Round-UpAnother Day, Another Story—The Ideal ‘Weekly Watch Rotation’ Guide
The idea of having a different watch for each of the seven days of the week is quite the horological goal. So we’ve picked out our favourite ones to help you decide on your weekly rotation, whether you’re just starting out or are looking to expand your collection
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Watch rotation isn’t a new concept. Picking a different watch to wear according to the day, your mood or even your outfit is a practice that’s been around for ages. However, seven watches for seven days of the week? Now that’s the ultimate horological goal for many. If that’s your goal as well, chances are you’re looking to expand your collection, or you’re just starting out. Either way, we’ve handpicked a few watches for each day of the week. Although we seem to be painting a picture for working professionals in the corporate world, we are positive that even readers with other pursuits can take cues from the general suggestions. Because, truth be told, it doesn’t matter if you work in a high-intensity creative environment, a droning corporate tower, or anywhere in between—watches are for everyone.
Mundane Mondays
Rolling out of bed is easy, but getting up off the floor is another story. Even so, no matter how much we hate them, Mondays are extremely important, especially for someone in a commanding position. And wearing the right watch is one of the most subtle ways of making a statement—asserting dominance, in this case. From setting up appointments to making sure timelines are adhered to, the start of the week can often determine how the rest of it will follow. And for that, we’d recommend a strong, bold, formal watch that solidifies your authority in the workplace right from the get-go. We’ve picked watches from the likes of Girard-Perregaux, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Baume & Mercier for this very purpose. The 1966, Master and Clifton Baumatic watches, respectively, exemplify a business-formal look with classic round, steel cases and leather straps. Furthermore, these watches are exquisite examples of the high craftsmanship that Swiss watchmakers are widely known for.
Pro-tip: Pair these watches with your business-formal attire, suited-and-booted for maximum impact.
The Tuesday Twist
With Monday out of the way, you now have a little time to yourself and can take it easy. Yet, you may still have client meetings and bosses you’d want to impress with your wrist game. Let’s face it. Tuesdays are like Mondays dressed in their Sunday best. On such a day, finding balance is key. And there’s genuinely nothing more we’d have on our wrists than an Omega Speedmaster or a Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax. Omega because, well, they’ve earned this rite of passage owing to #SpeedyTuesdays, and the BiCompax because of its restrained elegance. #SpeedyTuesday is a hashtag created by Fratello Watches founder Robert-Jan Broer in 2012. And ever since then, it’s been used by Speedmaster enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate the timepiece. Both these pieces reflect subtle vintage inspirations, and yet have very much found a place in modern settings, maintaining a perfect balance between the two.
Pro-tip: Suit-up, but maybe lose the shirt and brogues. Instead, you can even opt for a T-shirt and sneakers or loafers to further complement these watches.
Well-Travelled Wednesdays
Mid-week travel is often on the cards for head honchos who frequently jet-set internationally for conferences and events. And what could be more suited for these trips than dual-time zone watches—tools essential for the globetrotter who wants to know the home time with just a glance at the wrist. The aviation-inspired Oris, with its brilliantly straightforward and functional complication, features a sub-dial to display the home time and an innovative bezel-adjustment system. Turn the bezel clockwise and local time moves forward in one-hour jumps; anticlockwise and it jumps back an hour, even adjusting the date backwards over midnight. Another watch for your jet-setting needs is the timeless Breitling Navitimer. Its iconic design has been around since the 60s and still hasn’t lost its instantly recognisable appeal. The Navitimer has a steep learning curve, considering the amount of data it can display. And even though they call it the ultimate pilot’s watch, once you understand how to use it, the Navitimer can find many uses on the wrist of a business-driven globetrotter too.
Pro-tip: Pair these watches with dark jeans and a crisp shirt to help yourself overcome your jetlag slump.
Thrilling Thursdays
The high-adrenaline rush of closing a big deal is something that the modern businessperson can’t live without. However, you cannot show any semblance of anxiety or nervousness during these interactions or you tend to lose your edge. What will help you maintain a self-assured and assertive aura are these big, bold and hugely impressive watches from Panerai and Carl F. Bucherer. The imposing Panerai Luminor, first built for the Royal Italian Navy, has a very tactile and militaristic look. And yet, it looks insanely dapper when paired with a suit. The Patravi, on the other hand, was always made for the boardroom and perfectly fits the bill here. Both watches have dual-time zone functionality for added utilitarian appeal.
Pro-tip: These watches are quite big in size and might not be suitable for all wrists. So try it, before you buy it.
It’s Fridays We’re In Love With
Finally—the end of the working week! Now it’s time to create awkward stories for Monday mornings through the customary Friday night office parties or gatherings. Here, you need something that you can show off; something that’s flashy, attention-grabbing, and yet is still able to maintain a certain level of sophistication. Skeleton watches are definitely the way to go then. More specifically, skeleton watches that don’t look chintzy. Our picks for a casual Friday get-together would either be the all-new Oris ProPilot X or the supremely advanced Zenith Defy El Primero 21. Both watches feature excellent in-house movements, have open-worked dials and exhibition casebacks. More importantly, both watches are excellent conversation starters.
Pro-tip: They’re called ‘casual Fridays’ for a reason. These watches can actually pair well with any outfit. So ditch the formal attire and have fun!
Sunny Saturdays
For us, Saturdays are all about the great outdoors. Be it in the form of hiking, kayaking or just some good, old off-roading. To cope with these extreme conditions, you need a companion that’s equally tough. And no one does ‘tough’ better than Casio with its universally-loved G-Shock collection. Affordable, simple, and virtually indestructible, the G-Shock is a tank in terms of construction and longevity.
This Mudmaster in particular offers a plethora of features—namely, an altimeter, a barometer, thermometer, and, to top it all, solar charging. However, if you desire a mechanical Swiss-made timepiece on your wrist while you partake in these gruelling activities, the rugged Favre-Leuba Raider is the one to go for.
Pro-tip: Tough watches may be indestructible. However, what many overlook are the spring bars that hold the strap and the case together. Once those malfunction, the watch is sure to fall off your wrist. So the next time you get your watch serviced, make sure you get the spring bars checked as well.
Sunday Brunch
After a long week, this is the day when you can truly unwind. Brunch with a few friends is our ideal Sunday. And for that, what you need are watches with a relaxed aesthetic. Something that’s not too serious, and yet is a statement on its own, such as the IWC Portofino, which literally exemplifies this appeal. However, if you want something more playful, you can’t go wrong with a Jungans Max Bill or a Nomos Club. These two are a bit on the smaller side, with diameters of 40mm and 38.5mm respectively. With oversized watches practically a thing of the past, smaller watches are just more stylish. Less is certainly more!
Pro-tip: Sundays are all about maximising comfort without compromising on style. Linens in a relaxed fit, with a pastel-toned T-shirt should do the trick here.
Needless to say, you may not have the lifestyle of a jet-setting businessman. Yet, we are sure this selection of watches will appeal to many nonetheless. We, at The Watch Guide, do believe that one should don a different timepiece on different days, since every day, like every watch, is different.
Do you have any watches in mind that would fit well among the ones we’ve chosen? What’s your ideal watch rotation? Do let us know in the comments section below