Every single accessory piece from our wardrobe has a sentimental value. Otherwise, we wouldn’t buy and add them repeatedly to our jewelry and watch collections. Some of us can’t resist watches, while others are fond of jewelry that brings a sort of satisfaction and confidence to our state of mind. Either way, every accessory we own is, in most cases, more than just a statement piece. Behind the physical beauty of jewelry or a watch, a certain memory is associated with it. Be it a gift for our beloved ones, or maybe a family relic passed down through generations, an accessory has an even stronger meaning for us whenever it comes with a certain history. The great part of the story is that most jewelry and watches can look similarly impressive, regardless if worn together or alone from each other.
When discussing combining timepieces and jewelry, it turns out that the task is not as easy as it seems. To manifest a great sense of taste, it’s not enough to just put them chaotically on you in the hope that people around you will appreciate their beauty. A timepiece can be gorgeous by itself; so can the jewelry. But, without a proper sense of taste, a person risks ruining the aesthetic value of both accessories if ignoring some basic principles. Which are those principles? Why are they even necessary today, when the fashion industry clearly suggests that there are no rules to follow?
The rule of thumb
We, at the AAAReplica office, have been thinking about these two aspects. We have even watched a couple of fashion presentations to discover what is secret, or the secrets of a great outfit. And most of us have concluded that the most important criteria are BALANCE and MATCHING. For example, a minimalist outfit looks so tasty and fashionable when the discreet look is highlighted with some expressive accessories. Referring to watches, in particular, the most important thing is to know HOW to match them with your jewelry so that you don’t overshadow them, but rather complement them.
If you have been wearing jewelry and watches separately so far, thinking that they shouldn’t be mixed, then it’s time to take things one step further. There is no excuse for you now to not try the new fashion approach. It’s great that you have been adding to your watch collection watches like Cartier and Bvlgari. Still, the resounding brand name on your wrist might be already insufficient to convey to the whole world who you are. Therefore, it’s time to discover how to match your watches with jewelry so that you keep on making a statement every time you appear in a certain environment. How do you do that right? Keep on reading to discover the most relevant tips.
Our advice for men
The first thing to know, dear men, is that accessories matching is as relevant for you as it is for ladies. Readdress your plans for tomorrow to put on a shirt, pants, or office suit, the accessories you are going to wear will have a separate impact. And don’t expect your accessories-free outfit to tell much about you. This is already an old-fashioned style and if there is something you want to say about yourself, know that only the right accessories have the potential to convey it loud and clear. The following rules are to teach you how to add that special extra touch to your look so that regardless of what you are busy with, you look confident, stylish, and attractive.
#1: Leather goes with leather
Let’s assume that you have an obsession with leather band timepieces. You love the softness of the strap and the irreplaceable comfort it provides to your skin. In addition, you adore the elegant look of leather strap watches and they make you feel confident and stunning. Ok. That’s great. But, you have to know that if you got the “leather strap watch” then there must be at least one leather “thing” on you.
Here is a large variety of “leather things” you can match with your watch. A leather bag, a leather belt, or a pair of shoes is the minimum you can think of. Should I mention that the leather accessories should be from the same color family? I think you already know that.
#2: Metal goes with metal
Let’s assume now that bracelet watches are your big passion. You might be fond of your Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, or your Rolex Oyster. And that’s a great way to go. Only know that if you go this way, there must be something in your outfit to follow the metal motif. In the ideal scenario, something of the same tone is what you should be looking for, to prove to yourself and the people around you that you do have a great sense of style. There isn’t anything worse than wearing a gold bracelet watch on the wrist, while the other one is “busy” with a stainless steel or silver bracelet. So, be prudent not only to the metallic accents in your outfit but also to their tone.
In the same context, you should be matching your watch bracelet metal with the metal (buckle) of your belt for example. Don’t make the huge mistake of opting for a silver-tone buckle, if your watch features strong gold accents. Also, pay attention to your bag. Most of them also have metallic components and these should also be “on the same page” with your timepiece.
Many customers keep on asking us about the first accessory to begin with. Should it be the watch or the belt? At this point, you have to know that the watch is always the one to set the stage for other accessories. You decide on the watch first, and next, you adapt the other accessories to their style and color. Choosing the right watch is a true talent, actually. You get it considering so many aspects of your personality. Therefore, it is the direct mirror of who you are. The belt and other accessories are just highlighting its value.
#3: Bracelets are a great complement, but not always
Now, the trend of wearing bracelets in addition to watches is more imminent than ever. I admit that these look great on a man’s wrist, regardless if they sit next to the watch or on the opposite arm. There is a sort of special charisma when one or two metallic beads complement the beauty of a bracelet timepiece. But, in order for them to match, it’s essential to follow the same rules that I’ve mentioned before. That is to say that if the watch has a stainless steel bracelet, the best way to go is to get a stainless steel bead. Matter-of-factly, it doesn’t really matter if the metals are brushed or polished. The finish is not a problem in this whole equation. On the contrary, contrasting finishes have their charm, so don’t be afraid to experiment with them.
The rule is similarly referable to the leather strap watch. Whenever you opt for an IWC Big Pilot or a Cartier Chinoise Alligator watch, make sure your other wrist accessories have the same color leather motif.
Our advice for ladies
Now we go down to the ladies’ instructions. It might seem that ladies don’t need many instructions for matching their jewelry and watches. They have received a special sense of beauty and aesthetics from Mother Nature. Ladies have a specific sense of coupling their accessories so that each time their look gets more and more eye-catching. Both watches and jewelry have a very special role in women’s life, especially when combining them. These anchor women’s personalities, clearly stating a “here I am” charisma. The basic rules of pairing ladies’ accessories are more or less similar to what is recommendable for men. This is why I won’t go much into detail with the instructions but rather will bring some of the most delicious watch-jewelry combinations. You can take these recommendations as a foundation for your next watch or jewelry purchase.
#1: Piaget’s jewelry and watches
The first brand to focus on is Piaget. This brand offers some spectacular combinations of watches and jewelry that follow all the basic rules of mashing (the ones I’ve mentioned above). What you have to know about Piaget is that its main priority is to discover the unknown beauty hidden in every woman. It does that through the vivid chromatics specific to all its portfolio. At the same time, the brand designers know how to calibrate perfectly, so that the jewelry and timepieces don’t look too flamboyant (which can sometimes scare the women).
In this context, watches like Piaget Polo S are usually combined with jewelry accessories from the Rose collection of bracelets, pendants, earrings, and rings. Another fabulous combination is the Piaget Treasures accessories with the Piaget Altiplano timepiece. The Treasures jewelry is a phenomenal collection of delicate accessories featuring chromatic accents like colorful gems and emeralds. These highlight the elegance and refinement of the Altiplano watches which are usually minimalist and modest.
#2: Breguet’s unparalleled heritage
Breguet is not only one of the oldest jewelry and watchmaking brands but is also a loyal friend to customers who look only for uniqueness and high-end refinement. The ladies’ watch and jewelry collection spread out elegance, refinement, and luxury. This brand has a philosophic attitude toward diamonds; That’s why you will find plenty of diamonds in Breguet ladies’ accessories. As a general rule, women look for expressive watches and minimalist bracelets. For example, the La Rose de la Reine Solitaire bracelet is a “shy” accessory that couples harmoniously with the Secret de la Reine high-end watch.
Many ladies think that Breguet timepieces don’t need to be highlighted by any other accessories because they are unique and expressive by themselves. However, a modest and subtle additional bracelet has its specific charm next to the watch. And the beautiful part of the story is that the whole picture doesn’t look “heavy” at all, considering the large number of Secret de la Reine diamonds. On the contrary, the Rose de la Reine Solitaire bracelet has a “calibrating” role. It adds a drop of sensitivity and delicacy to the lady, aspects that would be missing if wearing the Secret de la Reine watch alone.
#3:Cartier: the king of jewelers and jeweler of kings
These words are so meaningful as they like no other can describe how valuable this brand is when it comes to watches and jewelry accessories. What I like the most about this brand is that all the accessories and watches are suitable for any type of lady, no matter the age, spirit, or lifestyle. Cartier pieces are so universal, on one hand, and so specifically unique on the other hand.
Another distinctive aspect of Cartier is its ability to design extraordinary accessories in the most minimalist way possible. I have never thought that bracelets, rings, and earrings can look so fabulous with their minimalist character. Take, for example, the Clash de Cartier bracelet which looks so fantastic with its rose gold combination with onyx. By the way, this accessory is usually coupled with the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch in rose gold and black dial to match the distinctive colors of the bracelet.
Bottom line
I could bring plenty of other examples combining great accessories and great timepieces. But, what counts the most is that all the most spectacular matchings have some style principles behind them. Every time we decide to couple our accessories we have to consider those principles:
- -bold elements couple greatly with sparkly elements;
- -utilitarian elements complement greatly minimalist elements;
- -when one element is chic, would be better if the other one is a little understated just to create contrast;
If the idea of your combination responds to one of these three principles, know you are on the right way. In addition, don’t forget to always consider the whole ensemble. It’s great if your accessories have some elegant accents. But what’s the point in them if you put on completely sporty outfits with no trace of elegance? It’s just an example to show you how important the whole ensemble is.