Whether you are wearing Tag Heuer watches for men or other luxurious watches such as Tudor and Rolex, understanding the rules of watch-wearing can help you avoid some mistakes. These rules apply to watches that are formal, casual, expensive, and inexpensive alike. Here are the six rules of the watch you should always remember.
1. Wear a watch that suits you
The oldest rule of thumb has always been wearing a wristwatch on the non-dominant wrist. The general reasoning was that it’s the opposite of your dominant hand. You shouldn’t let tradition dictate the specific hand you should wear your watch. Just wear it where you find it most comfortable.
2. Don’t wear a dive watch with a suit!
Well, just because James Bond wore a dive watch with a suit, it does not mean that you should. Remember, James Bond was a spy who would, in fact, jump into a lake or river any moment. As far as anyone can tell, Bond was the only one (other than the other famous actors with Omega) who can wear a dive watch with a great suit.
Note that dive watches are usually bulky and cannot fit well under your suit jacket. They are also a tell-tale sign that you don’t understand the rules of watch wearing or you simply aspire to have your unique theme song. Well, the same way you shouldn’t wear your sunglasses in the dark, just leave the dive watch for your casual wear.
3. Wear light with light, and dark with dark
If you are out during the day, it is recommended to wear a lighter colored face such as cream or white. During the night, focus on dark dials such as brown, grey or even black. For example, a tuxedo is perfect for evening wear, but you cannot wear it to brunch. The same way, a dark watch dial should be worn at night instead of wearing it during 10 am tee time at a nearby country club.
4. Understand the complications of checking your wrist watch
It goes without a saying that a great watch is an important accessory for a man. However, checking it from time to time can create some negative social implications even if it is exactly the reason you are wearing it. Keep in mind that someone can think that you are impatient.
If you are in a meeting, a social event, or on a date, avoid checking your wristwatch in front of your audience. Just like it is ruder to keep on checking your phone at a restaurant or movie, checking your wristwatch indicates that you probably have other irrelevant things in mind. Unless you have a curfew and still young, the only way to know what time a date is over is the moment she says, “goodnight.”
5. Always pair wristwatches with your outfits appropriately
The same way you would not sit on the beach in your favorite morning coat, you also should not wear your dress watch when sailing. It is wise to try and match the exact type of wristwatch are wearing with the exact activity you are involved in daily. In case you aren’t sure of what exactly you will be doing, consider pairing the watch to wear with the exact clothes you wear. For instance, pair dress watches with an official or business wear and sport watches with some kind of athlete wear.
In case you have been invited to a formal gathering or event, and the specific dress code requires a black tie, the overall attitude about wearing a watch has significantly changed. In the past, it was considered impolite to wear a wristwatch. However, the rules regarding black tie are softening, and now you can wear a simple dress watch with a dark face.
6. Always match your metals and colors
It is recommended to match the metals and the colors of your wristwatch to the rest of your outfit. Take note of the color of your shoe buckles, collar bars or pins, rings, belt buckles, and cufflinks. Make sure that they match with your outfit and watch. Consider wearing yellow gold with metals that are yellow gold and avoid wearing a brown band when you are wearing a classy black suit. To be on the safe side, focus especially on the boldest parts of your wristwatch – the color of its strap, the metal color, and the color of the dial.
