Round-UpThe Watch Guide Wedding Special: 25 Outstanding Watches For Men
The wedding season can actually be the perfect time for you gentlemen to spruce up your watch wardrobe and ensure that you have the right timepiece for almost every ensemble—wedding-related or even otherwise. Pick from dress watches and gold classics that are most in-demand during the season, as well as daytime or casual options, for low-key weddings that might be the norm in these COVID times
May We Recommend
For Eveningwear
The Cocktail Night Or Reception
When it comes to a black-tie ensemble, whether you opt for a trendier blue tuxedo, earthier tones in velvet, or a classic all-black two-piece, you’ll always need a perfect dress watch to complement it. Be it the reception or a cocktail evening, you can’t go wrong with classic leather straps and clean, traditional dials. Pick from sheer minimalism, a statement complication, a burst of blue, pristine gold, and a retro rectangular icon.
Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic
Baume & Mercier first introduced the Clifton Baumatic collection in 2018. This was the brand’s first in-house movement, and they got it right from the get-go. What looks like a simple, no-nonsense dress watch from the exterior, this watch packs a serious value-for-money proposition ticking within. The Baumatic BM13 automatic calibre features a silicon escapement, complete with an oscillating weight decorated with perlage and Côtes de Genève finishing, and offers an impressive five-day power reserve. The crosshairs on the dial signifies the movement’s chronometer certification, which places it among the higher ranks of horology. This puts you at a significant advantage if the topic of watches breaks out at that evening party. Being on the dressy end of the spectrum, the watch measures 40mm and is available in both, a classy leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet.
Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon
The Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon is something special. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it is also a wonderful example of fine traditional watchmaking. With the moon phase indicator taking up almost half the dial, that’s the first thing anyone notices about the watch. There’s a reason for the prominence of the moon phase indicator. Their manual-winding calibre A&S1512 is achingly beautiful, but it also plays host to one of the most accurate moon phase complications available. With only a one-day deviation every 122 years, it lies upon your great-grandchildren to sync it up once, using the single-push corrector for the next 122 years. The 42mm watch features an 11mm hand-engraved moon and a red gold case to keep the observer awestruck for a while. When fully wound, the watch can run for a hugely impressive 90 hours.
H. Moser & Cie. Venturer Vantablack Concept
A watch that takes minimalism to the next step, the Venturer Vantablack Concept explores the limit of the colour black. A dress watch that truly has no peer, the Venturer Concept Vantablack uses the Vantablack material (‘VANTA’ is short for ‘vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays’) on the dial, which absorbs up to 99.96 percent of visible light. This makes it one of the darkest known substances known to humankind today. The dial is devoid of everything else but the hands, making it one of the purest expressions of time you can find. Beating inside at 18,000vph is the HMC 327 manual-winding manufacture calibre, which offers a minimum power reserve of three days. A sapphire crystal exhibition caseback gives one a glimpse of the movement. It is set within a 39mm 18-karat red gold case that not only gives it a timeless appeal but also contrasts wonderfully with the dial. Even if you do have trouble instantly telling the time with this piece, it still is one heck of a conversation starter.
IWC Portofino Automatic
IWC’s renowned Portofino line adheres to the ‘less is more’ motto, and that works in its favour. Because what we get from that is a watch with an aura of opulence beaming from its simplistic design. The timepiece, with a diameter of 40mm, is crafted with an 18-karat gold case that is bound to catch anyone’s eye. The self-winding 35111 calibre gives this watch a power reserve of 42 hours. The hands, indices and numerals are all slender and plated with gold, wonderfully contrasting its silver-plated dial. The Portofino is a simple time-only watch with a date display at three o’clock. But its rich aesthetic and purity in design set it apart in a way that no other watchmaker can come close to.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Large Duoface
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a timepiece whose roots can be traced to the 1930s, when it was conceived to withstand the rigours of polo, thanks to its ingenious flip-over case design. When the action began, the watch could safely bury its face until the game was over, using its caseback as protection. Over the years, the Reverso line has evolved massively, and has gone from rough playing fields to the fanciest of dinner parties. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Large Duoface is one such great example that was birthed from this evolution. Within its 47mm by 28mm 18-karat gold case, you have the option to choose between a white or black dial, depending on which side you flip the case over. The white dial features a small seconds sub-dial, while the black side has a 24-hour indicator. The manual-winding movement allows for dual timekeeping, which means that you essentially get two very handsome watches, packed into one.
For Indian Wear
The Sangeet Or Wedding Ceremony
Make a mark at the wedding ceremony, sangeet, or any festive evening, by pairing your achkan, sherwani or even a kurta, with a beautiful golden timepiece. Opt for craftsmanship and detailing that mirror the fine textures and sun-kissed hues of your attire, by selecting from these ornate yet sophisticated watches in gold.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo
Bulgari’s record-breaking slimness in its Octo line of watches has shaken up the horological world time and again. Once on the wrist, it’s going to be difficult to comprehend the weight and dimensions of any Octo watch. But our pick for this list is the Octo Finissimo in full sandblasted rose gold. Measuring 40mm in width, to an onlooker it might seem like just another watch. But the magic number lies in how thick this watch is—just a little over 5mm. With its beautifully chiselled structure, the seams and edges between various elements of the case and bracelet are hardly distinguishable. And if you are the kind of person who puts comfort over everything else, nothing wears as well as an Octo. Housed inside the case, we find Bulgari‘s automatic BVL 138 movement. Only 2.23mm thick, this movement is an expansive 36.6mm wide and is easily appreciated through an equally expansive display caseback. The movement has a genuinely surprising and equally impressive power reserve of 60 hours.
Corum Golden Bridge Round
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California—often listed among the ‘modern wonders of the world’—is a marvel of engineering and a testament to man’s architectural prowess. This hugely impressive structure finds its place onto your wrist in the form of the Corum Golden Bridge. The key element of the architectural icon that finds its way to this watch are the diagonal beams seen on the sides of the bridge, interpreted in the form of the structures on the sides of the linear movement. Adapted into the construction of this watch with perfection by designer Dino Modolo, the in-line baguette movement sits inside a 43mm case that is made of 18-karat rose gold. The inner bezel and hands are made of brass, while at the heart of this watch is the CO113 manual-winding calibre, offering a 40-hour power reserve.
Girard-Perregaux Classic Bridges
It doesn’t get more iconic than the Bridges collection by Girard-Perregaux. It is, in fact, such a signature for the brand that a motif of the bridge design is also included in their brand’s emblem. Set in a 40mm case in pink gold, the Classic Bridges offers sheer contrast with its open-worked mechanism that exposes components in steel, forming the perfect backdrop for the bridges and hands in hues to match the case and the indexes, which appear to be suspended. This enhances the visual depth of this texturally splendid timepiece. The face of the watch does, in fact, display the best of the automatic calibre—which offers a 48-hour power reserve—including the micro-rotor on top, left of the dial. Yet the watch offers you a view of the other side of the movement through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Louis Moinet Memoris
The Memoris by Louis Moinet is an exercise in watchmaking, rather than a glorified commercial piece. And this makes it very, very special. The watch houses the calibre LM 79, an astonishingly technical and complex self-winding movement made of 302 components. It is the first watch that has the entire chronograph positioned at the top of the watch, with the automatic part located beneath the plate. The reason for this unconventional setting is that when you, the user, engage the mono-pusher, a unique performance unfolds before your eyes. All of the components of the chronograph—yokes, clutch, hammers, column wheel, springs and wheels—are set in motion, responding to each other and providing you with a visual unlike anything else. The 46mm case is fashioned in 18-karat rose gold and is limited to just 12 pieces. Now that’s real exclusivity!
Parmigiani Kalpa Hebdomadaire
Hebdomadaire means ‘weekly’ in French, which is a reference to the fact that this watch can run autonomously for at least a week without winding, since its movement’s power reserve is an impressive eight days. This watch is, in fact, particularly important watch for Parmigiani as it premiered the brand’s first tonneau-shaped movement. Most watchmakers creating tonneau-shaped timepieces, usually just use a round movement and adapt the framework for this case. However, Parmigiani decided to take on the challenge of creating a movement specifically in this barrel shape. First launched in 1998, the Kalpa Hebdomadaire has been a mainstay since, and this new variant cleans up a bit more. Measuring 42.3mm by 32.1mm, the Kalpa Hebdomadaire boasts an 18-karat rose gold construction. A richly textured motif described as ‘guilloché tresse’ frames the central area of the dial. The texture of the pattern becomes more prominent near the indices. Visually, the watch is stunning and perfect for important events. The calibre PF110, which is particularly symbolic for Parmigiani Fleurier, features the hours, minutes, small seconds at six o’clock, date and power reserve indicator. It oscillates at 3Hz and can store a hugely impressive power reserve of eight days.
Zenith Defy El Primero 21
The Zenith Defy El Primero 21 is a technological marvel wrapped around your wrist. This watch is meant for those who appreciate unparalleled mechanical precision and superlative craftsmanship. The COSC-certified El Primero 9004 automatic calibre that powers this watch has a separate escapement for the chronograph and is capable of measuring 1/100th of a second! The timekeeping escapement beats at 5Hz or 36,000vph, while the second escapement, which powers the chronograph, vibrates at an astounding 50Hz or 3,60,000vph! All this, and you still get a 50-hour power reserve, which, quite honestly, is baffling. Despite its mind-boggling horological prowess, the Defy El Primero 21 doesn’t look like it’s just landed from outer space. This gorgeous timepiece features a 44mm case that is made from 18-karat rose gold. The case comes affixed to a black rubber strap with brown alligator leather coating, secured on the wrist with a folding clasp. The dial is open-worked, but is perfectly legible, owing to the hands that offer sheer visual contrast.
For Daytime Ensembles
The Mehendi And Other Lunches And Brunches
Your linen suits and khakis, or your nautical-inspired look at any brunch or lunch could do with a handsome timepiece to perfectly complement the soft, neutral tones or theme. These watches can also work well with brighter traditional attire that you might pick for a mehendi or haldi ceremony.
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Bicompax Annual
A 2019 resurrection of Carl F. Bucherer’s 1956 success, the new Heritage Bicompax Annual added an annual calendar function to the chronograph timepiece, among other aesthetic updates. With a two-tone case in rose gold and stainless steel that—sized at a comfortable 41mm—its lovely champagne dial offers an antiquated perspective with Arabic numerals inspired by watches of yore. Beating inside is the automatic CFB 1972 calibre with 47 jewels, which offers a power reserve of 42 hours. This watch is limited to 888 pieces—a number that is a tribute to the year 1888 when Carl F. Bucherer was founded. This is a watch with a delightfully retro vibe albeit with modern technology, giving you the best of both worlds.
Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown
The Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown features the charming regatta timer complication. The relatively lesser-known complication is incredibly useful when you’re racing on the water—when timing is absolutely crucial. The regatta timer between 10 and two o’clock allows one to manoeuvre their yachts in front of the start line before the race begins. But when you’re not out racing against the wind, we have to say that this complication looks rather stunning. This 42mm quirky timepiece has a stainless steel case that is rose gold plated. Ticking inside the case is the FC-380 movement with 25 jewels, vibrating at 28,800vph, with a power reserve of a decent 48 hours, and the countdown function that is the crown jewel of this timepiece. You can observe this movement at work through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Junghans Meister Calendar
Junghans is a watchmaker with excellent values, a range of quality designs, and horological expertise that collectors tend to appreciate. The brand is all about minimalism and Bauhaus-inspired design, and this is most evident on the dial. A dark blue background with a sunray brushed pattern hosts the calendar functions with the day and month in two apertures in the upper half of the dial and a large sub-dial at six o’clock containing the date and the moon phase functions. Despite all these complications and a width of just 40.4mm, the face of this watch looks crisp, uncluttered and balanced. The watch offers the month, day of the week, date, and a moon phase indicator, along with the time, of course—a real bang for the buck. And all of this is powered by the J800.3 movement, which operates at 4Hz, and has a power reserve of 38 hours.
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary Edition and Bronze Dial Edition
Launched in November 2018 to mark the 80th year of the Big Crown Pointer Date—a collection that has defined Oris over the years—the Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary Edition is a timepiece that is on every aficionado’s wish list. This vintage-inspired timepiece comes with a bronze case (with a lovely coin-edged bezel) and crown. An exhibition caseback allows one to admire the Oris 754 movement, which is based on the Sellita SW 200-1 calibre. A sleek, triangular-tipped hand points to the date, which can be seen on the periphery of the dial. The stunning green dial of this 40mm timepiece will look even more beautiful when the bronze case develops a patina over time. There’s another variant of the Pointer Date in bronze, released earlier this year. This new version includes everything that the green anniversary edition does, but with a solid bronze dial. Aside from offering you a finishing on the alloy that makes every dial unique, this variant is also perfect if you want to go all-in for the raging trend that is bronze.
Panerai Radiomir 1940 10 Days GMT Automatic Oro Rosso
If you’re a fan of Panerai and its entire collection, you’re already deeply in love with this watch. That’s because the 1940 10 Days GMT Automatic Oro Rosso features all the greatest hits of Panerai’s styling. This new 1940 offers the classy appeal of a Radiomir and a dose of useful complications, all in one bold and rose gold package. The 45mm Goldtech case paired with the brown sun-brushed dial looks stunning. However, the watch is not only visually refined but horologically too. The P.2003 calibre ticks at 4Hz, and thanks to three barrels, can offer a power reserve of 10 days. This feature-packed movement offers the time, date, a second time zone, a 24-hour indication, a linear power reserve and a date display.
For Casual Ensembles
Low-Key Weddings Or More Relaxed Occasions
During these COVID-19 times, when guests are fewer, weddings are smaller and festivities are turned down, one might need to be prepared for more dressed-down events, so it’s not a bad idea to consider a few casual options as well. Even for regular weddings, these are watches that will also do well at perhaps a beach reception or a casual sundowner before major wedding festivities commence.
Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 Outerknown
Outerknown is a sustainable clothing company co-founded by 11-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater. When Breitling collaborated with this company, it created a watch that is not only capable of diving deep into the ocean but helping it as well. The Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown features a black DLC-coated 44mm stainless steel case paired with an exquisite Outerknown ECONYL strap. ECONYL is a yarn created from nylon waste, one source of which is fishing nets retrieved from oceans around the world. The Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown is powered by the Breitling’s calibre 13—a mechanical chronograph movement that is a COSC-certified chronometer, and has a power reserve of 42 hours. If the rich blue aesthetic of the watch isn’t enough to rope you in, remember that everyone likes a person who cares about the environment.
Hublot Big Bang Ceramic Blue
Hublot’s Art of Fusion is expressed here in the form of a deep blue ceramic timepiece. This watch, as with all Hublot watches, is out to make a statement. Using a micro-blasted black ceramic case that is ultra-tough and almost entirely scratchproof, the Big Bang is a true all-rounder. The case is both elegant but modern, with a distinctly strong twist. This is aided by the well-balanced dial and the six ‘H’ screws used on the bezel to hold the watch together. The 44mm watch is powered by a self-winding chronograph movement, the HUB4100. This gives it a standard power reserve of 42 hours, which is sufficient for everyday use.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer
The Venturer is Maurice Lacroix’s answer to meet the soaring demand for rugged sports watches. A tougher, more modern rendition of the Aikon, the watch comes in a 43mm satin-finished stainless steel case, with the collection’s signature clawed bezel surrounding flat sapphire crystal, along with a curving lug design for comfort. The sunburst-finished black dial features the date displayed at three o’clock. The watch employs the self-winding ML 115 calibre, which vibrates at 28,800vph, giving it a power reserve of 38 hours. The timepiece offers a water resistance of a whopping 300m. It comes with an extra rubber strap—in black, matching the dial and bezel—in addition to the five-row stainless bracelet with a folding clasp. The ‘EasyChange’ system allows you to interchange between the two in a jiffy.
Urwerk UR Satellite UR-105 CT Streamliner
With every other watch on this list sticking to conventional methods of timekeeping and traditional case shapes, the Urwerk UR-105 CT Streamliner comes as a breath of fresh air, offering relief from the norm. Drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the early 20th century, the past and the present meld into quite the stunning timepiece. Its octagonal case, measuring 53mm by 39.5mm, is evocative of subway trains and art deco-style buildings such as the Empire State, Chrysler and Comcast buildings. The catch on top of the case made of titanium and mirror-polished steel can be slid, and the top of the case opens like the hood of a car, to reveal the inner mechanism of this watch that reflects steampunk inspirations. What you find ticking inside is the UR 5.03, with a self-winding system, vibrating at 4Hz and offering a power reserve of 48 hours. If you strap this watch on and attend a wedding event, you could easily steal attention away from the bride and groom.
All-Purpose Watches
One Watch For Every Occasion
There are some watches that were originally sport or tool watches, but have become such icons that they have transcended their original function, and are now very acceptable as part of dressier ensembles. On the other hand, there are certain classical watches that are given a slightly casual touch with a metallic bracelet rather than a leather strap, or feature some other such tweaks. Such versatile timepieces can very well be your go-to for almost any occasion, from a fun bachelor party to a far more formal wedding reception. Take your pick!
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
A versatile diver’s watch that transcends its sporty appeal—owing to its instantly recognisable silhouette—works brilliantly when you’re on the lookout for an all-purpose watch. But this Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is a bit more special, thanks to its Sedna gold and stainless steel construction, lending it an unmatched aesthetic appeal. The 42mm watch has a manually controlled helium release valve at 10 o’clock, which is a signature detail among Seamasters. The model is powered by the manufacture calibre 8800, which offers magnetic resistance up to 15,000 Gauss by its components made of antimagnetic materials. The self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 25,200vph and offers a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound. The watch housing this COSC-certified chronometer movement is tested further—for its accuracy and resistance to magnetic fields—which earns it a ‘Master Chronometer’ certification.
Rado Captain Cook
Sports watches often tend to look the same. Because the characteristics they all share are what made them famous in the first place. So if you want to make a refreshingly bold statement, our pick would be the Rado Captain Cook watch in green. The green dial has a sunburst finish and, depending on the angle and the light, the hue can turn from a pleasant meadow green to almost black. The green bezel is made of ceramic, making it highly scratch-resistant. This modern rendition of a 1960s Captain Cook watch carries forward a lot of the most memorable design aspects of its predecessor. However, ticking inside is a properly modern automatic calibre C07.611, which gives this watch an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Completing the vintage look of this 42mm watch is the classic beads-of-rice bracelet, constructed in stainless steel.
Raymond Weil Freelancer RW1212
A no-frills, classic Swiss watch with a beating open-heart is as good as it gets when it comes to showing off, but subtly. One at this price though is quite astonishing. Yet, it’s not such a surprise, because value-for-money is what Raymond Weil does best and this Freelancer RW1212 is no different. This 42mm watch is constructed using stainless steel and features a sophisticated black dial with silver indexes. The mechanical self-winding movement, made in partnership with Sellita, beats at a frequency of 28,000 vibrations per hour, and offers a 38-hour power reserve. The balance-and-spring assembly, held by a single bridge, reveals a construction that heavily takes inspirations from tourbillon cages.
Grand Seiko Sport GMT Hi-Beat
If you walk into a wedding with a Grand Seiko strapped to your wrist, you will definitely pique the interest of every single watch enthusiast present. But that’s not why people buy Grand Seikos, do they? You buy a Grand Seiko because you truly appreciate watchmaking, hands-on craftsmanship and amazing attention to detail. This Grand Seiko Sport GMT is fairly large at 44.2mm, especially so when you compare it to other pieces from the manufacturer. Powering this timepiece is the calibre 9S86 that beats at 36,000vph resulting in a butter-smooth rotation of the seconds hand. It is accurate up to a maximum timekeeping deviation of +5 and -3 seconds per day, according to Grand Seiko and boasts a 55-hour power reserve. Making its mark as a true GMT watch, the hour hand of the local time at the centre can be increased by one-hour increments without disturbing the rest of the indications. The rotatable GMT bezel, coloured to indicate daytime and night-time hours, adds to the functional appeal of this watch.
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887
TAG Heuer’s Carrera line consists of super-sporty watches that are directly inspired by the world of automotive racing. This particular variant features a 41mm polished stainless steel case and a fixed bezel. The black dial goes well with the all-steel construction of the watch, and also plays host to the chronograph counters and a date aperture. The watch is powered by the calibre 1887, which is a COSC-certified chronometer movement. It beats at 4Hz and gives it a 50-hour power reserve under normal conditions, or 40 hours if the chronograph is engaged.
Shop The Story
-
Baume & Mercier Clifton
MOA10468
-
Baume & Mercier Clifton
MOA10467
-
Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon
1GLAR.I01A.C123A
-
H. Moser & Cie. Venturer
2327-0410
-
IWC Portofino
IW356504
-
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Q3842520
-
BVLGARI Octo
102912
-
Corum Golden Bridge
113.900.55/0F02 GG55R
-
Girard-Perregaux Bridges
86005-52-001-BB6A
-
Louis Moinet Mechanical Wonders
LM-54.50.25
-
Parmigiani Kalpa
PFC101-1001400-HA1442
-
Zenith Defy
18.9000.9004/71.R585
-
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage
00.10803.07.42.01
-
Frederique Constant Yacht Timer
FC-380NT4H4
-
Junghans Meister
027490601
-
Oris Big Crown
01 754 7741 3167-07 5 20 58BR
-
Oris Big Crown
01 754 7741 3166-07 5 20 74BR
-
Panerai Radiomir
PAM00624
-
Breitling Superocean Heritage
M133132A1C1W1
-
Hublot Big Bang
301.CI.7170.LR
-
Maurice Lacroix Aikon
AI6058-SS002-330-2
-
Urwerk UR-Satellite
UR-105 CT
-
Omega Seamaster
210.22.42.20.01.002
-
Grand Seiko Sport
SBGJ237G
-
Rado Captain Cook
R32505313
-
Raymond Weil Freelancer
2780-ST-20001
-
TAG Heuer Carrera
CAR2110.BA0724
Let me know price of this
Hi Sheetal,
Thank you for your interest in our selection of watches for the wedding season. We have indicated the prices of most of the watches within the article itself. For any other help, suggestions, and information on the availability and prices of these or any other watches, you can call the Ethos luxury watch helpline directly and speak to one of our consultants. The numbers are +91 8725028882 or 8725016301, and the helpline is open between 11:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday.
Thank you for reading!
The Watch Guide