In a world where watches are one of the most commonly used accessories, there is bound to be a large choice of styles and designs, watches with different functions and purpose. Amazing as it might sound, such an abundant variety can easily be overwhelming. It’s easy for someone who is taking their first steps into wearing watches to make a fashion faux pas, with the range of available timepieces. If you’re trying to avoid any such mistakes and wondering which style of watch should you buy, we have compiled a guide with advice depending on your lifestyle and your preferences on functionalities.
Like anything else concerning fashion, watches should first and foremost be practical and suitable. When buying a watch you need to ask yourself if it fits your lifestyle or any events you might wear the piece. The other category you need to consider is your personal style preferences; how the watch feels, how it looks, does it complement or enhance your wardrobe.
Dress Watches
A dress watch has a simple dial and an elegant design. It should have minimal or preferably no complications. The straps should be made of dark brown or black leather. Light brown leather is also acceptable but it will give the watch a less formal look. The main function of this style of watch is to be an accessory and to look good. If you are after a watch to wear with a suit or to formal occasions, this is the type of timepiece you should pick.
Rotary Mens Cambridge Date Square Black Leather Strap Watch
Dress watches do not need to have a conventional shape. This design by Rotary is a perfect example that you can still wear a piece with a lot of character and still keep the overall high-class look. The rectangular shape of the stainless steel case is a nod to one of the first-ever created dress watches. The shape, alongside the black leather strap, give this piece a timeless appeal. Painted black Roman numeral hour markers and sleek silvered hands contrast the matt white dial, highlight the vintage look of the model.
Diver Watches
If you enjoy swimming, diving or surfing, and you are looking for a watch to accompany you in your adventures you should consider getting a diver’s watch. A lot of watches are considered water-resistant, but only divers watches will truly meet your lifestyle needs. To be considered a part of this category a timepiece should be water-resistant to at least 100 metres. This style should also have a uni-directional bezel, to assist when determining diving times. It should have luminescent hands and hour markers to make it easier to read and also be able to withstand high pressure.
Favre Leuba Raider Deep Blue 41 | Black Rubber Strap | Blue Dial |
The automatic Favre-Leuba Raider Deep Blue is the quintessential diver’s watch. The uni-directional bezel has a 20-minute scale. The model has a screw-down crown and is water-resistant up to 300 meters. Super-LumiNova is used for the hands and the indices for ease of reading underwater and in the dark. The stainless steel case with the brand’s signature cushion-shaped form is reminiscent of designs from the 1970s. To protect the dial and the crystal is made of scratch-resistant sapphire and is coated with anti-reflective layers on both sides.
Racing
Racing watches are for those who thrive on speed and don’t shy away from a fast-paced life. If marathons or biking is your favourite hobby, a racing watch will suit you well. This style is characterised by having a chronograph or a chronometer, and occasionally a tachymeter to calculate the speed based on the time it takes to reach a destination. They often come in bright colours and have bold designs inspired by racing cars and bikes.
Tissot | T-Race Cycling Tour De France 2019 | Black/Yellow Rubber
Tissot’s T-Race watch will leave you wanting for nothing. Its bright bold colour and silicone strap give the watch a more pronounced sport look. The quartz movement guarantees ultimate precision and makes it indispensable. The black textured dial is contrasted by yellow detailing on the hands and minute scale. Functions on the watch include a 60-second chronograph hand, a 30-minutes and 1/10th of a seconds counter. Inspired by the winner of the 2019 Tour De France and his racing bike, this special edition T-Race is a must-have for any bike racing enthusiast.
Pilot Watch
Pilot watches are steeped in history. As a style, they have been at the forefront of horological innovation since their creation in the early 20th century. The pilot watch was one of the first wristwatches for men, created as a variation to the field watch. The pilot watch needs to have a large dial and be quick and easy to read. Some modern models include a GMT function and chronograph, so they are ideal for someone who travels frequently.
Hamilton | Khaki Aviation X-Wind GMT | Blue Dial | Brown Leather |
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind GMT model is both magnificent and functional. The large 45mm stainless steel case and the warm brown topstitched leather give the watch a more vintage aesthetic, while the complementing blue dial keeps it contemporary and increases the modern appeal of the design. The model comes with a chronograph, a date display, a 24-hour sundial alongside a rotating bezel and glowing hands and hour-markers for ease of reading.
Tool or Sports Watch
A sports or tool watch is created with a specific purpose in mind. To some degree, it can be considered a combination of all previous styles we have mentioned, apart from the dress watch. This type of watch has a number of functions and is best suited to those who lead a varied and active lifestyle. Due to their assorted purpose, sports watches should be made of highly durable materials and should have at least some shock-resistance implemented.
Garmin MARQ Athlete | Black Rubber Strap
In 2019 Garmin introduced their exquisite smart tool watch, the MARQ collection. Each model’s function and design is influenced by the exceptional people the watch is intended for. The Athlete is inspired by those who don’t believe in limits and push towards bettering themselves daily. A model fitted with an abundance of features and applications, it is well suited to help you log your day-to-day workouts, as well as, you’re overall performance improvements. This smartwatch not only tracks important biometrics it’s also able to predict future running speed based on previous data to aid in further training. The bezel displays recovery time alongside V02 max scales levels. A lightweight titanium case and a silicone strap keep the design comfortable and stylish. With a design focused on making you succeed, the MARQ Athlete is indispensable on your way to the top.
Which watch suits your lifestyle best and which style would you buy? Let us know in the comments down below.
