Wearing a watch is a tradition that dates back a very long time. In the 15th century, the pocket watch appeared for the first time. It quickly became a symbol of the prosperity of the aristocratic class. Italy is considered the birthplace of this watch, and Europe was the first continent to enjoy this revolutionary invention. News of the "modern gadget" spread rapidly around the world and became an absolute phenomenon. So, in the 20th century, manufacturers like Rolex, Cartier, Omega, and Patek Philippe transformed the simple pocket watch into an elegant wrist accessory. To this day, their models continue to impress us with precise craftsmanship and a sense of fashion and sophisticated style.
Types of watches by mechanism. To date, humanity knows 3 types of watches: quartz, mechanical, and automatic. But LW is a fashion blog, so we won't go into technical details about the mechanism. Instead, we'll focus on this item as a fashion accessory. Let’s see how to combine each type and choose the most suitable one for your special occasion.
1. Mechanical watch. Let us briefly explain for the audience unfamiliar with this term. A mechanical watch means a model that does not use a battery and works by manual winding. It’s a classic, so the right outfit must be chosen. If you want to wear this watch to a classy dinner or business meeting, go for a model with a thin leather strap. If possible, choose classic strap colors like black or brown. Opt for a clean dial without extra functions. If you choose a suit with a shirt, match the color of the watch with the buttons of the jacket or shirt. However, a leather mechanical watch may not suit a daily style (unless the strap is thick and massive). In this case, choose a metal strap. Put on a nice T-shirt, jeans, and a jacket, and go out confidently. If you're looking for a mechanical model suitable for events that are semi-formal, choose an accessory with a massive case and a steel bracelet. A shirt, blazer, and trousers would pair well. Be mindful of jewelry or other accents in your outfit because it’s easy to go wrong here. For example, a gold watch with silver rings might look awful. Don’t break the harmony in your look and avoid mixing precious metals.
2. Quartz watch. A quartz watch operates with a battery and visually doesn't differ much from a mechanical watch. So, the same fashion rules apply here as well. You can recognize a quartz watch by the ticking movement of the hands (in mechanical watches, the movement is smooth). Here are some tips. Don’t wear a sporty quartz watch with formal clothes, as it will add too much casualness to your look. It's best to choose a leather strap that matches your belt or shoes. If you want to create a sporty outfit with this model, choose a rubber strap. If the model has a minimalist and clean design, add a polo shirt or a dress shirt, but without a tie!
3. Smartwatch. These are modern and have many functions, and their advantages are countless. First of all, they are digital watches that offer a huge variety of dials. This makes them extremely suitable for creating any outfit. Of course, this is highly appreciated in the fashion world, which is why smartwatches are so popular. Technological progress has transformed this little accessory into a miracle that works nonstop for the benefit of humans. Here, everything depends on the specific strap model. You can create an ideal sporty outfit by choosing a smartwatch with a silicone strap. Such models pair well with a T-shirt or a tracksuit. If you want a trendy style, you can go for colorful straps. Add an oversized hoodie and cargo pants, and you'll look flawless. To create a business outfit with a smartwatch, choose models that have a small and discreet leather or metal strap. Avoid flashy dials and reduce screen contrast.
What size should we choose? For a watch to look good on our wrist, we must choose the correct size. What do I mean by this? It's important not to disrupt the proportions and balance of the outfit and to choose a watch that fits the size of your wrist. For example, if you have a slim wrist, it’s not a good idea to wear a large-diameter accessory. The same goes vice versa. However, sometimes it's hard to estimate if a model is the right size for your hand. To guide you better, we’ve prepared a few recommendations:
1. If your wrist size is under 15 cm, experts recommend choosing a watch with a diameter between 34–38 mm. (Tip: If you like big, massive watches but your wrist is too thin, choose a model with a slim case.)
2. If the wrist diameter is between 15 and 17 cm, go for a case between 38–42 mm.
3. Watches with a diameter of 42–44 mm are suitable for a wrist diameter of 17–19 cm.
4. If your dimensions don't match the ones above, then you'll have to estimate the watch size yourself.
Strap width. Usually, you don’t have many options here, as most models come with a strap whose width is equal to half the case diameter.
How to clean your watch? This is an accessory that most people wear constantly, so it often gets dirty and needs periodic cleaning. To do this, first turn off the watch (if it’s smart). If the strap is leather, remove it carefully and begin cleaning. Take a bowl of cold water and add only neutral soap. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents! Dip a soft toothbrush into the water and gently clean the dirty areas, avoiding getting the mechanism wet, especially if the watch isn’t waterproof. Finally, dry with a microfiber towel. If the strap is rubber, you can wash it directly under running water. Full cleaning should be done at least twice a month. Avoid spraying perfume on the watch!
What are the most popular models? Currently, smartwatches hold the largest market share, and many manufacturers constantly add new functions to these small devices’ software. However, there are certain models that stand out with excellent design and perfect features:
Apple Watch – Tech giant Apple produces this watch model, offering customers a mix of multiple functions and excellent design. Performing an ECG, continuous heart rate monitoring, and measuring oxygen saturation are just some of this model's features. For extra comfort, all the data from the watch is transferred and viewed directly on your phone. What’s more, with these models you can make payments and control your music and phone camera. They’re simply awesome! The most common sizes are 40/41 mm and 44/45 mm, and the case is made of aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel, each with its own features.
1. Aluminum – These watches are the lightest but also least resistant to shock. 2. Titanium – Very light and offer great protection from mechanical shocks. 3. Stainless steel – Slightly heavier, but offer good protection.You can recognize these watches by their signature case shape — a rectangle with rounded corners. This makes better use of the screen space and makes reading texts easier without losing information. Different series offer different features, but the latest models undoubtedly have the best software.
Huawei Watch – This manufacturer focuses on design, health, sports, and most importantly – battery. These models have an extremely durable battery. I have such a watch and charge it about twice a month. The screen design is classic and round and has many functions. So far, the only downside of this model is that it doesn’t have as many apps as the Apple Watch, but the price is more affordable.
Samsung Watch – This is the next brand competing for the number one spot among the best watches. Galaxy Watch offers a galactic feeling of freedom of movement. These models have a round AMOLED screen, which is very bright and high contrast. They have many functions, including the ability to make calls directly on the device. The sound is crystal clear, and Android integration is excellent. The battery isn’t yet as durable as Huawei’s, but the price is affordable and reasonable.
Garmin Watch – Garmin’s reputation is no coincidence. These are some of the most accurate GPS watches. In terms of battery life, only Huawei competes with them. The wide range of maps makes them perfect for frequent travelers. The downside is that the interface is a bit more complicated, but you quickly get used to it.
If we forget smartwatches for a moment, we can highlight 6 super luxury brands: Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Ted Heuer, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. These are top-tier watches that would look amazing on anyone. Owning such a jewel is simply a pleasure. Of course, their price is high and not everyone can afford such a product.
