When it comes to fashion and menswear, there is perhaps nothing more timeless than a suit. Any occasion that calls for a suit also requires meticulous attention to detail: your shirt, tie, shoes, belt and, of course, the pocket square. The most important aspect, however, lies on your wrist. Whether you are celebrating with friends or looking to spice up your office attire, complementing your suit with the right watch will provide an undeniable amount of elegance and class.
This unheralded accessory can be looked upon as the final touch that can make or break an outfit. Since men’s jewelry options are limited, your choice of timepiece should not only resonate with your style, but also make a tasteful personality statement. Here are a few pointers to help you find the perfect watch that will look best with a suit.
Black Suit
Due to its versatile nature, a black suit is the easiest to work with by far. A black suit is the epitome of a timeless classic. Pairing it with an equally timeless, classic watch is a sure-fire way to guarantee an eye-catching ensemble. A timepiece that features a black leather strap and a simple face is a great way to make a style statement. For a look that is slightly more casual, substitute the black leather strap for a shiny silver bracelet. The silver hue will surely complement your black suit in a way that is not overpowering. This may not work for black tie events, but it would be perfect in formal business parties or dinner gatherings.
1. NOMOS Glashütte Tangente
The Nomos Glashütte Tangente is a straightforward timepiece that has a black leather strap and a minimalistic dial. Its overall aesthetic is clean and symmetrical, while the round dial harmoniously hits all the right angles. The classic typography of the dial’s numbers and letters finish off its sleek look strikingly. Retailing at just $3,149 USD, this exquisite Nomos Glashütte timepiece deserves to be on your radar.
2. Bulova Classic
The Bulova Classic, equipped with a sturdy stainless steel case, makes an immediate power statement. With its sophisticated grey dial, understated aesthetic and vintage tailoring, this timepiece effortlessly complements the classic look of a black suit. For just $299 USD, you can buy and wear this timeless and classy Bulova watch to perfectly pair with your black suit.
Navy Suit
Similar to its black counterpart, navy is among the most popular shades of suits. This is in large part due to its versatile nature. Cool tones like black and silver tend to look best with navy suits. There is no need for anything outlandish or over-the-top, as that will simply take away from the timelessness of your navy suit. You could also opt for a watch with a matching navy blue dial face as an understated and subtle choice. Since you are sticking to tonally similar pieces, you can also choose something that stands out a little more, like a watch with a glossy finish.
1. Omega De Ville
The Omega De Ville is an extremely prestigious timepiece, with its ocean blue dial and sleek stainless steel bracelet. Matching its navy dial to your outfit is a sure-fire way to set yourself apart from the crowd and express a bit of individuality. Just prepare to shell out at least $2,969 USD, before you can finally wear this luxury Omega watch.
2. Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso
The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso is a classic timepiece with a design that dates back to 1931. Initially developed for polo players, it embodies everything the quintessential dress watch should be: elegant, sophisticated, and luxurious. Its sleek and lightweight frame allows for a contemporary yet classy timepiece that looks great with a navy suit. It retails at just $9,049 USD, a reasonable price considering the incredible features it offers.
Gray Suit
Charcoal, graphite, etoupe–gray suit options range wildly in their exact shades, making them tricky to match with. As such, a more archetypal dress watch, with a leather strap and silver face, is an infallible choice in this situation.
1. Patek Philippe Calatrava
The Patek Philippe Calatrava is a minimalistic watch that comes in precious metals. These time-only pieces are amongst the best classic watches that look good with any suit, which retailed at just $27,999 USD. Thus, they are exceptionally great choices for grey suits, which can be hard to match with. The Patek Philippe watches from this collection all have minimalist, straightforward dials and suave leather straps.
2. Piaget Altiplano
With its simple leather strap, minimalist display and sleek frame, the Altiplano from Piaget is another great option for a gray suit. This timepiece is the ultimate expression of refinement, which retailed at just $28,500 USD. In particular, its ultra-thin structure and sophisticated partial-skeleton dial make for an effortless style.
Brown & Tan Suits
Warmer tones such as gold, tan, and leather tend to go well with brown suits. Like gray suits, tanned outfits come in all sorts of shades, so you will have to use your best judgment. Brown and tan suits already have a retro-inspired look to them. As such, when picking a watch to pair with these suits, you will want to keep things simple and without any overly complicated features. You cannot go wrong with a simple leather strap, silver strap, or even a traditional crocodile leather strap.
1. Cartier Tank
The Cartier Tank dates back to 1917. It defines what simple, elegant luxury watches are all about. Inspired by the British Mark IV tanks from World War I, the design of this Cartier watch is simple, sleek and elegant. It is also a knockout square-faced watch, and is considered a pioneer of timeless wristwatches. This timepiece is the perfect companion for men who frequently attend suit and tie affairs. For just $5,199 USD, this classic vintage-inspired timepiece is a worthy grab.
2. TAG Hueuer Carrera
The TAG Heuer Carrera boasts a classic look, with its traditional round stainless steel case and brown leather strap. Its clean dial embodies perfection in every detail, with simple silver indices, luminescent sword-shaped hands, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Indeed, the minimalist white dial and rich brown strap make for a wonderful combination. This classy TAG Heuer dress watch retails at just $2,299 USD.
Beige & Cream Suit
You can never go wrong with adding some neutral-colored suits to your wardrobe. A beige and cream suit is minimalist and can easily pair well with any bracelet-type watch. In fact, the understated looks of a beige and cream suit could go with just about any timepiece.
1. Rolex Day-Date
The luxurious Rolex Day-Date, better known as the Rolex President, has always been a symbol of prestige and power. With its 18K gold case, striking black dial, and yellow gold bracelet, this is a true head-turner watch. It also comes with sparkling stones set in its indices and bezel, adding to the luxurious aura of this Rolex watch. The Rolex President’s classy and sophisticated style is the perfect match for softer hues like your beige and cream suits. Just prepare to shell out around $61,999 USD, before you can finally wear this extravagant timepiece.
2. Panerai Luminor Due
The Panerai Luminor Due is a more recent collection, having only come into existence in 2016. That said, it has already been proven to deliver aesthetically appealing designs and reliability in timekeeping. For instance, the Panerai Luminor Due PAM01046 has an exceptionally handsome appearance and retails at just $5,479 USD. It boasts a stainless steel case, exquisite silver dial with gold accents, brown calfskin leather strap, and the Panerai Luminor Due’s signature oversized crown. This vintage-inspired design is a lovely complement to any softer-colored beige or cream suits.
Patterned Suit
It is a good idea to have at least one patterned suit in your wardrobe, to add some depth and pizzazz to your ensemble. That said, patterned suits tend to be louder and more vibrant, so they can be hard to match with certain watches. A versatile all-black or blue-feature timepiece could be the perfect fit for a patterned suit. Alternatively, you could also go old-school, by pairing your patterned suit with a silver dial and a simple black leather strap.
1. Jaeger LeCoultre Master
The Jaeger LeCoultre Master boasts an elegant and versatile style that can match any suit, even a patterned one. It features a solid stainless steel case that complements the striking silver dial and black alligator strap. It has a quintessential chronograph layout with three sub-dials and an aperture that indicates the time zones of different cities at 6 o’clock. Paired with a patterned suit, this $10,329 USD Jaeger LeCoultre timepiece is the perfect companion for your next dinner party.
2. Omega De Ville
The Omega De Ville collection is extremely popular due to its catalog of luxurious and classic watches that go perfectly with most formalwear. This Omega watch is the epitome of sophistication, equipped with a top-notch caliber to deliver an excellent timekeeping experience.
In particular, this Omega De Ville 424.13.40.20.03.001 is one of the most exquisite pieces in this range, that can be a perfect pair with your patterned suit. It boasts a stainless steel case, a striking blue dial with luminous silver-toned hands, and a black leather strap. It is available at just $3,099 USD, a quite reasonable price for its classy and stylish appearance.
Top 5 Versatile Watches
Nothing beats a stylish, functional, and versatile timepiece that you can pair with any suit you have. There are a plethora of choices out there, which is why it can be a bit daunting to pick the best dress watch to pair with your suit and tie. Fear not, however, since we have curated a list of the top 5 versatile watches that you can wear with your suit.
1. Audemars Piguet Code 15210BC.OO.A002CR.01
Together with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet has received much acclaim as part of the “Big 3” watchmakers in the industry. This is not surprising, as the brand is home to some of the most luxurious, iconic timepieces today.
One noteworthy piece the brand offers is the Audemars Piguet Code 11.5915210BC.OO.A002CR.01. This is a classy and stunning silver-and-black timepiece. Whether you are planning to wear a navy suit, gray suit, or any other option, this watch has a classic style that can easily match your outfit. Not to mention, this watch is made from top-notch materials. It boasts an 18K white gold case and indices, an Audemars Piguet logo in 24K white gold, and a high-quality sapphire crystal. Indeed, this watch displays a face of pure luxury that is simply irresistible.
Adding to its high-class appearance is the durability and reliability you would expect from a top Swiss brand. This Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 has a 41mm white gold case which perfectly matches the striking black dial and black leather strap. It is equipped with a Swiss-made in-house caliber 4302 movement, which has 70 hours of reserve power. In addition, this Audemars Piguet watch is water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters, so it can withstand occasional splashes and rain. For $28,149 USD, you can grab this luxurious timepiece and wear it with a suit to your next dinner party.
2. Rolex Datejust II 116334/10
If you are looking for a minimalistic and classic timepiece to wear, look no further. The Rolex Datejust 116334/10 is simply the best choice there is. Rolex is known for its opulent luxury, so you know you are in for a treat with this timepiece. It has a 41mm case made from stainless steel and white gold. Its grey sunburst dial is furnished with white gold bezel , so you know you are in for a treat with this timepiece. This is paired with a matching white gold bezel that only adds to the elegant luxury of this watch.
Furthermore, what ticks inside this Rolex Datejust is a top-notch Rolex 3136 automatic movement that has a 50-hour power reserve. Just expect to spend at least $10,299 USD to own this striking timepiece that would look perfect with your formal suit.
3. Jaeger Lecoultre Master Chronograph Q153817
Like Rolex and Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre is another respected Swiss watch brand that should definitely be on your radar. In fact, the brand’s Jaeger LeCoultre Master Q1538171 needs no introduction, as it is designed exclusively for men’s wrists. It features a stainless steel case and bracelet, which contrast sharply against the brushed and polished black dial. In addition, it also comes with a solid case back and a top-notch sapphire crystal that protects the dial from scratches.
Aside from that, this Jaeger LeCoultre Master watch is powered with a first-class in-house JLC 751A/1 automatic movement. This movement has a solid 65-hour power reserve. It is held by 39 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (“vph”). With its handsome appearance and reliable functionalities, this watch’s $10,549 USD price tag is more than reasonable.
4. Cartier Drive de Cartier WSNM0009
French watchmaker Cartier has been in the horological realm for centuries. This is a brand famous for its high-end watches, particularly those with square dials. In particular, the Cartier Drive de Cartier WSNM0009 is our top-pick recommendation for you. Retailing at $5,899 USD, this watch is the most in-demand piece in the Drive de Cartier collection.
The watch features a 41mm stainless steel case, available in a memorable cushion shape. Its grandiose grey dial, furnished with sword hands and Arabic numerals indices, perfectly complements its case and black alligator leather strap. However, the top-notch in-house 1904-PS MC automatic caliber that powers the watch is the real show-stopper. This movement has proven to deliver the highest accuracy in timekeeping and has approximately 48 hours of power reserve. You can also find a second subdial near the 6 o’clock marker, which proves how functional and versatile this Cartier timekeeper is.
5. Patek Philippe Complications 5270R-001
Patek Philippe takes pride in being one of the few independent watch manufacturers today. Each timepiece it offers holds such exceptional value and is even recognized as a symbol of one’s social status. If you are looking for a lavish timepiece to invest in, the Patek Philippe Complications 5270R-001 is your best bet.
Right off the bat, you can instantly recognize how elegant and sophisticated this watch is. It features a 41mm rose gold case, a striking silver dial with rose gold leaf hands, and a brown alligator leather strap. It is also equipped with a high-quality sapphire crystal to protect the dial from any possible scratches or damage. In addition, there are three chronograph subdials strategically placed beside the 3, and 6 o’clock markers. These sub-dials are reserved for the 60-second and 30-minute counters, and the date and moonphase features.
Performance-wise, this watch is powered by Patek Philippe’s very own caliber CH 29-535 manual winding movement. This movement provides approximately 65 hours of reserve power when it is fully wound. With its extraordinary opulence and functionality, expect to spend around $159,709 USD for this Patek Philippe Complications watch.
Final Thoughts
Looking for the best watch to pair with your expensive suit will never be easy. Do not stress out yourself! We have made the task easier for you by listing some of the best timepieces available that perfectly complement whatever type of suit you may have. Whether it is a navy, black, or patterned fit, simply follow our guide, and find the ideal watch that matches your specific suit!
Looking for a guide about the best watch style that fits your profession? Check and read our article about Watch Styles for Different Professions.
All images courtesy of Watchshopping.com unless stated otherwise
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