Much like wearing a collared shirt for a job interview or a tie on your wedding day, selecting the appropriate watch for an occasion is a subtle expression of personal style that at the same time enhances your outfit. The timepiece you wear should not only complement your attire but also reflect the tone of the event you are attending.
So, whether you are trying to impress a partner ahead of a first date, attending a wedding, or the one being wedded, the right watch can leave a lasting impression. This guide delves into occasion-specific watch recommendations, helping you choose timepieces that enhance your appearance so that you can stand out with a unique timepiece.
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Wedding Day: Statement Elegance
There is no other occasion like a wedding—a celebration of love and commitment that, throughout the course of time, still remains extremely ceremonial and traditional. Your timepiece should reflect this sentiment.
There are a few directions you could go with this, so I’ll make sure to cover all bases. For grooms, the determining factor is what colour suit you decide to wear. Darker tones tend to suggest going for a watch made of polished stainless steel or precious metal. Dial colour is entirely a personal preference, which drew me to one watch line in particular.
The Citizen Tsuyosa range is a watch that I have raved about before because it really is that good. Identifiable by its similar bracelet to that of the Rolex DateJust, it just has that elegant look. Blending sleek design with horology, this timepiece really has it all.
Combined with phenomenal build quality and an automatic movement as well, good luck finding a better dress piece in the $650–$850 mark.
These are my favourite two fit for a wedding setting.
Citizen NJ0151-88W Tsuyosa Automatic
$369.00
$699.00
Allow me to introduce the "Tsuyosa" Automatic from the NJ015 series, featuring an elegant oatmeal dial—a seamless fusion of contemporary sports design and enduring sophistication. With its versatile 40mm size, this watch showcases a sleek silver-tone stainless steel case seamlessly… read more
Citizen Tsuyosa NJ0150-81E Automatic
$354.00
$650.00
- Automatic Mechanical Watch (40-hour power reserve) - 40mm Case Size - Date - Push Button Buckle - Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet - Sapphire Crystal - 50 Meters Water Resistant - Accuracy -20 to +40 seconds/day … read more
Although not as common, some brides do opt for wearing a timepiece when they walk down the aisle.
In my eyes, it must be super subtle. That’s why I’d go for a thinner bracelet; something on a stainless-steel mesh bracelet is a great option.
First Date: Something Memorable and Bound To Get A Compliment
Initial impressions are crucial on a first date — from the colour scheme of your outfit to the cologne you wear, as well as the watch on your wrist. For me, when I think of a first date, it isn’t a fine dining experience with a formal dress code. It might be an activity like bowling or mini golf, maybe getting ice cream or even the movies. For guys, something to go with a nicely ironed tee and chinos or jeans.
It needs to be unique but understated. Nothing screams that more to me than a nice Seiko. The presage range is immediately what sticks out to me. Something like the Zen Garden model is gorgeous. Amazing dial texture yet minimalistic in its colours scheme, it has the open working on the dial as well. A really fantastic option.
But if you like the stainless steel bracelet, I think going for any of theregular Presages is a good shout. My personal favourite is the deep blue colourway with the sunburst dial. It is absolutely stunning when the light hits the face of it.
Seiko Presage Blue Moon Cocktail SRPB41J
$539.00
$725.00
This collection is famously dubbed the "Cocktail Time", initially conceived in 2010 through a collaboration with Ishigaki Shinobu, a renowned Japanese bartender and mixologist. True to its name, these designs aim to encapsulate that essence, featuring dazzling guilloche dials in… read more
Seiko Presage SSA379J Zen Garden
$695.00
$895.00
The Seiko Presage Zen Garden Karesansui SSA379J1 presents an automatic movement timepiece equipped with manual winding capability and an open-heart movement. This men's watch showcases a textured white dial adorned with a circular pattern, housed within a stainless-steel case complemented… read more
If you think those are a bit too extravagant and want to go in a safer direction, the Seiko 5 Sports SNXS Series is nice. I prefer it in this category purely for two reasons. First, the bracelet is much cleaner and dressier; it has similar characteristics to the previously recommended Tsuyosa. A smaller case size also—coming in at just 37.4mm—makes it the perfect sleek yet understated piece.
Seiko 5 SRPK89K SNXS Series Sport Watch
$365.00
$625.00
Introducing the Seiko 5 Sports SNXS Series 'Deep Black Wash' Men’s Stainless Steel Automatic Movement Watch with a Black Dial, designated as SRPK89K1, featuring a case size of 37.4mm. Continuing the legacy of the esteemed Seiko 5 Sports SNXS series,… read more
Seiko 5 Sports SRPK87K
$428.00
$625.00
Introducing the Seiko 5 Sports SNXS Series 'Rinse Blue' Men’s Stainless Steel Automatic Movement Watch with a Blue Dial, designated as SRPK87K1, boasting a case size of 37.4mm. Continuing the legacy of the esteemed Seiko 5 Sports SNXS series, the… read more
As for women, if you know your partner well enough to know they take a liking to watches, there are a few directions you can take with it.
If you like a bit of bling, the Seiko SUR579P Diamond Set is for you—a super classy watch with all the bells and whistles to impress.
Seiko SUR579P Diamond Set
$545.00
$795.00
The Seiko SUR579P watch showcases a mother of pearl dial adorned with silver-toned diamond-set markers and hands featuring LumiBrite luminescence, along with a date window, all protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. Its 32mm case and matching stainless-steel band exude… read more
If watches aren’t so much yours or your partner’s thing, going for something petite is always a good choice. Brands you usually see this in are Daniel Wellington, Ellis and Co., Citizen, and Tommy Hilfiger. I would say going for a mesh bracelet style is great as a personal recommendation.
Job Interview: Professional and Polished
Much like a first date, first impressions are everlasting. Unfortunately, employers will often make a judgement based purely on appearance before a word leaves your mouth. This is where you can use how you look to your advantage. Unless you’re wearing a fully fitted suit, I would suggest going for an ‘old money’ dress sense—something with a collar, smart, well-fitted, and classy all in one (Google the aesthetic for inspiration).
The goal for these suggestions is to select a few watches that fit the ‘old money’ aesthetic.
When I think of old money and watches, the first thing my mind goes to is brown leather—a neutral colour that pairs well with dark blues, greys, black, white, and tan tones.
I love the small case size with this look, particularly with a square face, which has drawn me to the Fossil Carraway.
A spinoff on the classic Cartier Tank, it also evokes some of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso style. This watch is a great proposition at under the $300 mark.
Fossil Carraway FS6012
$239.00
$299.00
The Fossil Carraway FS6012 offers classic elegance with its silver case, cream dial, and rich brown leather band. Driven by reliable quartz movement, this watch features a 30mm stainless steel case and a 22mm leather strap for a sophisticated fit.… read more
If square faces aren’t your thing, you are bound to love the Citizen NH8393-05A Automatic. An absolutely stunning piece with a 40mm-sized rose gold coloured case, date display, open case back, and automatic movement — I don’t see any flaws with this pick.
Leather also isn’t everyone’s thing — I understand. So, when opting for steel with the ‘old money’ style, I would suggest going for a smaller watch than something you’d wear casually.
Something like the Seiko Essentials SUR573 or anything from the Casio Vintage Digital range.
Here are some of the ones I’d definitely consider picking up.
Seiko Essentials SUR573P
$329.00
$495.00
The Seiko Essentials SUR573P watch features a textured white dial with silver-toned accents and a date window, all shielded by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. Its case measures 34mm and is crafted from stainless steel, matching the stainless-steel bracelet. Powered by… read more
Casio Vintage A171WEG-9A Gold Digital Watch
$129.00
$179.00
The Casio Vintage A171WEG-9A Gold Digital Watch, featuring a sleek case size of 38.8 × 37.7 × 9.2mm and a lightweight build of 46g. Its resin and chrome-plated case and bezel offer durability and style, paired with a stainless-steel band… read more
Casio A168WA-8A Vintage Digital Watch
$89.00
$129.00
From the Casio Vintage Collection, this Casio classic unisex watch with its subdued colour scheme and soft square form offers a subtle and low-key look. Keeping functionality in mind, this watch comes with daily alarms, hourly time signal and auto-calendar.… read more
Selecting the right watch for each significant occasion is more than just a matter of timekeeping; it’s about making a statement and showcasing your personal style. Regardless of the event, always go with something that resonates with you and, most importantly, is comfortable to wear.
For formal events like weddings, a sleek watch with a polished finish complements the elegance of the occasion. In professional settings, a classic timepiece gives off a sense of confidence and attention to detail. Casual outings like a first date allow for more flexibility— where a unique yet understated watch can serve as a conversation starter.
Just remember, by putting thought into selecting a timepiece that aligns with the event and your attire, you not only enhance your outfit but also convey a sense of care and style. I hope this guide gave you a few suggestions to consider or at least pointed you in the right direction for your next purchase.
