For better or worse, our accessories send a very clear message about us as individuals — our personality, social status, and wealth, among a plethora of other immediate signals.

Now, the world of accessories for the modern man is relatively limited, to say the least. And this very limitation in how we express ourselves only emphasizes the message being sent! It places a strict sense of importance onto every element of our attire, especially those elements which complete and “put our signature” onto how we project ourselves to the world around us.

Whether it’s a belt, ring, bracelet, or wrist-watch – every accessory seemingly has the power to make or break our appearance altogether. And with it, the sort of impression that we impart onto everyone that comes our way. But, while you can definitely play around quite a bit with other accessories, there are some cardinal rules that every self-respecting man should know when it comes to matching a watch with their outfit.

Just like any outfit, every type of watch has a specific intended purpose and situation where it can accentuate or totally throw off your entire appearance. One of the easiest ways to avoid total fashion disasters is by wearing the right type of watch for the right occasion. Let’s take a look at the most common categories of watches that you’ve likely come across at some point in your life.