There's nothing more challenging for men than selecting accessories as gifts for women. A wristwatch has so many facets to consider—color, size, movement, age, and the recipient’s role in your life: wife, mother, girlfriend, etc. It’s hard to get everything just right. We turned to fashion journalist Meisi Volt for guidance.
How important is it to channel your inner CSI profiler and dig into the recipient’s world and self-image?
Yes, it’s very important! If possible, peek into her wardrobe or jewelry box. The first thing I recommend is to observe. What kind of jewelry does she wear? Is she the flashy type who loves sparkle and color, or does she prefer simple, minimalist designs, wearing mostly black, beige, and gray? This gives you a good idea of the type of watches she might like.
In my opinion, age doesn’t play a significant role—women of all ages have diverse preferences. However, there are different accessories for special occasions versus everyday wear. Not every watch is suitable for the red carpet or business meetings. It’s also worth noting whether she prefers small, understated jewelry that doesn’t get in the way or large, bold pieces that make a statement.
How to choose the right color watch for a woman?
Take a moment to look at her hair and eye color, as this can be very helpful. If you want an easier route, just ask her directly about her favorite color. Chances are, her wardrobe contains a lot of this shade, making the watch a perfect match for her outfits. It doesn’t hurt to ask a close friend of hers for advice either.
Size is an important factor. Some women wear men’s watches, while grandmothers often have tiny button-sized watches—how can you get the size right?
Consider getting her two watches! One for Christmas and another for her birthday. This might sound like a joke, but as a woman, I can say that both larger and smaller watches are versatile and practical. Smaller watches are perfect for formal outfits, evening gowns, and gala events, where the watch shouldn’t dominate but rather complement her beauty and attire. Larger watches, on the other hand, make a statement, adding flair to a simple outfit and making it instantly stylish and eye-catching.
Mechanical vs. Quartz? The former is more impressive and expensive but requires “special care”, so to speak. Quartz is simpler and more affordable. How do you strike the right balance?
I think there’s room for multiple watches! At the start of a relationship, you could gift a quartz watch, and later, as the years go by, surprise her with a mechanical beauty.
Watches as gifts span all ages, from graduates to grandmothers. What should you consider when gifting a watch to a school graduate, a young woman, or an older lady?
For a young graduate, remember that her style might still be evolving. In this case, I’d recommend choosing something timeless and not overly trendy, so it remains useful for years to come.
For a young woman, look for something that aligns with her personal style. Avoid choosing something too similar to what she already has; instead, find something that complements her look, whether it’s expressively bold, youthful, or classically refined.
For an older lady, I’d recommend a timeless design. Her watch should be smaller, lightweight, and versatile enough to pair with a variety of outfits comfortably.
On what occasions is it appropriate to gift a woman a watch, and when might it be less suitable?
I believe it’s always a good idea to surprise a woman, whether or not there’s a special occasion. A surprise gift on a regular Tuesday or a Friday evening after a long, tiring week can bring immense joy and light up her eyes. Personally, I love unexpected gifts, and trust me, men, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion. The element of surprise is one of the most delightful parts of the gift!
Some people believe that gifting a watch, like a knife, is bad luck—it’s said to signify arguments or breakups. Supposedly, giving even a single cent in return can break the “curse.” What’s your take on this?
I’m not particularly superstitious. Yes, I once gifted a watch to my boyfriend, and we broke up a while later, but it wasn’t because of the watch—it was simply because we weren’t compatible. So, don’t take every piece of folklore too seriously. If you strongly believe that a breakup or argument is inevitable, it might become a self-fulfilling prophecy! Let’s focus on positive energy and nurturing relationships instead!
