Before You Buy Your Next Watch, Ask These 3 Questions

Bracelet bands, analogue, digital, sport and luxury — how to find the right watch for you.

As the saying in menswear goes, "The least important thing a watch does is tell the time." A watch is an extension of your style and personality, and should complete your look like neatly tying off a loose end. When it comes to buying an accessory you’ll wear nearly every day, it's important to get the decision right, especially when it means a potentially large financial investment. So before you splash out, ask yourself these three questions.

1) Where does it need to work the hardest?

Whether you’ll be wearing this watch to work or socially, it’s important to take a few factors into consideration. If this watch is your way of saying you’re serious about that corner office, opt for more traditional accents, such as classic leather or bracelet bands like this Jag Hugo Blue Dial Watch. Darker colours will also help elevate your work attire and stand the test of time. If this is a watch that will see you to more social and casual settings, you can play with more contemporary details like fabric bands and bright colours, with the Skagen Aaren Kulor Red 41mm Analogue Watch

Image via @thehorse

2) How Do You Typically Dress?

Is your wardrobe sporty, traditional, contemporary or creative? You’ll want your watch to match your style — whatever that may be. No longer are you limited to a brown or black band with an analogue face; there’s a plethora of options to help express yourself. You might like the sporty, pop-art style of the adidas Originals Process SP1 or the timeless elegance of the Seiko Solar Analogue Sport 40mm.

3) What Do I Want This Watch To Do

Obviously – tell the time, but with current technology, watches can go a whole lot further than seconds, minutes and hours. Smart watches can measure heart rate, step count, sleep patterns, and even give you the latest weather forecast. For those that want a balance between form and functionality, many brands are incorporating familiar timeless watch styles with new technology, like Fossil with their Q Explorist Silver-Tone Smartwatch.