Getting the most from your wardrobe means equipping it with a few choice accessories. These might include rings, pendants, sunglasses, and other small items that can be worn with just about everything, and that will provide a unifying thread that joins everything you wear.

Of course, for the discerning gentleman, there’s no better accessory than the wristwatch. For decades, it’s been indispensable, especially for formal occasions. Even in the modern age, where you’re never far from a digital screen, a classic mechanical watch will provide an escape, providing you with something that’s practical and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.

How to choose a watch

You should choose a watch that suits your lifestyle. If you’re outdoors for much of the time, then you might go for something sporty – perhaps even equipped with a heart rate monitor and other goodies. For business, something classic like a Patek Philippe or a Hublot might work nicely.

Your budget should be critical. Set it out before you start shopping. If you find that you honestly can’t tell the difference between a £10 watch and a £10,000 one, then go for the former. If you’re going to spend big, then it’s worth looking at what makes an expensive watch expensive. That way, you’ll have a good idea of whether the item is going to hold its value, and whether it’s something you can pass down to your children.

Making sure the watch fits

A watch that doesn’t fit properly isn’t going to look very good, no matter how much engineering has gone into it. If you can fit a finger between the strap and your arm, then the fit is too loose. Metal bracelets can be resized by removing or adding links. In some cases, this can mean spending big.

If you’ve got several different watches that don’t fit properly, then it might be worth trading one in so that you can enjoy the remainder. This is where pawnbrokers come in useful. You might pick up a heavily discounted watch from a reputable name in the process, too.

One other faux pax to look out for is a watch face that’s too big for your wrist. You don’t want to look as though you’ve borrowed the watch of someone much bigger than you are.

Finally, it’s worth considering where you shouldn’t wear a certain kind of watch under any circumstances. If your watch isn’t built for sport, then you should leave it in the locker room – or at home. Don’t wear it in the bathroom either – or in bed.