Gold-tone Excellanc ladies' watch brown dial 36 mm

The first thing you notice is the colour pairing: a warm brown dial framed by a gold-tone case. It looks rich without trying too hard, and the round face reads clearly at a glance.

On the dial, Arabic numerals alternate with baton markers, so you can tell the time in a second, even when you are rushing for the bus. It is the kind of layout that stays tidy and uncluttered, which suits the brown background nicely.

At 36 mm across, this Excellanc women's watch sits comfortably on the wrist. You will see it, and so will everyone else, but it never turns into a bulky statement piece. It works with a crisp white shirt on Monday morning and with a simple dress on Saturday night.

The gold-tone metal bracelet is made of links and is 17 mm wide, with a total length of 18.5 cm including the case. If it is a little loose, you can take out one or more links to get the fit right, and our watch size guide explains how to measure your wrist before you start. A deployant clasp closes it securely and keeps the watch from slipping off when you open it.

Inside, a quartz movement keeps the time reliably, with analogue hands and no fuss. The mineral glass over the dial is more scratch-resistant than a plastic crystal, which helps the face stay clear over time.

To build a matching look, try it with other gold-tone jewellery such as fine chains, small hoops or a slim ring. The brown and gold combination is warm enough to sit well with autumn knits, yet just as easy with summer linen.