Should you match your watch to your wedding ring?

It's recommended to match the metal in your watch to the metal of your engagement ring or wedding bands. So, if your ring is rose gold , try wearing a rose gold watch.

Is it appropriate for a bride to wear a watch on the wedding day?

A watch is an elegant and versatile alternative to a bracelet and is appropriate for a bride or a groom.

Should you match your watch to your gown or tux?

Opt for a watch that complements your overall look rather than one that matches exactly or stands out too much.

20 Best Classic Watches to Wear On Your Wedding Day

A watch might not be the first item that comes to mind when you think about traditional wedding jewelry, but the right piece can really elevate a look. Surprisingly versatile and elegant, a classic watch will make any bride look put together and can easily turn into a wardrobe essential once the big day is over.

For grooms, watches are a bit more common and should always be considered when looking for the perfect accessory to go along with a tux. But instead of strapping on the leather watch you wear on a daily basis, or a smartwatch that also counts your steps, you might want to look for something more refined and classic.

Brides who are thinking of swapping a bracelet for a watch should go for something understated, especially if your gown features intricate beadwork. Jeweler Apeksha Kothari says, "I'd generally recommend a bracelet-style watch with a slim band. You want the dress to be the star of the show here, so best to go subtle." If you're wearing a solid-colored gown, you can opt for something more ornate. She adds, "The watch should complement, not overshadow the other elements of the look."

For grooms, picking a watch is a little easier. Kothari still recommends that grooms go subtle, saying, "For weddings, you want to stick with something classic and neutral. Tempting as it might be to show off that Rolex, we suggest leaving the bling at home in favor of brands like Shinola and Daniel Wellington."

No-fuss styles such as link, lather, and metal mesh straps are great choices.

When watch shopping, take your wedding theme into consideration as well, just as you would when looking for any other type of jewelry. For a beach wedding, go for something more casual; for a formal black-tie affair, Kothari suggests the groom wear a watch with a black face.

You'll also want to match your watch to the metal type of your ring. "A silver watch with a rose gold wedding ring would look a little odd, for example," Kothari says. "Same applies to the cufflinks and men's wedding band. You want your metals to match, otherwise, it's a distraction." You could also your watch as a sentimental piece of jewelry—the perfect "something borrowed!"

Need some suggestions? Here's a look at some perfect classic watches for your big day.

Our Top Picks

For the Classic Groom:

Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes Watch, 36mm at Bloomingdales

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Best Rose Gold Watch:

Shinola The Birdy 34MM at Shinola.com

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For a Beach Wedding:

Daniel Wellington Iconic Motion at Danielwellington.com

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Best Touch of Sparkle:

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding at Vacheron-constantin.com

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Most Unique:

Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Watch at Bulgari.com

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Best for Black-Tie Grooms:

Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes Black Face Watch at Danielwellington.com

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Most Sparkly Choice:

Piaget Treasures High Jewellery Watch at Piaget.com

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For the Traditional Groom:

Shinola The Vinton 38MM at Shinola.com

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Best Leather Band:

Tiffany & Co Atlas 1-Hand 24MM Watch at Tiffany.com

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Best Gold Watch:

Bulova Classic Sutton Watch at Bulova.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
FAQ

Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes Watch, 36mm

Bloomingdale's

View On Bloomingdales

This sophisticated timepiece has a minimalist look to it which means it will go with almost any style. The leather band is also interchangeable if you want to eventually switch it up.

Shinola

View On Shinola.com

The thin rose gold band on this watch is delicate and feminine and would match perfectly with a rose gold ring. The mother-of-pearl face gives it a little extra glimmer.

Daniel Wellington

View On Danielwellington.com

This functional all-black watch is just the right amount of luxe and casual for a groom to wear to a beach wedding. The touches of gold add a little something special.

Vacheron Constantin

View On Vacheron-constantin.com

With a leather band, steel case, 18K pink gold bezel set, and 84 small round-cut diamonds, this watch is both elegant and refined. It adds just a touch of subtle sparkle to any look.

Bulgari

View On Bulgari.com

If understated isn't your thing, opt for this serpent-shaped watch that will definitely make a statement. The face is full of brilliant-cut diamonds for sparkle, and the two-tone band gives it a unique look.

Daniel Wellington

View On Danielwellington.com

Opt for the St. Mawes watch with a black face for a black-tie wedding, as per Kothari's advice. It's elegant and sophisticated, and just simple enough.

Piaget

View On Piaget.com

If you're wearing a solid-colored dress, add some sparkle to your look with this dazzling Piaget watch. The floral design makes it even more beautiful.

Shinola

View On Shinola.com

The simple, no-frills design of this stainless steel Shinola piece makes it ideal for the traditional groom who wants to wear something classic. It will go with nearly anything.

Tiffany & Co

View On Tiffany.com

With its black leather band and the small diamonds dotting the face, this watch is the perfect mix of sparkle and simplicity. It adds just a little extra glitz.

Bulova

View On Bulova.com

To match a gold ring or band, there's this sturdy all-gold Bulova pick. It's a classic choice, with small diamonds studding the face for something special.

Cartier

View On Cartier.com

If you're looking to splurge on a wedding day watch, this Cartier choice is an excellent pick. It's made up of white gold and 127 brilliant-cut diamonds for tons of sparkle.

Vacheron Constantin

View On Vacheron-constantin.com

For something subtle but still unique, this one is a great choice. With the platinum set and ultra-thin leather band, it's versatile and classic

Tiffany & Co

View On Tiffany.com

Instead of a round watch, opt for a square shape, which is a little more unique. This one features a leather band and gold accents for a timeless look.

Bloomingdale's

View On Bloomingdales

This gold watch manages to feel both dressed up and casual at the same time. The mother-of-pearl face features the Gucci bee in the center.

Bulgari

View On Bulgari.com

If you want your watch to be your something blue, but you don't actually want a blue watch, this is the one you want to go for. The blue numbers are subtle but fun, and the white gold and diamond band make this elegant.

Shinola

View On Shinola.com

For the groom who wants something simple, there's this design. With its brown leather band and gold touches, it's versatile and can be worn well beyond the wedding.

Daniel Wellington

View On Danielwellington.com

Delicate and simple, yet still beautiful, this Daniel Wellington sterling silver design is perfect for your big day. It's also versatile enough to be worn every day.

Piaget

View On Piaget.com

For grooms who want to add some sparkle to their look, there's this Piaget watch. The dial set features 630 brilliant-cut diamonds that make this one really glitter.

Bloomingdale's

View On Bloomingdales View On Kay.com

This watch features a thin and very simple band and face and comes in rose gold, gold, or silver. The sunray dial with mother-of-pearl overlay is unique and so pretty.

Daniel Wellington

View On Amazon View On Danielwellington.com

Simple, elegant, and ideal for anyone, this watch features a black leather thin band, white face, and gold accents. The versatility makes it a great buy.

Meet the Expert

Apeksha Kothari is the COO of Rare Carat diamond marketplace and is part of the fifth generation of her family working in the diamond industry.

FAQ

Should you match your watch to your wedding ring?

It's recommended to match the metal in your watch to the metal of your engagement ring or wedding bands. So, if your ring is rose gold, try wearing a rose gold watch.
Is it appropriate for a bride to wear a watch on the wedding day?

A watch is an elegant and versatile alternative to a bracelet and is appropriate for a bride or a groom.
Should you match your watch to your gown or tux?

Opt for a watch that complements your overall look rather than one that matches exactly or stands out too much.