A wedding day is a symphony of details, and the groom’s watch is a crucial note in that composition. It’s more than a timepiece; it’s a statement of style, a symbol of the moment, and a lasting memento of a milestone celebration. Choosing the right watch for the groom and his party requires balancing elegance, personality, and the formality of the occasion.
From classic leather straps that complement a traditional tuxedo to modern stainless steel designs that offer a contemporary edge, the perfect wedding watch ties the entire look together. This roundup is designed to help you navigate the options and find a timepiece that not only looks impeccable in the wedding photos but will be cherished for years to come, marking the start of a new chapter.
Our Picks for the Groom’s Party
- Fossil Men’s Dean Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch
- Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular, 44mm)
- Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Mens Rose Gold Dive Watch
- Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Weekender Brycen Chronograph Watch
- SEIKO Men’s SNK795 SEIKO 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
- MVMT Chrono II Men’s Analog Chronograph Watch
- Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Collection Coin-Edge Automatic Watch
- Tissot Mens Le Locle Powermatic 80 Swiss Automatic Watch
- Casio Men’s EF527D-1AV “Edifice” Stainless Steel Watch
- Fossil Grant Chronograph Brown Leather Watch
Fossil Men’s Dean Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch
For the groom seeking a classic and luxurious aesthetic, the Fossil Dean makes a striking impression. Its mid-century modern design features a clean, all-gold-tone stainless steel case and bracelet that exudes a timeless confidence. The 45mm case provides a substantial presence on the wrist, making it a perfect accessory for a formal wedding day ensemble.
Beyond its elegant appearance, this watch is built for functionality with a reliable quartz chronograph movement. It includes three sub-dials for tracking minutes, seconds, and a 24-hour display, along with a practical date window. The scratch-resistant mineral crystal ensures the watch remains pristine throughout the day’s celebrations and beyond.
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular, 44mm)
The Apple Watch Series 4 is the ideal choice for the modern, tech-savvy groom. Its sleek design and larger display offer a contemporary look that pairs well with a smart or business-casual wedding style. With GPS + Cellular connectivity, you can stay connected with your wedding party and family without the need to carry a phone in your pocket.
This watch also serves as a personal wellness monitor, featuring advanced electrical and optical heart sensors. It can help you manage the day’s excitement by tracking your activity and even guiding you through a moment of calm. It’s a versatile piece that transitions seamlessly from the wedding ceremony to the honeymoon.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Mens Rose Gold Dive Watch
For a statement of unparalleled luxury and heritage, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is in a class of its own. This timepiece combines a robust 42mm case with the opulence of rose gold accents, creating a look that is both powerful and refined. The black dial with luminous hands and a sapphire crystal ensures legibility and durability, making it a true heirloom piece.
As a Swiss-made automatic diving watch, it boasts incredible craftsmanship and a 600-meter water resistance. Wearing an Omega on your wedding day is a symbol of achievement and timeless style, a watch that will be passed down through generations as a reminder of your commitment.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Weekender Brycen Chronograph Watch
The Citizen Brycen Chronograph offers a sophisticated blend of sporty style and practical technology. Its ivory dial paired with a brown leather strap creates a warm, versatile look that complements earth-toned wedding attire beautifully. This watch is designed for the groom who values both form and function.
Powered by Citizen’s renowned Eco-Drive technology, it charges in any light and never needs a battery replacement. The 1/5-second chronograph and date function add a layer of utility, while the stainless steel case provides lasting durability. It’s a reliable and handsome choice for a memorable day.
SEIKO Men’s SNK795 SEIKO 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
The Seiko 5 Automatic is an excellent entry into the world of mechanical watches, offering classic style and reliable performance. Its 37mm stainless steel case and bracelet provide a comfortable, traditional fit that works well with a suit or tuxedo. The black dial with a day/date window is clean, legible, and effortlessly stylish.
This watch features a self-winding automatic movement, meaning it is powered by the motion of your wrist. The exhibition case back allows you to see the intricate mechanics at work, adding a touch of engineering fascination to your wedding day accessories.
MVMT Chrono II Men’s Analog Chronograph Watch
The MVMT Chrono II brings a modern, architectural design to the wedding party. Inspired by brutalist coastal lines, this watch features sharp angular lugs, faceted indices, and a stepped case for a distinctly contemporary look. The cognac tan leather strap adds a warm, vintage touch that pairs wonderfully with navy, grey, or brown suits.
Built for everyday wear, it includes luminous hands for low-light visibility and a hardened mineral crystal for scratch resistance. With 5 ATM water resistance, it can handle any accidental splashes during the celebration, making it as practical as it is stylish.
Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Collection Coin-Edge Automatic Watch
The Invicta Pro Diver offers the classic aesthetic of a luxury dive watch at an accessible price point, making it a great option for outfitting the entire groom’s party. Its 40mm stainless steel case with a coin-edge bezel and black dial presents a timeless and ruggedly handsome look.
This watch is powered by a reliable Japanese automatic movement, visible through the exhibition case back. The luminous hands ensure you can tell the time even during a dimly lit evening reception. It’s a robust and classic timepiece that conveys a sense of adventure.
Tissot Mens Le Locle Powermatic 80 Swiss Automatic Watch
The Tissot Le Locle represents the pinnacle of Swiss elegance and is perfectly suited for a formal wedding. Its 39.3mm case size is understated and classic, featuring a beautiful grey dial with Roman numerals that exude sophistication. The stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp ensures a secure and seamless fit.
At its heart is the Powermatic 80 automatic movement, which offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. This means you can take the watch off after the wedding weekend and it will still be running when you return from your honeymoon. It’s a watch built with heritage and precision.
Casio Men’s EF527D-1AV “Edifice” Stainless Steel Multi-Function Watch
The Casio Edifice is a dynamic and sporty chronograph that brings high-functionality to a sleek, stainless steel package. Its 45.5mm case features a left-handed crown and a black dial with a sophisticated slide-rotating inner bezel, offering a technically advanced look for a modern groom.
Driven by a precise quartz movement, it includes a 1/20-second chronograph function and a date window. This watch is for the man who appreciates engineering and a busy, detailed dial that reflects a proactive and energetic personality on his big day.
Fossil Grant Chronograph Brown Leather Watch
The Fossil Grant Chronograph is a quintessential dress watch that embodies vintage-inspired charm. Its classic design, typically featuring a brown leather strap and a clean chronograph dial, makes it an incredibly versatile choice for a wedding. The warm tones of the leather pair exceptionally well with a range of suit colors, from charcoal to tan.
As part of Fossil’s renowned lineup, this watch offers reliable quartz timekeeping and a thoughtfully designed case that sits comfortably on the wrist. It’s a watch that manages to feel both timeless and of-the-moment, perfect for commemorating a new beginning.
What to Look For in the Best Wedding Watches
Choosing the right watch for your wedding day is more than just picking a timepiece; it’s about selecting an accessory that complements your style, your suit, and the formality of the occasion. We’ve spent a lot of time looking at what makes a watch work for a wedding, and it really comes down to a few key factors. Getting this right ensures your watch adds to your confidence without stealing the show from the person you’re marrying.
First, consider the formality. A classic dress watch is almost always the way to go. These are characterized by their thin profiles, minimalist dials, and understated elegance. Think simple leather straps in black or brown, or a sleek metal bracelet. You generally want to avoid chunky, complicated sports watches with rotating bezels on this day. The goal is sophistication, not utility. The watch should slide neatly under your shirt cuff without creating an awkward bulge.
Next, think about coordination. Your watch should harmonize with your wedding attire. For a classic black-tie event, a watch with a black leather strap and a white or silver dial is a timeless choice. If you’re wearing a navy or grey suit, you have more flexibility. A brown leather strap can add a warm, rich contrast to a blue suit, while a metal bracelet in a matching tone (silver for white gold/platinum rings, gold for yellow gold rings) can tie your whole look together. The metal of the watch case should ideally match the metal of your other accessories, like your cufflinks or belt buckle.
Finally, don’t forget about budget and sentiment. Your wedding watch can be a fantastic heirloom piece, a memory of one of the best days of your life that you can wear for years to come. It doesn’t have to break the bank, but investing in a quality piece from a reputable brand can make it that much more special. For the groomsmen, coordinating watches can be a meaningful and practical gift that they’ll appreciate long after the wedding cake is gone. When we put together our list of the 10 best wedding watches, we considered all these elements to find pieces that strike the perfect balance between style, quality, and occasion-appropriateness.
FAQ
Should the groom and groomsmen have matching watches?
This is a popular trend, but it’s not a requirement. Matching watches can be a fantastic and unifying gift for your groomsmen, creating a cohesive look in photos. However, if your party has diverse tastes, you could also set some general guidelines—like “a leather-strap dress watch with a white dial”—and let them choose their own. This ensures a consistent style while allowing for personal expression.
Is it okay to wear a smartwatch to my wedding?
While we understand the convenience, we typically advise against it for the ceremony and formal photos. A traditional analog watch is considered more formal and aesthetically fitting for the occasion. A smartwatch’s sporty, tech-focused look can clash with the elegance of a wedding suit. Think of your watch as jewelry for the day; a classic timepiece simply fits the role better.
What type of watch strap is most formal for a wedding?
For the highest level of formality, a black alligator or crocodile leather strap is the pinnacle. For most weddings, however, any high-quality leather strap in black or dark brown is perfectly appropriate. Metal bracelets from brands like Rolex or Omega are also acceptable and very stylish, especially if they match your other accessories. NATO or fabric straps are generally too casual for a wedding.
How much should I spend on a wedding watch?
There is no set amount. Your budget is entirely personal. A wedding watch can be a significant investment piece you’ll cherish forever, or it can be a more affordable accessory chosen specifically for the day. The same goes for groomsmen gifts. The most important thing is that the watch fits the style of the event and your personal financial comfort. Our selection of the 10 best wedding watches includes options across a range of price points.
Can I wear a watch that was a gift from my partner?
Absolutely! If your partner has given you a watch, wearing it on your wedding day is a wonderful and sentimental gesture. It adds a deeply personal touch to your outfit. Just make sure its style is in line with the formality of your wedding attire. If it’s a sporty model, you might consider saving it for the reception and wearing a more formal watch for the ceremony itself.