A watch is something you wear every day: it completes an outfit as much as it tells the time. At low prices, you can even own several and switch between them depending on the occasion. To choose well, ask yourself four questions: which style, which colour, which strap or bracelet and which movement?
Choosing a style
The classic watch
A clean dial, slim hands, a leather strap or a metal bracelet: the classic watch goes with everything, from jeans to office wear. It is the obvious choice if you only want to own one.
The jewellery watch
Finer and more decorative, the jewellery watch is worn like a bracelet, on its own or with other jewellery. It is ideal for an evening out or a formal occasion, or to dress up a simple outfit.
The sports watch
Lightweight and often fitted with a silicone strap, the sports watch copes better with everyday activity. Digital watches often offer functions such as a stopwatch or an alarm: the functions of each model are listed on its product page.
Choosing the colour
- Gold-tone: warm and bright, it goes well with gold-tone jewellery and warm-coloured outfits. See our gold-tone watches.
- Rose gold-tone: softer, it pairs beautifully with leather and pastel shades. See our rose gold-tone watches.
- Silver-tone: understated and modern, it goes with everything, especially silver-tone jewellery. See our silver-tone watches.
The simplest rule: match the colour of the case to your jewellery. These colours describe the finish of the watch, not a precious metal.
Choosing the strap or bracelet
- Leather: elegant and comfortable, it develops a patina over time, but it doesn't like water. See our leather strap watches.
- Mesh strap: a fine metal weave, supple and easy to adjust. See our mesh strap watches.
- Link bracelet: sturdy and dressy, it is shortened by removing links. See our link bracelet watches.
- Silicone: light, supple and washable, perfect for sport and summer. See our silicone strap watches.
Choosing the movement
Affordable watches are most often quartz: a battery powers them, they are accurate and they need almost no maintenance. Automatic watches wind themselves through the movement of your wrist, with no battery. Digital watches display the time on a screen. The movement of each watch is stated on its product page.
The right size
A dial that is too large or too small looks out of proportion on your wrist. For a women's watch, cases usually range from about 26 to 38 mm in diameter. Our size guide helps you choose based on your wrist size and explains how to adjust the strap or bracelet.
Buying a watch as a gift
A watch is a gift that lasts. To get it right, notice whether the person's jewellery is gold-tone, silver-tone or rose gold-tone, and choose a watch in the same colour. A classic model with an easy-to-adjust strap, such as a mesh one, fits almost any wrist. And if the model isn't right, you have 14 days from receipt to change your mind: see our returns conditions.