Have you ever found yourself at a quandary, admiring the sheer elegance of your luxury timepiece yet reluctant to wear it, apprehensive it might give off an ostentatious aura?
We feel you. But your watch is for wearing, not for keeping hidden away in its box. So today, we’re paring back the excess and focusing on the subtly stylish, guiding you through effectively blending your luxury watch into your attire, exuding an air of quiet elegance and muted opulence. With that in mind, here’s how to style a luxury watch with understated sophistication rather than showiness.
Firstly, Which Watch British Brands Encapsulate This Quietly Elegant Vibe?
Several British watch designers are doing the whole understated suaveness thing with real aplomb. Here are a few of our favourites…
- Bremont: This British luxury watchmaker is known for its classy, refined designs. With a distinctively British vibe, Bremont watches subtly blend traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
- Christopher Ward: Originally an online only watchmaker, Christopher Ward offers high-quality, elegantly styled watches at comparatively affordable prices. They’re known for their subtle designs and dedication to excellence.
- Garrick: A relatively new brand in the luxury watch market, Garrick has quickly established a reputation for understated elegance. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail resonate with a quiet sophistication.
- Arnold & Son: With a long heritage, Arnold & Son is known for its sophisticated horological masterpieces. The designs are typically understated, and the brand has a reputation for its muted elegance.
- Roger Smith: A very exclusive brand, Roger Smith produces only a handful of watches each year. His timepieces radiate a quiet elegance that’s deeply rooted in British horological tradition.
- George Daniels: Known as one of the greatest watchmakers of the 20th century, George Daniels’ watches are the pinnacle of understated elegance. Each watch was handcrafted by Daniels himself, making them very exclusive.
Global Watch Brands That Embody This Aesthetic…
Globally, things arguably get even more interesting, in a lowkey, subtle but sophisticated way…
- Patek Philippe: This Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer, one of the oldest in the world, is often associated with refined and timeless elegance. Patek Philippe is revered by collectors for its understated and classic designs.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre: This Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer strikes a balance between technical sophistication and aesthetic elegance. Their watches are known for their restrained and elegant designs.
- A. Lange & Söhne: This German watch manufacturer is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest timepieces. They adhere to a very traditional and elegant aesthetic, which shines through their emphasis on mechanical rather than quartz movements.
- Vacheron Constantin: As one of the oldest watchmakers in the world, this Swiss manufacturer’s timepieces perfectly exemplify fine craftsmanship and understated elegance.
- Piaget: Known for their ultra-thin watch designs, Piaget is a Swiss luxury watchmaker that epitomises quiet elegance. Their designs are classically stylish, with a focus on slim profiles and refined aesthetics.
- IWC Schaffhausen: This Swiss brand is known for creating functional yet elegant timepieces. They cater to a range of styles, but their elegance is typically defined by simplicity and high-quality craftsmanship.
These brands represent some of the most revered in the world of horology. They all offer different styles and designs, so it’s important to find the one that suits your personal taste. The key to finding a quietly elegant watch is all about simplicity, refinement, and a timeless appeal. It’s all about dressing in a way that complements your watch, rather than clashes with it. Here’s how to do just that…
Dressing To The Nines, Subtly
When it comes to dressing with a watch in mind, it is paramount to keep your outfit understated yet polished. A well-fitted, classic-cut suit or smart-casual ensemble in neutrals can serve as the perfect backdrop to highlight your timepiece subtly.
For men, a navy blazer paired with a crisp white shirt, dark jeans or grey trousers is an ideal choice. If you’re a woman, a smart wrap dress or a silk blouse paired with a tailored skirt can make your watch stand out without being loud. The primary intent should be to provide a simple, uncluttered stage for your watch to shine.
Coordinating Colours
Adhering to a complementary colour palette for your outfit can seamlessly incorporate your luxury watch into your ensemble and pull the whole thing together. Earthy tones, pastels or muted hues work well with gold or brown-strapped watches. For watches with metallic bracelets or black straps, monochromes, blues, and greys can be excellent choices.
While it might be tempting to match the entire outfit to the dial’s colour, opt exactly for the opposite. Let the contrasts play. Remember, the idea is to present your luxury watch as an integrated element of your attire, not as a standalone piece.
Choosing Compatible Accessories
Accessories can make or break your entire look. With a luxury watch, it is often best to keep other accessories minimal and cohesive.
As the folks from Luxury Gallery note, when considering jewellery it’s wise to stick to pieces made from the same metal as your watch for consistency. For instance, pair a gold watch with gold cufflinks or hoops. Leather accessories should follow suit; a brown leather watch band pairs beautifully with a matching belt or shoes.
For women, subtle wrist jewellery—delicate bracelets or bangles—on the opposite arm can strike a balance without competing with the watch.
Suiting The Occasion
The event you’re attending plays a vital role in how you should style your luxury watch. A business meeting or formal occasion might call for a more refined look—think classic black suit with a white shirt, allowing your watch to be the focal point of your outfit.
Conversely, for a more relaxed or casual setting, pair your timepiece with a simple T-shirt and chinos or a day dress. This pared-back approach allows the luxury watch to come across as sophisticated yet approachable.
Mindfully Mixing & Matching
Lastly, remember that while these guidelines provide a secure base, fashion allows room for creativity and individuality. Don’t fret minor deviations. A vibrant pocket square, an eclectic tie, or a daring pair of shoes can add personality to your look without overshadowing your watch.
Moreover, special edition luxury watches often have unique, eye-catching features. Don’t be afraid to base your outfit around these aspects. A dial with blue elements could be paired with a similar-hued outfit for a thoroughly thought-out look.
The Bottom Line
In the grand scheme, it’s all about striking the right balance between subtly highlighting your luxury timepiece and ensuring it doesn’t come off as ostentatious. By sticking to smart, timeless ensembles, choosing complimentary colours, coordinating accessories wisely, and suitably dressing for the occasion, you can ensure that your watch comes across as distinctly tasteful, subtly luxurious, and inherently you.
After all, in the realm of style, the devil truly is in the detail. Here’s to mastering the art of subtly styling your luxury watch and living your most sophisticated, sartorial life!
