How to pair a watch with an outfit for different occasions?

Interview by Carl Thompson for Est1897 brought to you by H&T Pawnbrokers

How would you pair a watch with an outfit for different occasions, for example, a business meeting or a weekend trip to the beach?

This is a great question and one of the reasons why I love having a mini or let’s say modest watch collection. I say this because I have seen a few private watch collectors with boxes piled to the ceiling in my time so am always mindful of what I can justify mine as. 

When I’m in the market to buy a new watch for my collection, my first thoughts are: What occasion would I wear this for? Then, have I got anything else similar already? If you only have a small assortment of watches at your disposal, I would avoid having anything too similar. A small collection of watches of different colours, metals, straps, styles, purposes etc will cater for more outfits and occasions.

For me the key element is less the occasion, but the people and environment I might find myself in. For example, if it's a business meeting I want something that will omit my professional side. Although I don't want to wear the most expensive dress watch just to impress potential clients. I find that sort of stuff really garish. Something like a Tudor Black Bay watch which retails at around £2,500-£3,500 would be my pick.

For a date night with Tuula I still like to dress to impress. For example, a Tag Heuer that will compliment a smart dress event or of course a Rolex because in my eyes I could wear a Rolex with anything! This will normally be that moment where I'd wear a dress watch. I'm proud to have Tuula on one arm and even prouder to have my dress watch on the other. Wait, did I get that the right way round? 

If, on those rare summer days where we can enjoy the outdoors, maybe a long dog walk, heading to the coast for a swim, going for a run, exploring, trekking – you get the picture. Then pairing a watch becomes a little easier because I would then choose a watch for a specific purpose. For swimming try the Omega Seamaster, Rolex Submariner or IWC Aquatimer. For trekking and exploring what about a Breitling Endurance Pro or the Bremont U-2 watch.

Finally, I look at what I’m wearing, in particular the colours and try to match a watch that compliments my style. In its absolute basic terms, if I’m wearing a navy suit I would choose a watch with a navy watch face, bezel or strap. A black suit then a watch with black and silver elements.

What do you look for as features in a timepiece?

This depends. I think ultimately, I like to know the time instantly when I look at a watch. As basic as that sounds, it does bug me on occasions that a busy watch, (one with many complications) or one with an intentionally dull dial face, will detract from the main purpose, telling the time. For example I was in a position not so long ago where I could enter into a 'bid' for the Omega Seamaster Professional 300 from “No Time To Die”. However, when I got to see the watch in the flesh, it had a very grey 'pond-like' vibe about it. I couldn't dig it at all, and it was quite tricky to tell the time at a glance. So I normally gravitate to a classic-clean dial face. It has to be over 38mm as I don't want it to look too small on my wrist. I have a thing for alligator straps, in keeping with a classic theme. 

Do you have a favourite watch from your own collection?

My favourite watch would be either my Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean or the one I wear the most which is a Tag Heuer Aquaracer. My Omega was the first watch that I ever bought myself and I recall savings for three years to get it, hence why it has pride of place in my collection – although I don’t wear it that much these days. This is in stark contrast to my Tag Heuer Aquaracer that I got at a snip for about £700 from H&T. It’s my everyday luxury watch and I wear it with less anxiety than my Omega. 

How did you discover the benefits of pre-owned timepieces?

When I first bought watches it would always be from new. But as I extend my collection, I look beyond the price tag and find the story behind the watch much more fascinating. Buying pre-owned makes me think about the history of the watch and comes with the added bonus of being more accessibly priced.

Is there a watch brand or model that has always been on your wish list?

Wish list has always been a Rolex Submariner. Or a Rolex from my birth year. However on the most recent H&T shoot I wore a Hublot Classic Fusion and a Breitling Super Ocean watch which I fell in love with!

What initially sparked your interest in watches?

Lights out and away we go! In the early days, I was influenced a lot by F1 motor-racing and what my idols were wearing. The sport has such a deep-rooted history working with luxury watch sponsors and as a kid that grew up near Brands Hatch in Kent – there was always going to be this affection toward watches. I recall a memory in the 90’s when Ayrton Senna wore a Tag Heuer watch and he had just won his 2nd World Championship with McLaren; that was a beautiful moment. In more recent times, as a Lewis Hamilton fan that has followed him since his early karting days – I now have a passion for IWC watches. The industry fascinated me, it still does. 

Why do you think watches are sentimental to you and do you think that’s a universal feeling? 

Tough question as everyone will have a different answer to this. Some people will love watches just because they love watches. Others as a fashion piece. Maybe some just see it as an investment. However, for me it’s more than that, it’s the legacy, the story, the sentiment (using your word) that a timepiece holds. Those that have inherited them from their fathers or those that plan to pass down to their future generations – must feel a connection to a watch that only they can understand. Though that doesn't resonate with me. I think a watch is something easy to see and acts as a decent reminder. A bit like a photo in a locket. You can look at it, remember someone or something, and feel good instantaneously. Maybe that's it.