Watches Off The Cuff: the TAG Heuer style guide to wearing a watch

At TAG Heuer, we take wrist fashion quite seriously. We know that how you wear your watch speaks volumes. There are some basic rules to follow, but most of all, it’s a confidence game. Feel good in your watch and the rest will fall into place.

We’ll walk you through the most essential concerns and conundrums when it comes to sporting a wrist watch.

Let’s begin at the beginning. What is the correct way to wear your watch? Tradition dictates that you wear your watch on your non-dominant hand, but it’s the 21st century, and we say, wear your watch on whichever wrist suits you best. 

In terms of tightness, go for a fit that’s neither too loose, or too tight; aim for a Goldilocks-style fit that’s “just right.” The watch shouldn’t leave an imprint, nor should it slide when you move your arms. A loose watch strap can also face premature wear and tear due to excessive movement and friction.

Where on your wrist should you place the watch? The collective wisdom here is to fit the watch right above your ulna, or wrist bone. This helps ensure that the watch sits flush against your wrist, while the bone itself prevents it from slipping. While some opt for a below-the-bone situation, this can restrict movement and also strain the watch strap itself.

If you’ve picked the correct  wrist and you’ve properly secured the strap, your watch should look right at home. Snug above your wrist bone, your watch should appear comfortable, confident and coordinated to your look.

When your arm is straight, the watch should be mostly covered by your sleeve. The watch should be fully visible only when you bend your arm. And on that note, the watch should be slim enough that it slips easily underneath your shirt or jacket sleeve.

Style is personal. However there are certain rules of thumb, or in this case, wrist, that we like to follow. Rules, of course, are meant to be broken, so break the following rules at your discretion.

• Active wear: Try to pair your watch of choice with the day’s main activity, as in a sporty watch for the gym, a dress watch with a suit, etc. A rubber strap is much more suited to intense activity and won’t suffer the same wear and tear as a leather strap when faced with movement and perspiration. Take the TAG Heuer Connected Watch, for instance: With a steel caseback, blue ceramic bezel and matching rubber strap, this model is a sporty companion for your most active days, while this model with black ceramic bezel, a steel case and bracelet brings a little more polish. Both watches work with easily changeable straps so you can modify your look in a snap.

• Change it up: One watch is rarely suited to all occasions or moods. And by changing up your look, you’re not only displaying your sartorial savvy, you’re also preserving a piece you love, by giving it a break from time to time.

• Fit for the occasion: For formal events, a dark dress watch may be more suited to the occasion. And while a certain suave international spy may be known for his dive watch – suit look, it may be best for you to leave that bulky, sporty timepiece at home when you’re headed out to a black tie affair.

• Colour story: Think about colour, not just in terms of harmony with the rest of your ensemble, but also simply: metal or black leather straps for business looks, and light-coloured or rubber straps for casual clothes. The same goes for dial colours, too. For example, if you wear a TAG Heuer Formula 1 Lady, you might consider a deep blue leather band for an important meeting, and a brown leather band for a Sunday stroll.

So how do you remove a watch strap and replace it? And can you do so without a trip to the jeweler? 

This is an excellent question and one essential to your at-home watch maintenance. The short answer is, it depends on the watch!

One thing to be certain of is that you are replacing the watch strap with a proper replacement, one that fits the dial and uses the same attachment system. With TAG Heuer watches, we recommend using only TAG Heuer replacement straps designed for your model.

If you’re thinking about replacing your Connected Watch strap, might we suggest this brown rubber and leather band? In a seasonal hue and with a soft feel, it’s a perfect refresh for the latest TAG Heuer Connected collection.

And we have just the thing for your Autavia: a khaki leather band with a fine brushed bronze pin buckle.

For the TAG Heuer Autavia, TAG Heuer Connected Watch and TAG Heuer Formula 1 Lady, changing your watch strap is simple and can indeed be done from the comfort of your own home. Simply, slide the latch behind the bracelet to change it. It’s a secure “one click” system which allows for a very easy watch strap change. 

With the other TAG Heuer collections, you will need a watchmaker’s or jeweler’s assistance. Visit our website to find recommended watchmakers near you.