A watch tells the time, but don’t be fooled; it also says more about what you than any other piece of clothing.
It makes sense. Unlike your favourite shirt or checkered tie, a watch accompanies throughout the whole journey. It there’s when you drag yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn, there when you finally clock off after a long day’s work, there when you shake hands and land that huge life-changing business deal, and even there when you hold your baby for the first time.
This makes choosing a watch a decision that should be taken with due care — not rushed or dictated by what’s currently on sale or in trend at the moment. As your profession is also something that says bags about you, one of the best ways to do this is by matching up styles of timepieces with the type of people and trades they compliment.
Consult our brief guide to choosing the right timepiece for your profession below, and get a clear idea of which type of watch fits your needs, style, and the manner in which you want to be regarded.
The engineer
The engineer needs a watch that is suitable for whatever occasion may arise — from dusty on-site visits to crucial client meetings. That makes simplicity and functionality of the highest priority, two characteristics that are synonymous with dive watches.
Being of modest size and encased in solid steel, pilot watches don’t look out of place with a shirt and steel toe cap boots and yet pair just as well with formal attire. A classic example being the Rolex Submariner that rose to fame after adorning the wrist of the international man of mystery, James Bond.
The primary selling point of dive watches is that they’re water resistant, making them robust and long-lasting. But their biggest appeal is undoubtedly their iconic style and features such as the uni-directional bezel that usually sits on the case.
The writer
In general, writers are known for being people of the world — explorers, artists, and all round purveyors of truth. For this reason, a watch that can adjust to any time zone in a single button is a big asset, particularly if it’s situated on a rugged field watch.
The field watch is a descendant of the WWI trench watch, a timepiece designed for officers who needed something that could withstand the rigours of battle and at the same time look great. This gives field watches a stylish and military-esque vibe and makes them incredibly practical in all situations and lighting conditions.
Depending on whether you get one with a canvas or leather band, field watches can be easy to dress up or down. But to keep it traditional, pick one up with a stainless steel case and a high contrast dial
The CEO
Although it may be tempting to opt for a dazzling gold Patek Phillipe, it’s always a better idea — and always makes a better impression — if you opt for something a little more classy, humble, and yet no less astonishing.
What immediately comes to mind is a vintage chronograph, a rich piece of history and a clear but subtle statement for a CEO or manager in the modern business world. Models like the Omega Speedmaster or the Rolex Pre-Daytona offer wearers something that little bit special while not biting everyone’s ears off about it. They also make the perfect companion to smart-casual dress or a suit-and-tie, adding a touch of class and drawing the eye with their elegance and superiority.
