Watches

The Insider Guide To Styling A Fine Timepiece

Six stylish tastemakers shine a spotlight on the cult watches of the season – and share their key tips on the effortlessly cool ways to wear them

Clockwise from top left: all jewelry, Foundrae; ‘Rendez-Vous Moon Automatic’ watch, Jaeger-leCoultre; cardigan, The Row; bag, Gucci; pants, Wardrobe.NYC

Maria Dueñas Jacobs, founder of Super Smalls

“I love the heirloom quality of this gorgeous ‘Rendez-Vous Moon Automatic’ watch from Jaeger-leCoultre. An all-white look with menswear-inspired details is a perfect go-to for me. I like to pair comfy silks with a luxurious cashmere sweater that I wear over my shoulders, or as a half-tuck into my high-waisted trousers. I’m a sneaker fanatic, so Adidas Originals sneakers, a Gucci bag and Foundrae’s yellow-gold jewels perfectly complement this chic timepiece.” Supersmalls.com; @mduenasjacobs

Rowi Singh, makeup artist and content creator

“I’m all about vibrant style and accessory layering; there’s something magical about bright colors paired with the glint of gold jewelry – it transforms me into a more powerful version of myself. The triple strap on the ‘Panthère’ de Cartier watch is just statement enough without enveloping my small wrists and is something I could easily pair with baggy jeans and a white crop top. I would wear this look to a beauty event or movie premiere, replicating the color and pattern of the Christopher John Rogers polka-dot bustier with graphic eyeliner.” @rowisingh

Clockwise from top left: shoes, Bottega Veneta; ‘Panthère de Cartier’ watch, Cartier; top, Christopher John Rogers; earrings, David Morris; skirt, Bottega Veneta; rings (sold as set of eight), Fry Powers
Clockwise from top left: shirt, Andreādamo; ‘Egérie Automatic’ watch, Vacheron Constantin; earrings, Sorellina; blazer, Jacquemus; shoes, Roger Vivier; shorts, Goldsign; ring, Bea Bongiasca

Scarlett Baker, editor and journalist

“Minimalism is a language I’m not very well acquainted with. More is more, and always the merrier for me – that doesn’t stop when it comes to timepieces, either. The Vacheron Constantin ‘Egérie Automatic’ speaks to my eclecticism, with its eye-catching diamond-set dial. To fully ‘ice’ a watch might make horological aficionados wince but, to my mind, the 18-karat white-gold dial and case creates a stage for the scintillating stones. The minutiae of fine details, from the italic hour markers to the position of the crown, are complemented by vibrant gemstone and enamel jewelry, both echoing the timepiece’s artisanal craftsmanship. This is one outfit I would never want to take off.” @scarlintheshire

Danielle Miele, founder of Gem Gossip

“I promise I’m not boring when it comes to fashion and I do embrace color, but these classic, all-black pieces from The Row offer the perfect backdrop to some outstanding jewels and watches, such as Hermès Timepieces’ ‘Galop’. I love the black-mesh turtleneck – I think it lends itself well to my personal style, which always includes something a bit directional. No matter how many different earrings I own, I always reach for hoops – and these ones by Melissa Joy Manning are a great size. I like adding a little extra flair to my second and third ear piercings with a single earring, such as Maria Black’s lip motif. To finish off the look, I add a statement gold bracelet – this one is by Lauren Rubinski, a designer I recently started following.” @gemgossip

Clockwise from top left: turtleneck, The Row; ‘Galop’ watch, Hermès Timepieces; bracelet, Octavia Elizabeth; earring, Maria Black; hoop earrings, Melissa Joy Manning; skirt, The Row; bracelet, Lauren Rubinski; earrings, Octavia Elizabeth
Clockwise from top left: blazer, Alaïa; ‘Pilot’s Automatic’ watch, IWC Schaffhausen; all jewelry, Jennifer Fisher; shoes, Magda Butrym; skirt, Peter Do; bag, Bottega Veneta

Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe, stylist

“This ‘Pilot’s Automatic’ watch by IWC Schaffhausen fits in seamlessly with my aesthetic. My favorite outfits are made up from a combination of layers featuring different textures, fabrics and tones, as well as a mix of masculine and feminine silhouettes. The stainless-steel case offers standout appeal, and the monochrome dial makes it that little bit more unique, too.” @melissaswardrobe

Regina Ong, watch collector and content creator

“Watches are like miniature works of art enclosed in a case. In recent years, I’ve learnt to appreciate all the little details of a timepiece and I love the case shape of the Piaget ‘Polo’, which feels really refined. I tend to gravitate towards a smarter sense of style, so I’d pair the watch with a Saint Laurent double-breasted pinstripe blazer and some jersey slim-leg pants (to elongate the legs). Continuing the dapper styling, I’d go for a structured shoulder bag – the Giuliva Heritage ‘Caccetta’ is perfect, and I’d pair it with Christian Louboutin’s ‘Kate’ pumps. The finishing touch? A Messika ‘Baby Move’ 18-karat rose gold diamond ring.” @regina.osm

Clockwise from top left: ring, Messika; ‘Polo’ watch, Piaget; blazer, Saint Laurent; shoes, Christian Louboutin; bag, Giuliva Heritage; pants, Ninety Percent