From pocket watches to modern-day designs, timepieces have been the must-have accessory for suits for centuries. They started out as a status symbol for the upper class and to this day exude an air of refinement that will elevate your occasion outfits to the next level.

Not all watches are made equal though. Some are suited to sports while others contain the latest technology, and quality ranges from questionable to ‘great for generations’. Follow this guide to find the perfect dress watch to wear with your suits that will stand the test of time.

Key features of a dress watch

When browsing lists of luxury watches online or in-store, look out for models with these key features to ensure a seamless fit with your suits:

1. Style

A dress watch should be easy to conceal beneath your shirt cuff, so opt for a slim and simple style rather than a model with a bulky case.

2. Materials

Prioritise the quality of the materials so your watch matches the standard of your upmarket outfit. Look for luxury touches such as sapphire-crystal glass and precious metals or gemstones on the watch face, and a real leather strap if you prefer a fabric fastening.

3. Colour

Make sure your timepiece complements the colour of your other accessories and suit fabric, so it doesn’t stand out negatively. The easiest way to do this is to match elements such as pairing a brown leather watch strap with brown leather shoes and belt, or a silver bracelet with silver cufflinks and tie clip.

4. Complications

Consider getting a watch with complications such as a date window, mood phase indicator or stopwatch functionality. The additional detail in the design gives it subtle sophistication and makes it more useful to boot.

Top watch brands to consider

There’s no shortage of renowned brands selling exquisite dress watches. In particular, Swiss watchmakers have a heritage of innovation and expert craftsmanship, dating back centuries. Investigate the top luxury names in watchmaking such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet and find the models that best fit your style.

Each brand will have a dress watch collection designed specifically to be worn with smart suits. For OMEGA – official timekeeper for the Olympics since 1932 – this is the De Ville range, in particular the Prestige watches which feature gold casing and thin leather straps. British brand Bremont, best known for their hardy military and diving watches, has a more modern dress watch collection which champions minimalism with contrastingly vintage watch faces.