How to Match a Watch With Your Outfit

The old rule was that the watch must match the occasion: dress watch with a suit, sport watch with casual. In practice, the more useful rule is simpler. Match the watch to the strap, and match the strap to the formality.

Metal bracelet for smart casual

A steel bracelet watch is the most versatile piece in most collections. It works with jeans and a t-shirt, with a chino and an oxford, and even under a suit if the case is slim enough. When in doubt, wear the steel watch.

Leather for dress occasions

A leather-strap watch reads formal and refined. Brown leather pairs with warm tones like sand, khaki and olive. Black leather pairs with black, charcoal and navy. Keep the leather thin for formal settings, and do not be afraid to swap a strap to change a watch entirely.

NATO and nylon for everyday

A NATO strap instantly makes any watch casual, durable and sweat friendly, which makes it ideal for Dhaka's heat. A watch that feels too formal on a bracelet can become your daily beater on a grey or olive NATO.

Match metal tones

Silver, gold and black hardware should echo each other. A steel watch with a silver buckle and silver rings works. If you wear gold jewellery, consider a watch with gold or two-tone accents so the metals do not compete.

• Suit and formal: slim case, leather strap, under 40mm
• Smart casual: steel bracelet, 38mm to 42mm
• Weekend and travel: NATO strap, tougher case

The best rule is the lightest one: if the watch feels natural when you glance at it, it is working. Nobody notices a watch that belongs.