A watch is a tool that is not only practical but offers a significant addition to virtually any man’s personal style. You could be wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans, but wearing a quality watch will instill an additional sense of gravitas.

Yet, finding your first watch can be a daunting task. 

For many guys, choosing the right wristwatch can be a bit difficult. With so many styles and brands to choose from, the simple act of shopping for a new timepiece can get confusing and stressful.

We prepared this simple men’s watch guide for the tips to help you select the right timepiece that will reflect your personality and compliment your style.

Know The Different Watch Styles

While we’ve discussed the differences in functionality, there are several aesthetic men’s watch styles as well. This is where you can really pinpoint your personal style and find something you identify intimately with.

There’s a lot of history and heritage behind each style, but the least I can do is give you a brief introduction to each.

• Dress Watch: Thin, subtle, and formal. This is a great style for black-tie affairs.
• Field Watch: A watch designed for rough conditions. This is ideal for the outdoorsman.
• Diving Watch: Sporting the thickest case of them all, this watch is designed for those amongst you that are more nautically inclined.
• Aviator’s Watch: A style that often uses a bezel, GMT chronometer, and sometimes the ability to track multiple timezones. It also uses a larger crown designed for turning while wearing pilot gloves.
• Racing Watch: Very showy in comparison to other styles. It often features a tachymeter scale that allows a driver to make speed calculations.
• Digital Watches: A watch that displays time with digits rather than a dial.
• Smartwatches: This is a kind of digital watch that offers all the features you’d find on your smartphone.
• Fashion Watch: A watch which is manufactured by a brand which doesn’t make the majority of their revenue from watch sales.

CHOOSE A CLASSY AND MINIMALIST DESIGN.

For your first watch, it’s best to choose a timepiece that features a classy and minimalist design. This kind of men’s watches offer versatility. They can be worn on any situation or event and would compliment any outfit you have.

If you’re not yet ready to spend money on buying several watches for different outfits and events, then buying a classy and minimalist watch will give you the most bang for your buck.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE.

When it comes to selecting the right size, there’s one thing you always need to keep in mind in – proportion. Proportion is the key to selecting a watch that will compliment your style and not look weird on your wrist.

If you’re a big man with a large wrist, then what’s suitable for you is a watch with a big face. Going after a timepiece that has a small face might make you look feminine.

On the other hand, if you’re a small guy with a small wrist, then go after men’s watches with small or thin dials.

As a general rule, select watches with face diameters between 34mm – 50mm. There’s really no need to go beyond 50mm.

The Movement Of The Watch Hands

The movement is where most men tend to get lost. Without going into too much detail, the movement is what keeps the actual time. There are basically three types of movement, although sub-categories exist among each:

• Mechanical movements are wound internally and keep time via the unwinding and winding of springs inside the watch. They need periodic winding (often done via an external cap or knob) and can lose accuracy over time.
• Automatic movements are also mechanical in nature, but use the motion of the watch itself to power their movements. They do not require winding, and are much more accurate so long as they are regularly worn or shaken to provide power.

Metal Band or Leather Strap?

Metal watch bands have the advantage of neutrality.

Your metals should always match, but men usually wear little jewelry – if you have a silver-tone watch band, it’s easy enough to make sure you’re also wearing a silver-tone belt buckle rather than a gold one.

Apart from belt buckles and cuff links, both of which are easily interchangeable, men don’t usually have many metals to worry about. That makes a metal watch band a simple option.

Wear a nice one, so that you can check it without ruining the formality of your best suit.

Wear a sturdy one, so that you can take it outdoors, on airplanes, in the water, and anywhere else your travels take you.

Thanks for reading!!