How to Buy a Dress Watch

A dress watch pulls together your everyday business suit.

When you wear a stylish dress watch to an important business meeting or special event in your life, you show your sense of style. This accessory can bring your whole ensemble together, from business office attire to a wedding gown. When you buy a dress watch, there are several factors to consider that can help you decide on just the right watch. Knowing what to look for when buying a dress watch will help you be happy with your purchase for years to come.

Instructions

1. Decide why you want to buy a dress watch, for instance, a watch for particular events, such as weddings, or whether you will wear the watch on numerous occasions, such as at dinner parties or the office.

2. Examine your existing jewelry collection. Think about whether you want a dress watch that coordinates with your existing pieces, or one that is completely different. Men who don't wear many pieces of jewelry may consider buying a dress watch to match their wedding ring. Women who have a variety of pieces in a variety of materials may consider buying a watch that matches the material their wear most often.

3. Decide on the type of wristband. Metal or leather make suitable materials for a dress watch. Men may consider a stainless steel watch that can go from the office to an office party with no trouble. For women, a pearl band is suitable for weddings and the like, and a plain gold or silver band transfers well from the office to a client dinner.

4. Consider any added features you want for the dress watch. If you plan to buy a dress watch that is versatile, think about waterproof options, those with the date on the face and solar powered watches. The more elegant styles may include those with diamond or crystal accents in place of numerals and pearl or sapphire crystal faces.

5. Decide on a price range you will consider spending on the watch and only look at watches within that price point. Elegant dress watches come in a wide scale of prices at jewelry and department stores. If you are on a limited budget and are fine with a plain leather band, the options may be wider than if your tastes run more to the 24k gold-plated with diamond accents.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix and match metals. If you normally wear gold jewelry, mix it up and buy a silver plated dress watch.

References

• New Watch Guide: How to Select a Good Dress Watch
• Men's Health: Flash Your Dress Watch