Who a watch suits
A watch suits someone who wears one, or who has said they miss wearing one. It is a lasting gift for a graduation, a milestone birthday, a new job or an anniversary, and it can be as plain as a digital watch for the gym or as dressy as a metal bracelet for work.
It also suits someone who dresses well and likes a finishing touch. A good watch is noticed every day, and the person wearing it thinks of the giver each time they check the time.
What to look for in a watch
- Style. A dress watch is slim with a plain face. A sports or field watch has a larger case and a tougher strap. A digital watch has a screen rather than hands, and often adds an alarm and a stopwatch.
- Case size. Around 28 to 34 mm is a small case, and 40 mm and above is large. Look at the watch they wear now and stay close to that size.
- Strap. Leather looks warm and dressy, metal lasts and resists sweat, and silicone suits exercise. A strap can be swapped later.
- Movement. Most are quartz, powered by a battery, which is accurate and low-maintenance. An automatic winds itself as the wearer moves and needs no battery.
- Water resistance. A figure such as 30 metres means splashes only. It is not a promise they can swim in it.
- Metal tone. Silver, gold and rose gold tones exist. Choose the tone of the jewellery they wear.
When a watch is the wrong gift
If they check the time on their phone and never wear a watch, it won't be worn. If they already wear a watch they love, yours has to be clearly different to earn a place on the wrist. A smartwatch may suit someone who wants more than the time, and a different gift may suit someone who dislikes anything on their wrist.