A complete guide to men’s watch styles:
which watch should I buy? 

A well-chosen watch is more than just a timepiece. A stylish men’s watch, when chosen and worn with purpose, can become an extension of a man’s personality. The question is, how do you style a man’s watch for the occasion? How can you wear a watch with a suit?

In this guide, we delve into everything that makes a watch tick, including common terminology, styling and the latest watch trends to help you choose the best model. 

The world of watches has a language all its own. A few years ago, it was unthinkable to wear a sports watch in a business context, but today it looks particularly dynamic. But you need to know the rules to consciously break them. If you don’t know your dive watches from your pilot watches, here is an overview of some of the most common watch styles:  

Chronograph watches

These kinds of watches are immediately recognisable thanks to their ‘busier’ and larger watch face and have long remained high on the list of influential watch trends. Typically featuring three sub-dials used for stopwatch functionality, this style can be adapted to both formal and athletic events depending on the watch strap. 

Automatic watches

This type of watch can come in many different styles and with different features, however its functionality is what makes it particularly interesting. An automatic watch doesn’t require a battery – instead it is powered solely by the natural motion of your wrist as you wear it. 

Dress watches

This style is designed for the most formal occasions and is often the answer when you’re wondering what type of watch to wear with a suit. Dress watches are understated in design and smaller in size. A leather strap coordinated with the wearer’s belt and shoes creates an effortlessly put-together look. 

Pilot watches

This design features a rotating bezel that allows for time zone adjustments and a paired back, larger-than-average watch face to make telling the time easier at a glance. Current watch trends suggest oversized watches are not quite as popular as they once were, but this style is still a perennial favourite for many.  

Dive watches

Designed to withstand significant pressures, a watch must have a minimum water resistance of up to 100m to be considered a true ‘dive’ watch. Other distinguishing features can include a rotating bezel, durable strap and luminosity for telling the time in the dark. Though originally designed for underwater use, dive watches have also proven to be a stylish everyday choice and a great alternative to the dress watch if you’re unsure of what types of men’s watch to wear with a suit. 

Smartwatches

The newest addition to this list, smartwatches offer 21st century technology such as sensors, Bluetooth and an operating system in addition to their traditional time-telling functionality. These watches are ideal if you want to get more out of your timepiece such as the ability to monitor your heart rate or blood pressure, but the jury is still out on whether smartwatches can be worn at more formal events. Some new trending watches are seeking to combine the functionality of a smartwatch with a more traditional aesthetic for the best of both worlds. 

With so many watches out there designed for almost every situation and occasion imaginable, it can be a good idea to create a checklist to ensure all your specific needs are met. Here are some important factors to consider when looking for your prefect watch: 

Watch strap

One of the most important considerations alongside the design of the watch face is the material the watch strap is made of. Different materials suit different purposes. Some are more appropriate for formal or casual occasions than others. 

• Leather: A timeless strap material, particularly suited to more formal occasions and a sure homerun when worn alongside sharp tailoring. 

• Metal: One of the most popular current watch trends is a metal strap, owing to its versatility and reliability as both a sporty and formal look.
• Silicone: Multi-functional and low maintenance with a distinctly modern and casual aesthetic, silicone straps are perfect for the man who is always on the move. 
• Fabric: Popular materials such as nylon offer superior comfort and often a wider range of styles for those that like to wear their personality on their sleeve. 

Functionality

Are you looking for an everyday watch? Watch style and comfort are likely to be the most important factors. Do you have an active lifestyle? A chronograph with stopwatch functionality could be a good investment. Do you travel a lot? Consider a pilot watch with a rotating time-zone bezel or a smartwatch with GPS for when you’re caught in a pinch. 

Clasps

How you secure your watch to your wrist should not be overlooked either. A simple buckle offers immediate wearability for a range of wrist sizes. A push-button clasp can look incredibly stylish but requires links to be added or removed to adjust the fit. Elasticated sports bands without a clasp are among the hottest newly trending watches for men if you’re looking for ease and simplicity.   

Build quality

A watch is one of a man’s most important accessories, so build quality is particularly important. If you’re asking yourself “which watch should I buy?” quality craftsmanship in genuine materials and water and dust resistance should be at the top of your list.  

Allergies

Are you allergic to nickel or chrome? Consider watches made from titanium or special chrome- or nickel-free stainless steel. Watches made of ceramic or wood are also hypoallergenic though they are less common and therefore harder to find.  

The influence of sustainable fashion has also changed the course of current watch trends in a meaningful way. Initiatives such as the Hugo Boss RESPONSIBLE Fashion range are empowering consumers to give more back to the planet by promoting the use of recycled materials in everything from clothing to shoes to watches. Other watch trends to keep an eye on include brightly coloured, minimalist dials alongside smaller watch faces and vintage-inspired designs.

PRACTICAL WATCH-WEARING TIPS

For better ease of use, it is more practical for right-handed people to wear a watch on their left wrist and for left-handed people to wear a watch on their right wrist.

To enhance the lifespan of your watch and enjoy it for as long as possible, we recommend cleaning it regularly with a microfibre cloth. Specialist watchmakers often offer professional watch-cleaning services such as an ultrasonic bath or steam cleaning for optimal results.

To ensure your watch is accurate and functioning properly, take it to a jeweller's or watchmaker's shop for regular servicing – we recommend doing this every seven to eight years.

Another tip for optimal performance is to change the batteries in your watch every 18 to 36 months. How frequently you change the battery should depend on the type of battery used and the functions of the watch.

Stylish men’s watches may come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing is for sure, they are an indispensable fashion accessory for the modern man. Whether for a leisurely stroll, a business lunch with partners, or a competitive sporting event, there isn’t an occasion that cannot be improved with the inclusion of a well-chosen timepiece.

Find your next favourite accessory and discover the extensive watch collection from Hugo Boss.