Dress Up Your Wrist with a Classic Watch

I love watches, but I'm pretty convinced that most guys are under the impression that a watch needs to be gigantic to look good.  How wrong they are, slimmed down watches are a classic look and should be a part of any man's ensemble.  I know that watches really aren't a necessity anymore, your cellphone is your time keeper and nothing is going to change that.  However they still look great with a suit and give you an added touch of sophistication.  I'll go over some things to keep in mind for your next watch in this article and where you can find them.

Ditch the Metal Band, You Want Leather

Wearing a watch with a metal band is a little like having a car that is all chrome, it's just too much. Leather helps balance out the metal accents of your watch and is much more understated. I recommend at least having two bands you can switch between (if not two watches) for black and brown leather. Match them to your shoes if you can. Also, keep the band slim, you're not trying to look like a rockstar. Below is an excellent example from Timex.

Timex Easy Reader

You Don't Need 15 Dials

Too many watches have crowded faces, which simply makes them look busy. You don't need to know what time it is in Cairo, you don't need to time your walk to the bathroom and you really don't even need the date (this one I'll accept if it's the only other thing on the face.) Bottom line: keep it clean and minimal. It will draw less attention to the watch and you are wearing a watch as an accent piece, not the focal point of your wardrobe. This watch from Calvin Klein shows off how to keep your timepiece simple.

Calvin Klein Concept Strap Watch

Keep the Case Slim

Once again, your watch is an accent piece, having it stick out an inch from your wrist doesn't really accomplish that. Also, it's going to get in the way if your watch face is gigantic and you'll end up taking it off by the end of the day. If you have any doubts, try it on with your suit jacket. Does it slip into the sleeve or make it bunch up around your wrist? If you're struggling to get your jacket back around the watch, it's too big.  The Bulova watch below is slim enough to make sure you show your watch when you want to, not all the time.

Bulova Men's Dress Watch

One of the great things about getting a slim leather banded watch is that it is so versatile. It's going to look great with your suit, and if you want to dress it down you can pick up a nylon strap with some color for less than $30. Do you have a great watch that you love to wear? If so I'd love to see it, shoot some pictures to bedapper@blogspot.com and you might be featured in a future article.

Thanks for reading. As always, be dapper.