As we are in the middle of Autumn and the cold snap begins to ensue, our wardrobe attire naturally changes for the cooler weather. Swapping singlets and shorts for coats and jeans, the winter look is starkly different to that of summer.
One item though that tends to get overlooked though is your watch of choice.
With sleeves a lot of the time covering your watch or drastically changing the way it feels on the wrist – it is important that options are available at your disposable for both the hot and colder weather.
This article looks to serve as a guide in breaking down the essential things to not only look for in a winter watch but also tips in how to use these features to your advantage in making a stylish outfit perfect for the cold conditions.
Alongside this we’ve included a few pieces from our personal Watch Depot collection you could use as reference.
Table of Contents
Essential features of a winter watch
The cooler weather tends to present more obstacles than any season for watch wearers. With many timepieces sheltered by the sleeves of thick jackets as well as freezing and often wet conditions – it is important that the timepiece of choice not only looks stylish but suits the winter climate.
Ideally something this is durable, low to the wrist (silhouette), light on the wrist and built for all conditions thrown at you.
Leather vs Steel
In my opinion opting for materials like nylon, silicone, polyurethane or leather opposed to that of steel tends to be a better choice strictly as far as winter watches go. They don’t get ice cold like a steel, titanium or precious metal bracelet gets.
One thing I will say is the metal is the best at is obviously pairing with various outfits effortlessly and the durability factor.
But if you have a particular colour scheme you like to stay in the realms of and want to optimise practicality and what will be a comfortable wear through the season – not going for metal is my suggestion.
Low profile/silhouette
Now this is more of an unconventional preference but it’s one that I personally need from a winter watch. One of my biggest pet peeves is a dial that restricts me. Whether that be in the sense of putting on a jacket, something that feels weird when paired with gloves or even under a fitted suit shirt. It just sucks.
That’s why I always have a watch on hand (literally) that fits nice, flush and low profile on my wrist. It looks slick, stylish and minimalistic. Everyone needs a watch that can be a bit of a role player when piecing together a winter look and this sort of watch definitely achieves that.
Another tip with this, get it in a neutral colour – particularly darker shades. Something that is black, brown or a navy blue is perfect.
Luminous dials
Exiting daylight savings across regions of the country, the sun is beginning to set earlier in the day. It is for this reason another crucial feature in my eyes is have a dial with luminant hands and markers.
This will allow for you to still be able to take a quick glance at your watch and quickly know the time without having to press a light function or struggle to navigate the dial.
So, if you are an early riser or a night owl this one is definitely an essential.
Our Top 5 recommendations
With these recommendations they look to cover all bases. Varying in price, functionality and aesthetic – these choices may specialise in one area very well or tick every box. The goal in this is that at least one of watches in this list being one you could see yourself wearing or consider for your winter wardrobe.
Seiko 5 SRPJ87K Automatic
The way that I like to describe the Seiko 5 line is like ordering a steak at a restaurant Medium Rare, it’s a common order and no one will look at you weird for it because it truly is a staple/safe option.
The thing I like about this variant is how eye catching the champagne sunburst dial is. On a beautiful leather strap with all the bells and whistles of the rest of the Seiko 5 line.
41-hour automatic movement, 100 metres water resistance, luminous hands and a stunning charcoal leather strap all for the modest price tag of $550 is worth considering for a winter look.
On top of this being only 12.5mm thick unlike a lot of the rest of the Seiko 5 line is quite thin – something the non-rotating bezel of the watch really benefits from.
Seiko 5 SRPJ87K Automatic
$395.00
$550.00
A classic design with the signature Seiko finish, this timepiece seamlessly blends form and function. The stainless-steel case is beautifully complemented by a champagne ivory dial, featuring a day and date display, along with Lumibrite hands and markers for added… read more
Casio AQ230A-2A1 Vintage
The kings of watchmaking have done it again. Retro is well and truly back with this line of Casio’s. Me personally I love it in baby blue colourway – it just pops off the wrist.
But what is there not to love about this watch, you can out it through heaven and hell and it will still function. It is the definition of having a slim profile, in fact I don’t know if you will find a watch with a slimmer profile. It has date, digital time and analogue functions and won’t break the bank whatsoever being just over the $100 mark.
Don’t walk, run to get this watch!
Casio AQ230A-2A1 Vintage
$79.00
$129.00
This Casio Vintage AQ230A-2A1 watch with duo display is versatile, charming, classic, and functional. The piece is so versatile in design that it is sure to complement every occasion. A statement piece that can easily be style up and down.… read more
Q Timex Continental GMT TW2Y12200
Now this is a super cool watch! Having a GMT watch on this list I felt was important because what’s a watch without entire functionality. A very slick, well designed and built watch by a vintage watchmaker Timex. A company that I’ve said many a times doesn’t get enough credit.
Coming on a comfortable rubber strap, 12mm case thickness and 39mm case size – it is the definitions of the perfect universal fitting watch, a blind buy in my eyes.
The GMT disk display is absolutely gorgeous something you don’t see in many watches at this price point, and all for the price of $350.
Q Timex Continental GMT TW2Y12200
$349.95
- GMT with Disk Display - Stainless Steel Case - Rubber Strap - 39mm Case Size - 12mm Lug - 50 Meters Water Resistant … read more
Luminox XS0337 Sea Turtle Giant
If you are a bit rugged on your watch but still looking for something cool and different that isn’t just a G-shock (don’t get me wrong, amazing watches they are just the easy choice) this might be a cool option for you.
Luminox’s Sea Turtle collection are the perfect blend of Swiss luxury made watches, affordability and a durable build. Definitely on the larger side with a 44mm case size the thing I like about this watch is that it has constant glow for 25 years, meaning regardless of lighting conditions the time is always readable.
As well as have 100m water resistance and all the bits and bobs a watch of its calibre would have all for the price tag of $599 is a good proposition in my eyes.
Luminox XS0337 Sea Turtle Giant
$439.00
$599.00
Step out in confidence with this striking Luminox XS0337 Sea Turtle Giant Watch. The band is a fabric strap that is sturdy on the wrist as well as being extremely lightweight. You can adjust the strap to fit perfectly to… read more
Citizen Tsuyosa NJ0150-81L Automatic
The reason I picked this watch is genuinely because I’m thinking of picking it up for my winter rotation, and if I want this list to be genuine, I had to include it.
The entire Tsuyosa line of Citizen’s is seriously one of the biggest moves that the watch manufacturer has taken in recent times.
It’s more of an all seasons watch but definitely ticks all the boxes as far as a winter watch goes. Low to the wrist, colour neutral, luminant hands, eye loupe date display – what is there not to love for $650.
Citizen Tsuyosa NJ0150-81L Automatic
$519.00
$650.00
The Citizen Tsuyosa NJ0150-81L Automatic Watch represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and reliability. Powered by an automatic mechanical movement with a 40-hour power reserve, this timepiece offers precise timekeeping without the need for batteries. With its classic 40mm case size,… read more
