Watch this space - tips from Watch Pilot

A watch should complement a groom's suit, however it should also be a timepiece that they will want to wear for years to come. Co-founder of WatchPilot.com, Tim Harrison, has shared with County Wedding Magazines' grooms' editor, Melissa Cullen, his expert advice on buying and investing in a timepiece for your big day...

What type of watches are available for grooms-to-be? The most common watches are quartz, which offer accurate timing with minimal maintenance. Quartz watches also have the most affordable watch movements. Then there are automatic watches which selfwind using kinetic energy. These store energy by using the movement of your wrist but are typically more expensive than quartz options. Mechanical watches function via an intricate series of tiny components working together to power the watch. These never need batteries because they require hand-winding to operate. They are super reliable and often very attractive to look at but they do come with a higher price tag than other timepieces. The final type is the solar watch, which has the ability to convert light energy into electrical energy; they do not require battery replacements and feature a quartz crystal movement for accurate timekeeping.

What are the latest watch trends? Watches mean so much more than just telling the time; they represent every second of our lives. Some of the most recent style trends include vintage watches with nostalgic elements such as thin cases, minimalistic dials and those with beautiful heritage. Smart watches are continuing to be a big trend as people are increasingly investing more in their health and wellbeing, and these timepieces are the best for staying in tune with your body while you meet your fitness goals. There has also been a huge increase in using bold colours in both jewellery and watches. Blue, green and other pastel colours have been particularly utilised by many brands, producing a variety of new lines and limitededition pieces.

How can grooms-to-be add a personal touch to their wristwear? A wedding is a great opportunity to add a sentimental item or two to your wardrobe. Potentially borrow a watch from a family member or someone very close to you. If you are wearing a new watch, consider having it engraved to provide a memory of your special day – this could be a date, initials or a quote.

Appearance is one of the largest factors for grooms when choosing what to wear on their big day, with this in mind, what are your tips for grooms-to-be when selecting a watch to complement their suit? The most common watch worn with a suit is the dress watch. Consider a simple design with no flourishes. A plain black leather strap and simple dial is understated and refined.

When gifting a watch to a groom, what details should be considered? Opt for a classic and elegant design. Much like an engagement ring, the watch should stand out, however not be too extravagant. Consider taste and style preferences for example, if he's sporty look for a classic chronograph. If you know what colour metal the groom prefers to wear as part of his wardrobe i.e. on belt buckles or cufflinks, then this could be a hint for the colour of watch they may like. Lastly stay within your budget! Don't forget that weddings can cost quite a bit of money, so set yourself a price limit and work within it.

How do you suggest cleaning and maintaining a watch? Whether you wear it every day or just for special occasions, it's important to make time to give your watch a bit of TLC with a regular clean. This not only keeps it looking good, but it's also essential for making sure it works well, keeps time effectively over a long period as well as for general hygiene.

How often you should clean your watch varies. If you wear your watch every day, then a thorough clean, once a month, should keep it free of dirt and grime. If you're more of an occasional wearer, then a six-monthly deep clean is recommended. The first step is to take a look at the manual that came with your watch. This should give you a good idea of what you can and can't do during the cleaning process. Next, you'll need the proper equipment. A few essential items that will help you give your watch a thorough clean include a microfibre cloth, cleaning fluid, brushes, a watch strap remover tool and a Cape Cod polishing cloth.

If your watch strap is made from leather, fabric or silicone, you'll need to remove it before you can start cleaning. You'll also need to push or screw in all the crowns (the winders) and buttons to prevent water or moisture from damaging the internal workings of your watch. There are some parts of your watch, like the crown and buttons, that might be too small to effectively clean with your cloth, and this is where your cleaning brushes come in. They're perfect for getting into all the nooks and crannies, including the crown, buttons and inside the lugs. Always spray the cleaning fluid onto the tip of each brush, not the watch itself, and use a dry part of your microfibre cloth to remove any excess.

Now it's time to buff or polish your watch using your Cape Cod polishing cloth. Not only will this remove any streaks and brighten up the surface of your watch, but it's also a great way to buff out any fine scratches or blemishes.

For more information, visit www.watchpilot.com