PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CITIZEN WATCH COMPANY
One Men’s Health editor recently confessed that he’s never worn a watch. “There’s no reason to weigh down your wrist when you can just look at your phone to catch the time,” he explains.
Related: 5 Questions To Ask Before Buying A New Watch
But our colleague is missing the point. Just as a sharp suit and slick shoes enhance your look, a killer watch can transform your entire outfit.
Watches convey style, wisdom, and sophistication. If you’ve never strapped one on your wrist, it’s time to find a great model to start mixing into your wardrobe.
Here are four basic rules for picking the perfect first watch.
1. Stick to a bracelet band
Leather bands are more formal and don’t match with casual denim, says Men’s Health fashion editor Dan Michel. But you can seamlessly rock a bracelet with a double-breasted suit or a swimsuit without missing a beat.
White gold or stainless steel are the most versatile colors.
Related: 10 Of The Best Slim Watches For Men
2. Choose simple details
Go with a medium-sized face between 38 and 42 millimeters in diameter. Anything bigger makes your watch stand out—and not in the good way.
As for face detailing, simpler is better. You might be tempted to pick a cool-looking chronograph (a fancy word for a stopwatch), but all you need is a face with the time and date.
Wait until you’re comfortable wearing a watch to buy a more complex timepiece with multiple features.
3. Focus on fit
Guys often keep their watches too loose, which is the fastest way to make an expensive piece look cheap.
Here’s how to test fit: If you shake your wrist, the watch shouldn’t slide around at all. Have your jeweller remove links from the watch until you achieve the perfect fit.
Related: Rock The Black On Black Watch Look
4. Find a price that works for you
The best price depends on your budget, but don’t exceed R5000 on your first purchase. You need to be confident in your watch taste before shelling out a ton of cash.
