Continuing from where we left off on automatic and quartz watches, our focus shifts now to the more aesthetic aspect of selecting the right gentleman’s timepiece to convey just the very values you embody. And while so many different types of wristwatches are present out there, from silicon-strapped watches to digital ones with manifold functions, we’ll be zeroing in on the five main types that lend class to your smartest ensemble for any occasion: dress, field, diver, and aviator timepieces.
Dress Watch
All about simplicity and refinement, this harks back to the early 20th century and its ubiquity amongst the upper and middle class.
Highlights:
- Usually slim in profile
- Simple hour indexes adorned with Roman numerals
- Generally accompanied by leather strap
- Few complications
Field Watch
A descendant of the trench watches originated during WWI, these usually sport a military look for ruggedness and masculine style.
Highlights:
- Small to mid-sized
- Functional indexes for higher readability
- Typically comes with stainless steel casing
- Leather or canvas strap for mobility
Diver
Designed primarily for those who spend a lot of time in or near water, due to their greater water resistance; the Rolex Oyster is a famous example of a pioneer.
Highlights:
- Mid-sized
- Often comes with sapphire glass crystal and Arabic numerals
- Uni-directional bezel that only rotates counter-clockwise
- Metal band originally designed to fit round dive gear
Aviator
Designed with the intention of allowing easy timekeeping for pilots, it often comes augmented by a chronograph.
Highlights:
- Mid to large-sized
- Enhanced low-light reading with clean, legible numbers and luminous hands
- Longer than average band fits around the cuff of a pilot’s attire
- Typically comes with date and chronograph complications
