A great watch can tie a wedding suit together–here are some of our favorites.
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There's no better way to mark one of the most special times of your life than with an accessory that literally marks time. For grooms, a wedding watch can be both the perfect finishing touch to a wedding day look and the sort of everyday-wear keepsake that always takes you back to the moment. Today mens wedding watches are more popular than ever (likely due to the watch world experiencing an unprecedented boom these days) and can be the glue that holds a great wedding outfit together. Once you've got your suit fitted and your accessories sorted, consider adding a wedding watch to put the finishing touch on your look. Read on for everything you need to know to pick the perfect one (or how to pick the perfect one for a loved one tying the knot).
Editor Picks: The Best Wedding Watches for Men 2023-2024
I'm someone who doesn't make a big purchase without doing ample research first, and having just bought my first proper watch last year (which is to say one that isn't a childhood heirloom with Mickey Mouse on it) I can safely say I did my research. Most of my free Internet browsing time in 2022 was spent learning about sapphire crystals, how to spot a replacement dial versus an original one, and the difference between a good quartz movement and a bad one. Here are some favorites from those months spent down a horological rabbit hole that would look sharp on any groom's wrist on their wedding day.
Dan Henry 1939 Black + White Military Chronograph
In terms of getting the most bang for your buck, Dan Henry is the brand to beat. The brand's founder is a storied watch collector deeply immersed in the history of the field. His timepieces are often designed in homage to unique pieces in his collection, with this one designed after a popular military chronograph from the 1930s. For under $300 you get a watch that runs great with a handsome leather band that keeps time beautifully thanks to a high-quality quartz movement. With beautiful blue hands, a killer dial, and a simple color scheme that'll go great with almost any suit, this is the perfect watch for grooms looking to strap on a handsome timepiece without having to take out a second mortgage.
Citizen Rolan
Citizen is one of the biggest names in affordable watches for a reason. They do everything from dress watches to divers and they do them well. Their Rolan is a beautiful dress watch with a day-date function and a beautiful subtle gold dial. It oozes old money swagger and will look sharp on your wrist beneath your suit sleeve.
Hamilton Ventura
For a truly eye-catching and unique look, strap on Hamilton's iconic Ventura watch. Its retro-futuristic design was a favorite of Elvis Presley's, though more recent generations likely recognize it as the uniform watch of the Men in Black films. If it's good enough for The King (and Agent Jay), it's good enough for the rest of us. The Ventura will add a sharp stylistic touch to a suit (and especially to a tux) on your wedding day.
Seiko SS Rect
Square or rectangular watches (often known as "tanks" after the iconic Cartier Tank watch) are among those most associated with formal dress. They've been the perfect finishing touch to a good suit for years and that isn't changing any time soon. This one from Seiko, the Japanese juggernaut that blends quality construction with affordable pricing, is great for grooms who aren't ready to pay Cartier prices but still want to walk down the aisle with a tank.
Vaer A5 Atlas in Black
Vaer is another brand in the watch space that does a great job of drawing from history to bring classic design into the present. Their A5 Atlas is the sort of classic sports watch that can hold up to some wear and tear over time (perfect if you're going somewhere outdoorsy for your honeymoon) but still look classy with a wedding suit.
Tudor Black Bay 58
In a 2022 interview with GQ on his watch collection, actor Henry Golding recalls receiving a Tudor Black Bay from his wife on their wedding day. At the time Golding was still working as a travel show host, trekking through jungles and filming in countries ravaged by instability and civil war. His wife wanted to get him a wedding day watch that could hold up to Golding's turbulent pre-marquee idol lifestyle–enter the legendary Tudor Black Bay, the signature timepiece of the storied Swiss brand. Black Bays are some of the most iconic watches in the world, durable as hell without skimping on beautiful and versatile design. If you're looking for a truly special wedding day watch, this is a great choice.
Bulova Frank Sinatra Watch
Channeling a little Frank Sinatra into your wedding day suit is never a bad thing. Ol' Blue Eyes wore Bulova watches for much of his career and at one point the watchmaker even sponsored his TV series The Frank Sinatra Show. Now, the Bulova Frank Sinatra Watch stands both as a tribute to one of their most storied spokesman and a stellar, subtle dress watch full of subtle swagger and class alike.
Longines Flagship Heritage
Longines makes Swiss watchmaking accessible to all, bringing stellar design and craftsmanship to the masses at more affordable price points than their competitors. Their Flagship Heritage dress watch is as great a testament to this ethos as anything in their line, pairing a handsome black dial with a beautiful alligator strap. It's elegant and eye-catching, exactly what you want peeking out from your shirt sleeve when you've suited up.
Timex Q Diver
Timex's Q series comes loaded with vintage vibes, from the groovy link bracelet to the retro typeface on the dial and bezel. It pairs great with a suit that channels similar old-school vibes. Bring that energy to your wedding day watch for under $200.
Tag Heuer Monaco
The Tag Heuer Monaco is among the most storied watches in the world thanks to Steve McQueen donning one in his legendarily audacious film Le Mans. It's been a staple of racing culture since (these days you can see Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen wearing the Monaco regularly) but you don't have to be behind the wheel of a Porsche racecar to channel your inner McQueen Cool on your wedding day.
Tissot PRX
A staple of the '70s, this edition of the Tissot PRX comes in a cool yellow gold finish. It's a stretch flashier than a watch with a steel or leather band, but hey, it's your wedding day! If there's a time to be flashy, this is it.
Casio Gold Analog Dress Watch
Need a wedding day watch for under $50 that really doesn't look like it cost under $50? Casio has you covered. From the imitation croc leather band to the gold finish, it's a killer dress watch for an even more killer price.
BREDA Pulse Watch
The folks at BREDA consistently make some of the weirdest and most wonderful pieces in the world of affordable watches. You'll almost certainly be the only person showing up to your wedding with a watch quite like their quirky, chic Pulse.
Watch Gang
Maybe you want your wedding watch to be a surprise–or even a series of surprises. Enter Watch Gang, a subscription service that will send you a new watch monthly, quarterly, or on-demand–for keeps! They pull from an array of trusted small brands and industry titans alike and have tiered plans available depending on your budget. With some planning, you could have a whole arsenal of wedding watches to choose from by the time your big day rolls around rather than just the one–you could even swap out a new one before the reception.
Men's Wedding Watch Frequently Asked Questions
Should men wear a watch on their wedding day?
In short? It's ultimately up to you! However, a watch is an accessory that can really tie a wedding look together. I'm personally of the opinion that a suit doesn't look quite right without one peeking out from under the sleeve. Additionally, a new watch can be a great way to commemorate a special day. Alternatively, a vintage or heirloom piece gifted by or passed down from a loved one can bring a personal touch to your wedding day. After all, who says "something borrowed" is just for brides?
Should a wedding watch match the rest of the groom's accessories? What about the wedding ring?
A groom's wedding watch should match their suit and accessories, yes. This doesn't so much mean that every single detail needs to be aligned. It's more an extension of the general rule that you don't mix metals when accessorizing. If your cufflinks and tie bar are silver, you probably shouldn't wear a watch with a gold finish or gold band and vice versa (the exception to this is two-tone steel and gold watches - you're good either way with those). It's also generally a good move to make sure your watch's band pairs with your belt and shoes as well. This means no brown bands with black shoes or black bands with brown belts and shoes.
As far as the wedding ring goes, you don't need to worry about matching it to anything. That's a forever-accessory and supercedes any rules of dress or accessorizing.
Do watches make good gifts for grooms?
Absolutely! A watch given by a best man, a parent of the bride or groom, or the groom's fiance can make for a lovely wedding day gift. Watches aren't like wedding day tuxedos–grooms can get daily wear out of them after tying the knot and it can be a special thing to wear a keepsake like that every day.
FAQs
Does the bride give the groom a watch? ›
The wedding watch, the ring of these gentlemen! Traditionally, the bride gives a prestigious watch to her future husband as an engagement gift.
Should men wear a watch on wedding day? ›Surprisingly versatile and elegant, a classic watch will make any bride look put together and can easily turn into a wardrobe essential once the big day is over. For grooms, watches are a bit more common and should always be considered when looking for the perfect accessory to go along with a tux.
Do you wear a watch to a formal wedding? ›As with all formal occasions, the watch is an accessory and should be subtle, understated and elegant. When wearing a formal suit, you should always wear a dress watch.
What does a watch symbolize as a gift? ›A watch is a daily reminder of the person who gifted it to you. Watches are a meaningful gift, you wear them on your wrist and are reminded daily of the person who gave them to you. Gifting a watch is a way to tell someone that you care about them, and want to be present in their everyday life.
What does the watch mean at a wedding gift? ›A watch is not only a practical gift to keep track of time, but a reminder to spend every moment we can doing what we love with the ones we love. Gifting a watch tells the love of your life you cherish your time together and that he's on your mind every minute of this special day!
Should you wear a watch with a suit? ›Depending on what kind of look they like and what or for what occasion, watch choice is a very personal choice for lots of men. When it comes to wearing a suit, wearing a watch to accompany a suit is not essential, but is recommended to help tie in and complete the final look.
Is it tradition to buy groom a watch? ›And yes, there is a tradition of the groom buying groomsmen matching timepieces. Plenty of men have bought their bride-to-be a watch to wear on her wedding day – and an engagement ring.
Is a watch a good gift for men? ›Watches are one of the most classic gifts for men. They're a classic piece of jewelry that can last for decades, and they're also an investment that will impress him every time he wears them. If you're looking for gift ideas for your Man or boyfriend, consider a good-quality watch.
What is the rule to wear a watch? ›Most people wear watches on their left wrist because the majority of people are right-handed. This traditional rule means you'll be freer and more able to complete tasks with your dominant hand without your wristwatch getting in the way.
Do you wear a watch with evening gown? ›If you are wearing a casual evening dress, you can sport a brown or black leather-strap wristwatch. If you are looking for a formal, classy, and durable wristwatch, go for stainless steel designs.
What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›
Avoid sequined dresses and any clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement. Ditch your everyday jeans and tee. Even if the wedding initiation says “casual”, wearing sneakers, t-shirts, shorts, and jeans are never appropriate for a wedding.
What does wearing a watch say about a person? ›Regardless of the style of watch, people who wear watches are seen as dependable and reliable. To others, seeing a watch on someone's wrist says that that person is punctual and values not only his or her time but other people's time. After all, time is money, friend.
Are watches a symbol of wealth? ›Watches have often served as status symbols for many, many years, often being a key indicator of a person's taste levels and wealth.
Does gifting watch breaks relationship? ›It is said to bring bad luck. It is believed that it damages the relationship. Watches or Clocks: It is believed that if you give watches or clocks to your loved ones, your relationship might be over like the clock stops ticking. Brings bad luck.
Is a watch an intimate gift? ›You may not know this, but the gift of a watch is seen as intimate and personal, so this isn't something you would buy for a co-worker – unless you had a very close relationship. Instead, it's an excellent gift for the lady in your life who has just secured her first job, a major contract, or a promotion.
What is the tradition of giving watches? ›The watch to celebrate an engagement
At the time of engagement, the woman receives a ring with a diamond whose hardness originally represented the strength of the couple. Giving the man a watch is another symbol, a pledge of the couple's eternity. In other words, the object represents the passing of time.
A dark conservative suit pairs best with a classic dress watch or a diver watch with a leather strap. Business Casual – A light-colored suit with no necktie complements a high-end Chrono, pilot, or field watch. Casual – If a watch has a metal band, it is considered less formal.
What watches go well with a suit? ›In Relation to Suit Color
Select a black watch band or, for cocktail dress, a silver or gold band to pop with shimmer and contrast. Navy Suit: Another traditional option, navy tends to work better with cooler tones. As navy and black can easily look mismatched, pick a brown leather or silver watch band.
So we can say that a watch with a white or black dial is a safe choice for all occasions: they are (more or less) watches that go with everything. Of course, it's hard to go wrong when wearing something classic, such as black or white - it's a rule that also applies to clothing.
What does the groom's parents buy? ›What Does the Groom's Family Pay For, Traditionally? The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres for immediate members of both families, the lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense), and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner.
What is a marriage watch? ›
A marriage watch is a timepiece that has 'married' an older object. Basically it is a pocket watch converted into a wristwatch, combining an original movement with other original parts and/or non-original parts.
What does groom pay for traditionally? ›The groom's family financed the rehearsal dinner, the officiant's fee, marriage license, and the groom paid for the bride's engagement and wedding rings and honeymoon.
What does a watch symbolize in a man? ›A WATCH SYMBOLIZES TIME.
Wearing a wristwatch is a man's relationship to the past, connection to time & a hallmark of his style & who he is. Great men have worn watches for hundreds of years & will continue to wear watches for hundreds more.
It is always best to stick to conservative colors — which is why a blue watch face is your best bet. It's tried and true, like a tuxedo — effortlessly classy. Outside of blue and sticking with the conservative theme, black and light-to-medium grey watch faces also work.
Why do some people wear expensive watches? ›Why do some people wear expensive watches? Answer 1: The most important reason why someone wants to wear a luxury timepiece is to demonstrate that they can afford it. They use it to show off their wealth and perhaps social status. Answer 2: This is because some brands are a symbol of their social status and wealth.
Does wearing watch right hand mean? ›As a rule of thumb, most people wear a watch on their non-dominant hands. On the left hand for a right-handed person and right hand for lefties.
Can you wear a watch to a formal event? ›Traditionally, wearing a timepiece with a tuxedo to a formal affair was a no-no because it was considered rude to watch the time. Fortunately today it is completely acceptable as long as you select a timepiece that is appropriate, formal and elegant.
Should a dress watch be gold or silver? ›Gold can be seen as more delicate and understated at times, whilst also being good for more formal or flashy occasions. Silver coloured watches can do for both formal and casual occasions and silver can make a great statement too.
Can I wear black watch at my wedding? ›You can absolutely wear black to a wedding.
What color should you not wear to a wedding? ›Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.
What colors should men not wear to a wedding? ›
White: You don't wear white to a wedding. Sure, you're not going to be confused for the bride, but just don't. Not casual, not formal, just never. Boutonnieres: These are also typically for the wedding party only, so opt for items like lapel pins and pocket squares for interest instead.
Why can't you wear red to a wedding? ›“Tradition dictates guests avoid wearing red out of fear that it could take attention away from the happy couple,” explains Hurwitz. “Visually, it's quite bold. In a photo, your eye is immediately drawn to the color, especially if it's next to neutrals like white, black, gray, or beige.”
Does the groom get a gift from the bride? ›The Bride and Groom Gift Exchange
It has become customary for brides and grooms to exchange gifts and vows and rings when they get married. While it is considered an "optional tradition", this type of sentimental gift exchange between couples on their wedding day is becoming increasingly popular.
Should you honor this wedding tradition? Exchanging gifts is completely optional, so our best tip is to talk the idea out with your future spouse.
What does brides family give to the groom? ›A dowry is a payment, such as property or money, paid by the bride's family to the groom or his family at the time of marriage.
Do you wear the engagement ring on your wedding day? ›Traditionally, after accepting a proposal you will also accept an engagement ring. This symbolic ring is then worn on the fourth finger of your left hand throughout your engagement. On your wedding day, the wedding band will go on that same finger towards the end of the ceremony.
How much money do you give the bride and groom? ›They suggest the following breakdown: coworkers or distant relatives should spend 50 to 75 dollars. Friends or relatives, 75 to 100 dollars. For close friends, family, or if you are in the wedding party, you should spend 100 to 150 dollars—or more.
Does the groom pay for anything at the wedding? ›The groom is traditionally expected to pay for the marriage license and officiant's fees, and buy the bouquet for his "date" (the bride), as well as her engagement and wedding rings and a gift; he should also purchase boutonnieres and gifts for his groomsmen.
Does the groom get his parents a gift? ›Should you give gifts to your parents for your wedding? You may be wondering, "Do you have to get your parents wedding gifts?" Yes, it's customary to give parents and parents-in-law gifts before, on or shortly after the wedding day.
Who buys the mother of the groom gift? ›Who Buys the Mother of the Groom Gift? Typically, a groom will buy their mum a gift, but it's also a lovely gesture if their partner buys a gift for their future mother-in-law, too. This will show how much you both appreciate the mother of the groom and all the help and support she has given with wedding planning.
Who gives the groom away at a wedding? ›
The most common is for the grandparents to be seated first, followed by the groom's parents and the bride's mother. Then, the officiant leads the groom, best man, and groomsmen to the altar, often from the side instead of down the aisle.
At what age do parents not pay for wedding? ›Traditionally, parents pay for children's weddings. Although the bride's side will cater for most expenses, this is not mandatory. Again, there's no set age at which parents should stop paying for their children's weddings.
How much money should the groom's parents give? ›Splitting wedding costs equally between the couple and their families is becoming more common across the board: The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study found that couples pay approximately 49% of their wedding costs, with their families covering the rest at 51%.
Does the groom buy himself a ring? ›Tradition has it that each person pays for the other person's ring. So in a traditional wedding, the groom or his family would pay for the bride's ring, and the bride or her family would pay for the groom's ring.
Who walks the groom in? ›The Groom: The groom proceeds to walk down the aisle accompanied by their parents, with his father on the left and his mother on the right. The Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids then proceed in pairs, starting with those standing farthest from the bride. The Maid or Matron of Honor: The bride's right-hand woman walks alone.