How to Choose a Watch by Movement, Look and Daily Use

The easiest way to pick a watch that fits your style is to start with how it keeps time and where you will wear it, then look at the dial and strap. A self-winding mechanical suits a dressy look, a solar or quartz piece suits everyday wear, and an LED or smart model suits a casual, practical one.

Below, the 17 watches and accessories from our store are grouped that way, so you can go straight to the kind you care about.

How do you choose a watch that matches your style?

Ask three questions before you look at any photo:

• Where will it go? Office and evenings call for a clean dial and a leather strap. Weekends and travel can handle something sportier or more playful.
• How do you want to read it? A classic analogue face, a glowing tube dial or a touch-to-light LED display each give a very different feel.
• How much care are you willing to give it? Some movements need regular wearing, others run on a battery or light and ask for nothing.

What is the difference between mechanical, quartz and solar watches?

A self-winding (automatic) watch uses the motion of your wrist to wind its mainspring, so it keeps running as long as you wear it often enough; this overview of automatic watches explains how the mechanism works. A quartz watch uses a battery and a small quartz crystal to keep time, which is why it is the common low-maintenance choice, as the quartz clock article describes. A solar watch charges from light instead of needing a regular battery swap.

Which watches suit a dressy or office look?

These lean classic, with leather straps, crystals or visible movements.

Mechanical and display-back styles

A self-winding watch with a transparent design and a black leather band. It is described as comfortable, and it works equally well at the office or out for the evening.
Elegant Self Winding Transparent Mechanical Men Watches

A leather-strap mechanical watch with a vintage, retro look, described as available in several colors. It suits people who like a statement piece at work.
Steampunk Mechanical Retro Leather Men Watches

Crystals around the bezel, a round crystal dial and a leather strap. This is the dressier, more decorative option for special events.
Crystal Mechanical Transparent Leather Watch

Quiet, simple pieces

If you want a watch that looks refined but still connects to your phone, this Bluetooth smart watch is the one in this group that does both.
Elegant Flexible Timepiece Bluetooth Smart Watch

A sporty face on a durable leather strap. It sits between dressy and rugged.
Army Leather Belt Sport Watch

Which watches are good for warm, natural looks?

Wood and solar designs give you something less shiny and more distinctive.

Handcrafted, with an elegant design that stands out from the usual metal case.
Wooden Wonders Handmade Elegant Watch

Wood with a quartz movement. It is a plain, easy gift for someone who likes watches.
Luxury Wooden Simple Quartz Men Watch

A gold dial with a white face, a stainless steel caseback and band, and a solar-powered movement meant for long battery life.
Dragons Eye Elegant Solar Watch

Which watches are for a bold or playful style?

A nostalgic digital tube dial that mixes vintage looks with modern technology. It is a conversation starter.
Infinity Star Glowing Tube Watch

A quartz watch with a colorful design for people who want an accessory that is not plain.
Creative Multi Military Quartz Watch

Light, small and easy to carry, with a sport-classic look for any occasion.
Creative Adjustable Lighter Classic Sport Watch

Which watches are easiest for everyday and night use?

LED and touch displays let you read the time in the dark and need no winding. Check the product page for the exact water resistance rating of any watch marked waterproof before you swim or shower in it.

Touch the glass and the LED lights up to show the time, on an adjustable faux leather strap. You can read it at night too.
Digital Minimalist Waterproof LED Watch

A casual electronic touch watch designed for both men and women.
Unisex Casual Led Electronic Touch Watches

A lightweight LED wristband style for relaxed, casual wear.
LED Wristband Durable Paper Watch

A luminous wrist watch, handy when you want to see the dial in low light.
Waterproof Mentick Luminous Wrist Watch

A smartwatch paired with Bluetooth earphones, for people who want both in one purchase.
Elegant Bluetooth Earphones Smartwatch

How should you store a watch collection?

Each watch gets its own compartment, with solid dividers making three separate slots, so watches do not scratch each other the way they can in a loose roll. It also suits travel; for packing ideas see Get It Right With Your Next Trip.
Luxury Leather Watch Holder Case

Is a watch a good gift?

It can be, if you match it to the person: the wearer's usual clothes, whether they like to wind a watch or want none of that, and whether they would rather have a classic or a playful face. If they commute in changing weather, a compact umbrella makes a sensible add-on.