« These Watches Fit the Dress Code »
If you receive an invitation that reads "Black Tie," "Cravate Noire," or "Kleiner Gesellschaftsanzug," you know things are about to get formal. It might be the company owner's wedding, it is expected at a Wagner performance in Bayreuth, and it is indispensable for an appearance on the red carpet. For a long time the prevailing wisdom held that no watch belonged with this attire, but watch lovers like us see it quite differently: it all comes down to style. We'll show you the watches that are guaranteed to work with a tuxedo, too.
On many occasions, true gentlemen either slip into a tuxedo with a bow tie, considered the "relaxed" variation of the stiff tailcoat, or at the very least wear a suit in black or midnight-blue fabric, which is mandatory at formal events where Black Tie has been requested. In that case, a tie is an indispensable accessory as well. Strictly speaking, the man of the world wears a tuxedo, known in Germany as a "Smoking" and in America as a "tuxedo" or simply "tux," only after 18:00 (6 p.m.) and indoors. It is paired with the traditional tuxedo shirt with a turndown collar; French cuffs with cufflinks are the finishing touch. If you'd rather not wear the customary cummerbund, choose a matching tuxedo vest, which should be made of black silk or the same fabric as the suit, just like the bow tie and the lapel facings. Black over-the-calf socks in black shoes complete the stylish wardrobe for the social occasion: that way, not a single centimeter of calf flashes from under the trouser leg, even when the gentleman takes a seat.
Watches with an Elegant Presence
When a gentleman wears a tuxedo and tuxedo shirt for Black Tie and fastens the cuffs with elegant cufflinks, this refined accessory draws the eye to the wrist. Even so, the right watches for a tuxedo remain discreet and, ideally, are matched to the material of the cufflinks. After all, while a tuxedo is the proper attire for Black Tie, it was originally worn not with a wristwatch but with a pocket watch. The right watches for a tuxedo are therefore as thin and elegant as possible, and never sporty or rugged.
Here Is a Small Selection of Watches to Wear with a Tuxedo:
Rolex Cellini Time
Sophisticated and elegant, this watch wraps around the wrist with timeless grace. First presented at the Basel watch fair in 2014, this model from the Cellini collection stands out for its pure dial design. The elegance of this tuxedo watch needs no additional functions; precise timekeeping is all it requires. The black dial makes an excellent accessory for Black Tie, while the black alligator leather strap stays quietly in the background.
Hamilton Timeless Classic Intra-Matic
Hamilton may be one of the great American watch brands, but it is run by the Swiss Swatch Group. The Intra-Matic, unveiled at Baselworld in 2012, is a detailed homage to a watch from the '60s. Its refined, extremely subtle details breathe the spirit of bygone days, while inside lies a modern movement that guarantees proverbial Swiss accuracy. The minimalist dial is elegant, and the slightly domed shape hugs the wrist perfectly.
Junghans Meister Hand-Wound
With its manual winding, this Junghans watch suits watch lovers who want to supply the energy for the movement themselves. The Junghans Meister Hand-Wound is defined by timeless refinement, combined with a size that is rather unusual for a men's watch: just under 38 millimeters. The dial is a simple white, and the buckle and case are gold-plated. If you wear gold cufflinks with Black Tie, this watch shows your sense of style and underlines your independence.
Black Tie Rules for Women
For this occasion, women bring out their floor-length evening gowns, which may leave the shoulders bare, though these should initially be covered by a stole or shawl. An elegant, small clutch or minaudière, the little evening bag, accompanies the gown. Under the Black Tie dress code, the evening gown drapes fluidly over the body; soft fabrics such as silk or satin are ideal. If the dress itself is lavishly cut, the jewelry worn with it should be kept simpler. If the dress is visually understated in its finish and cut, the accessories may be a little more eye-catching. Fine hosiery to match lets the skin of the legs shimmer through and look even. The more festive the evening gown, the more open the shoe worn with it should be. Stilettos aren't necessarily secure or comfortable, but if you truly can't wear them, flat ballet flats still cut a fine figure.
The Evening Gown Makes the Princess Perfect
For Black Tie, a woman may wear a stunning evening gown, but the jewelry should be rather understated. The dress puts its wearer in the spotlight; anything else would only distract from it. That's why evening shoes and evening bag stay clearly in the background, as does jewelry carefully chosen to match the outfit. If the gown leaves the shoulders bare, a stole should cover them. If necklace and earrings are rather subtle, striking rings or a watch can add accents to the hands. Here, too, wearing no watch would be the more traditional choice, but there are enchanting women's watches that pair beautifully with a stylish evening gown.
A Selection of Watches to Wear with an Evening Gown:
Tissot T-Classic Desire
Timeless and elegant, the watches of the Tissot T-Classic Desire series simply suit every occasion. Their classic beauty ensures a long-lasting relationship. This understated watch highlights the feminine charm of its wearer, and the black genuine leather strap adds a tasteful accent to the wrist. The practical date display at 3 o'clock shows the current day. With its yellow gold-plated case, the watch harmonizes with any jewelry that, together with the evening gown, properly showcases the beauty of its wearer. The sweeping numerals on the dial add a touch of playfulness, making it the perfect Black Tie companion for elegant women.
Bruno Söhnle Nabucco
The slender hands of the Nabucco women's watch by Bruno Söhnle display the steady passage of time in analog fashion. The entire collection impresses with its understated look and timeless design. The great grace of the relatively slim case bears witness to the finest tradition of the Saxon watchmakers of Glashütte. The case is elegantly gold-plated, and the dial is reliably protected by sapphire crystal. The curved numerals allow the time to be read at a glance, while the black indices create a striking contrast on the white dial. The brown leather strap is held securely by a buckle that is also gold-plated.
The Right Watches for a Tuxedo
If you receive an invitation to a social event where Black Tie is requested, simplicity is the trump card when it comes to watches. Watches worn with an evening gown or tuxedo should defer to the overall look and appear simple and elegant at the same time; after all, it's the clothing that should draw the eye. Wristwatches suitable for especially formal occasions are called dress watches. They come with a white or black dial on which the indices and numerals remain discreetly in the background. The time is shown in minimalist fashion by slender hour and minute hands, and the case is refined and classic. As a rule, a dress watch is worn on a black leather strap to match the black or midnight-blue color of the menswear.
