wrist size is different, go for a discreet case or a slim profile.
Turn off the watch (if it’s a smartwatch). For a leather strap—use a soft brush, lukewarm water with neutral soap, and avoid harsh cleaners. For rubber straps—you can wash directly under running water. Dry with a microfiber cloth.
Among the favorites are Apple Watch, Huawei Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin. For luxury brands, Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Patek Philippe, and others stand out.