Time waits for no man. Or woman…
Never has a truer word been spoken, and in the world of business, it’s a maxim that feels particularly pertinent. Because if you’re caught clock-watching with deadlines to meet and deals to make, then it’s likely you’re going to be leaving the meeting room empty handed and potentially broke.
Forget about clock-watching for a moment, though; is that my watch you’re clocking? Indeed, an elegant, understated timepiece can make one hell of a statement in the business world, marking you down as someone with drive, focus and a sense of proper attention to detail. Which other piece of functional jewellery can do that quite so effectively, hey?
If you’re looking to upgrade your wrist candy, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 7 watch styles ideal for business casual attire.
Skeleton Watches
Skeleton watches might at first sound a little scary, but there is nothing frightening about this kind of watch. In fact, these watches are some of the most stylish kinds there are.
Made to show their mechanisms and therefore spectacular things to see, these guys are indicative of an interest in the finer details of things, which is never a bad thing in business, we think.
All the moving parts of the watch are visible, implicative of momentum, making it possible for the wearer to see all of (and show off) the intricate movements the watch makes to display the time. Skeleton watch models come in a range of truly elegant designs and are suitable for those looking for a really special piece to fit well with a business outfit, particularly.
Our favourites in the field…
Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton – This iconic model from Cartier features a beautifully crafted skeleton dial, showcasing the intricate mechanics within. The Santos-Dumont Skeleton is a perfect blend of elegance and technical prowess.
Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion – Known for its bold design, the Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion offers a modern take on the skeleton watch. Its open-worked dial and contemporary aesthetics make it a standout piece.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked – This model from Audemars Piguet is a masterpiece of horology, featuring a double balance wheel mechanism that enhances precision. The openworked design allows a full view of the intricate movements.
Minimalist Watches
Minimalist watches are the epitome of elegance and simplicity, making them a perfect choice for business casual settings. These watches are characterised by their clean lines, uncluttered dials, and often monochromatic colour schemes. The focus is on functionality and understated style, rather than flashy details.
Typically featuring a slim profile, minimalist watches are therefore comfortable to wear under a shirt cuff. The dials are usually free of excessive markings, with simple hour markers and hands. This design philosophy not only makes them easy to read at a glance but also ensures they pair seamlessly with a variety of outfits.
For those who appreciate a sleek, modern aesthetic, a minimalist watch can convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. Brands like Daniel Wellington and Skagen are renowned for their minimalist designs, offering a range of options that can elevate your business casual look without overwhelming it.
Our favourites in the field…
Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield – The Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield is a quintessential minimalist watch, featuring a clean dial and a slim profile. Its timeless design makes it a versatile accessory for any outfit.
Skagen Ancher – Skagen’s Ancher model embodies Scandinavian minimalism with its simple, elegant design. The watch’s clean lines and understated aesthetics make it a perfect choice for business casual attire.
Nomos Tangente – The Nomos Tangente is a Bauhaus-inspired minimalist watch, known for its precision and simplicity. Its clean dial and high-quality craftsmanship make it a standout piece in any collection.
Pilot Watches
Also known as aviator watches, pilot watches are designed with functionality and readability in mind, making them a practical yet stylish choice for business casual attire. Originally created for aviators, these watches are known for their large, easy-to-read dials, luminous hands, and robust construction.
One of the defining features of pilot watches is their oversized crown, which was initially designed to be adjusted while wearing gloves. This distinctive element adds a touch of rugged charm to the watch, making it a standout accessory. The dials often include additional features such as chronographs, tachymeters, and sometimes even slide rule bezels, which can be useful for various calculations.
Pilot watches are typically made from durable materials like stainless steel or titanium, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of daily wear. Brands like IWC and Breitling are famous for their pilot watch collections, offering timepieces that combine heritage, precision, and style.
Whether you’re in a high-stakes meeting or a casual business lunch, a pilot watch can signal that you value both form and function, making it an excellent addition to your wristwear collection.
Our favourites in the field…
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch – The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch is an iconic timepiece, known for its large dial, bold design, and exceptional readability. It’s a perfect blend of functionality and style.
Breitling Aviator 8 – The Breitling Aviator 8 offers a modern take on the classic pilot watch, featuring a robust design and advanced chronograph functions. It’s ideal for those who appreciate both heritage and innovation.
Zenith Pilot Type 20 – The Zenith Pilot Type 20 is a tribute to the brand’s aviation history, featuring a vintage-inspired design and high-quality mechanics. Its distinctive look and reliable performance make it a great choice for any aviation enthusiast.
Diamond Watches
Diamond watches (essentially watches decorated with diamonds) are for those looking for pure luxury; to suggest to colleagues and collaborators – even rivals – that you’ve ‘made it’.
These watches require some investment, as most diamond watches are made with silver or 18 carat gold. The diamond can occur on different places of the watch, making the buyer able to choose between minimalist and elegant diamond watches, or extravagant richly decorated diamond watches.
Elegant diamond watches often have diamonds on the hour markers or on the hands. The diamonds are a small and subtle detail and stand out less on a white or lightly coloured dial.
For more notable diamond decoration, choose a watch that has diamonds on the bezel, which often twinkle in the light that little bit more. Diamond watches are a great investment, as the price of gold, silver, and diamonds has risen steadily over the last decades. Buy a diamond watch now and your investment will certainly be profitable in several years.
Our favourites in the field…
Rolex Datejust 31 – The Rolex Datejust 31 with diamond-set bezel and dial is a timeless classic. Its understated elegance and luxurious details make it a perfect choice for those seeking a touch of opulence.
Patek Philippe Twenty~4 – Patek Philippe’s Twenty~4 collection offers exquisite diamond watches designed for the modern woman. The diamond-set bezel and bracelet add a sophisticated sparkle to any business attire.
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons – Chopard’s Happy Diamonds Icons collection features free-floating diamonds between sapphire crystals, creating a playful yet luxurious effect. These watches are perfect for making a subtle yet impactful statement.
Chronograph Watches
Chronograph watches are a little more intricate than other watches because they have an extra feature; namely, a stopwatch. The watch looks like a normal watch, sure, but you’ll notice some extra metres on the dial plate. For added precision, chronograph watches can have one or more chronographs.
The most luxurious ones have three dials and can measure time with pinpoint accuracy. Because of the great consistency of timekeeping some brands of watch offer, their chronograph watches are used to track time in important sport events. For example, Rolex is the official timekeeper of the US Golf Association, Tissot is the official timekeeper of the MotoGP™, and Seiko sponsors a number of sports as their timekeeper.
If you work in the world or sport (or any discipline that requires a firm focus on fine margins) then a chronograph is for you.
Our favourites in the field…
Omega Speedmaster Professional – Known as the “Moonwatch,” the Omega Speedmaster Professional is a legendary chronograph with a rich history. Its precision and reliability make it a favorite among professionals.
Tag Heuer Carrera – The Tag Heuer Carrera is a classic chronograph watch, renowned for its sporty design and high performance. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate both style and functionality.
Breitling Navitimer – The Breitling Navitimer is an iconic pilot’s watch with a built-in chronograph and slide rule bezel. Its robust design and precision make it ideal for those who need accurate timekeeping.
Pocket Watches
Pocket watches are the odd one out in this list, perhaps, as they are not worn around the wrist like the other watches. Whilst they might sound old-fashioned, pocket watches are all the rage lately, primarily because of their popularity on the Netflix series Peaky Blinders.
Centuries ago, pocket watches were worn by rich businessmen, showing off their wealth and status, and some have chosen to replicate this today, with the aim of showing off the traditional values of their company, perhaps?
Pocket watches are an original accessory and great for those looking to spice up their outfit. They are attached to your belt, buttonhole, or pocket by means of a chain. You can pop them in your front pocket, or in any other pocket that your outfit has. Choose an old style Victorian pocket watch or go for a more modern version made of gold or silver.
Our favourites in the field…
Patek Philippe Grand Complications Pocket Watch – Patek Philippe’s Grand Complications Pocket Watch is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring intricate complications and a timeless design. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and luxury.
Tissot Bridgeport Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch – Tissot offers a more accessible option with the Bridgeport Lepine Mechanical Pocket Watch. Its classic design and reliable mechanics make it a great choice for those looking to add a touch of vintage charm.
Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch – The Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch combines elegance with a nod to the brand’s equestrian heritage. Its refined design and quality craftsmanship make it a standout accessory.
Read: 5 of the best British watch brands
Smart Watches
Finally, for the business person who means, erm, business, the smart watch is a statement of intent; the wearer is focused, functional, and always performs with precision.
Our favourites in the field…
Apple Watch Series 9 – The Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest in Apple’s line of smartwatches, offering advanced health tracking, seamless connectivity, and a sleek design. It’s perfect for the tech-savvy professional.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 – Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 combines style with functionality, featuring a vibrant display, comprehensive fitness tracking, and robust performance. It’s a versatile choice for any business setting.
Garmin Fenix 7 – The Garmin Fenix 7 is a rugged smartwatch designed for those who need advanced features and durability. Its extensive range of functions and robust build make it ideal for active professionals.
But rather than witter on (we’ve caught you checking your watch a couple of times, we have to admit), allow us to redirect you to these tips on how to match your smart watch with your outfit. But before you do that, just one question; what’s the time?
