How To Choose The Perfect Watch To Suit Your Personal Style

“A watch should become part of your uniform, so think about what that uniform is – whether it’s denim or suiting, or if it’s more feminine – and use that as a starting point. I like the idea of having a watch with straps that can be changed, and I love the look of a leather strap – it’s definitely a bonus if you can change the color from time to time. As far as jewelry is concerned, I often wear a lot of mixed metals, so would love to invest in a piece that incorporates gold and steel, such as Cartier’s ‘Ballon Bleu’.

Personally, I like to make unexpected styling pairings; I think it’s what really makes an outfit sing: a beautiful diamond evening watch worn with jeans and a white tee, for example, or an elegant evening outfit offset with a more masculine watch and chunky gold jewelry. Different timepieces can play different roles within your fine jewelry wardrobe, so don’t always go for the most obvious choice.”

“I am a very classic, simple dresser. I love neutral tones, white shirts, tailoring – all those great wardrobe staples – so, for me, the color of my watch has to work well with that aesthetic. I wear a gold ‘Heure H’ watch by Hermès Timepieces with a white leather strap – to me, white feels fresh but still classic. I love that I can change the strap, too, so I have invested in a black version for the winter months. I also take the jewelry I wear into account when deciding on a watch – I’m always wearing gold earrings, so I wanted a timepiece that would complement them.

I firmly believe that just one watch can work for every outfit, but it must be well thought-out. A strap that’s changeable, or a style that effortlessly echoes your fine jewelry, is a great place to start. If you are a feminine, delicate dresser, for example, then a bracelet strap makes a beautiful complement. However, if you are a little more masculine or gender neutral in your style, then a leather strap feels on point. That said, I do love an oversized watch with a chunky bracelet, so, sometimes, it really does depend on the individual piece. It’s always worth taking the time to experiment and play around with pieces that gel with your most-loved wardrobe staples.”

“As someone with quite a streamlined wardrobe, I would assert that there definitely is such a thing as a watch that works with every look. There are a few key details to consider, though. Does your wish-list watch work with your daily downtime style? And does it also complement your usual after-dark look, too? A leather strap can actually provide a beautiful and compelling contrast to eveningwear, particularly if you opt for the ‘Klikti’ watch by Hermès Timepieces, for example – a clever hybrid that is entirely set with diamonds.

After deliberating for a few seasons now, and recently celebrating a milestone birthday, I am finally about to purchase my first watch. For my first fine timepiece, I’ve decided to opt for a bracelet strap that features both yellow gold and stainless steel, so either Cartier’s ‘Panthère de Cartier’ or the ‘Tank Française’ – but the jury is still out! The classicism that underpins Cartier’s designs is the perfect complement to my closet, which is dominated by elevated essentials cast in a relatively neutral palette. At the moment, I’m exclusively wearing yellow-gold jewelry, as opposed to white gold; however, I want a timepiece that will complement the rest of my jewelry collection – whichever precious metals I gravitate towards over the coming years.”