How to Match Cufflinks and Watch

Wearing a set of sleek cufflinks is a power move, but pairing that with a watch is an absolute checkmate.

In order to win big in the game of fashion, it’s important to know how to match cufflinks with a watch.

Choosing a complementing pair can elevate an outfit from merely stylish to exceptionally sophisticated. To achieve a timeless look, there are multiple factors to take into account. From the metals of the accessories to the theme of the event, we’re about to dive into the best practices. After all, the goal of dressing to the nines is ensuring that you look like a ten when you walk through the door. Donning accessories that beam harmony is one great way to hit this goal. 

Pairing Watches and Cufflinks

Type	Details
Traditional Timepieces	Leather straps with classic cufflinks (geometric shapes, monograms). Black leather straps with black cufflinks.
Modern Watches	Stainless steel, silicone straps with contemporary cufflinks (minimalist, avant-garde). Modern materials like carbon fibre, titanium, brushed metal cufflinks. Diversify patterns/textures (e.g., metal bracelet with engraved cufflinks).
Novelty Watches	Match playful themes (e.g., cartoon characters) with unique cufflinks (quirky shapes, themed pieces). Balance elements (e.g., vibrant dial with cufflinks that pick up main colour tones). Avoid overly contrasting pieces to prevent clashing.
Metal Harmony	Match metals (e.g., gold cufflinks with a gold watch). Monochromatic looks are classic. Mixing metals can be stylish if tones harmonize (e.g., rose gold with similar hues).
Colour Coordination	Match leather straps and gemstone colours. Black leather straps with onyx cufflinks; brown leather with gold or amber-toned cufflinks. Use precious stones for added elegance (e.g., sapphire, emerald, ruby).

Understanding the Fundamentals of Matching Cufflinks and Watches

Matching cufflinks and watches requires a strong sixth sense for detail. Important aspects include the role of accessories in enhancing formal attire, ensuring metal harmony, and mastering colour coordination principles.

Whether you’re dealing with versatile women’s cufflinks or delicate pearl cufflinks, there is a stylish science behind putting the whole look together. 

The Role of Accessories in Formal Attire

Accessories can either make or break an outfit, and we’re here to make sure that yours falls under the first category. 

Accessories like cufflinks and watches are not just functional items; they are also vital in completing a formal look with a dash of elegance. A well-chosen pair of cufflinks can elevate a suit, highlighting the wearer’s keen sense of style, whereas a nice watch integrates sophistication, making it a focal point of formal wear. 

Metal Harmony: Matching Metals and Tones

To balance the aesthetic, make sure the colours and materials of these accessories are in harmony with the rest of your attire. Formal black-tie events may call for classic monochrome combinations (think sophisticated wedding cufflinks for the nuptials of your best friend!), while casual gatherings might allow for more creative colour schemes. Remember, the goal is to create a seamless integration of all your accessories in a way that showcases your personal style.

When learning the ropes of how to match cufflinks and a watch, metal harmony is crucial. The math behind this is extremely straightforward; gold cufflinks should complement a gold watch, creating a cohesive look. Similarly, silver cufflinks should pair with a silver or platinum watch. Monochromatic looks are a classic and safe way to rock your cufflink and watch combos.  

For more adventurous fashionistas, mixing and matching metals can be a showstopper, but it must be done with care. It's essential that the tones between the different metals still harmonise. For instance, rose gold tones with similar hues of gold. Despite straying from the unspoken rules of styling, it is imperative to maintain an undertone of rhythm and rhyme. Break the rules without really breaking them. 

Colour Coordination Principles

Colour coordination extends beyond metals to the leather straps of watches and gemstones of cufflinks. A black leather watch strap pairs well with onyx cufflinks, while brown leather suits gold or amber-toned cufflinks. 

Matching the colours of stones in cufflinks to elements of the watch or other accessories can create a unified look. Moreover, the use of precious stones like sapphire, emerald, or ruby in both the watch and cufflinks can bring about an extra layer of elegance. 

Pairing Watches with Different Styles of Cufflinks

Traditional Timepieces and Classic Cufflinks

Traditional timepieces often feature leather straps, providing an elegant foundation. Classic cufflinks, such as those with simple geometric shapes or monograms, complement these watches well.

A classic design demands consistent styling. Leather straps, often found on traditional watches, pair excellently with metal and enamel cufflinks. Additionally, a cool black watch strap would call for an equally cool pair of black cufflinks.

Modern Watches and Contemporary Designs

Modern watches boast a variety of materials and finishes. For instance, stainless steel and silicone straps provide a sleek aesthetic. Contemporary cufflink designs, which often incorporate minimalist or avant-garde aesthetics, sync well with these modern watches.

A gentleman with a stainless steel watch can benefit from choosing cufflinks that also employ modern materials. Carbon fibre, titanium, or brushed metal cufflinks create a cohesive look that you’ll fall head over heels for.  

Diversifying in patterns and textures also works. A watch with a metal bracelet can have cufflinks with intricate engravings or unconventional shapes without appearing disjointed.

Novelty Watches and Unique Cufflink Selections

Novelty watches effectively exude one’s playful style, but you might be wondering: how do you match cufflinks with a watch that has my favourite cartoon character splashed across the face?

Easy! Unique cufflinks, whether quirky shapes or themed pieces, offer a perfect match for such watches. You’d be surprised at the number of adorable ladybug cufflinks and golf swing cufflinks that dominate the market. 

Consider the balance between the elements. A novelty watch featuring comic book characters pairs well with cufflinks showcasing similar themes. For events that demand less of a formal look, why not let your quirky side shine by donning a pair of vintage cufflinks? They are bound to be a match made in heaven with your collector’s item timepieces. 

Matching themes or colours is of the essence. If the watch has a vibrant dial, the cufflinks should at least pick up on one of the main colour tones. It’s all about finding common ground, no matter how chaotic your off-duty cufflink preferences may be! 

For instance, a novelty watch with a playful theme pairs well with cufflinks sporting a similar level of creative flair. Conversely, overly contrasting pieces might clash rather than complement each other. You don’t want to swing and miss! 

Big Time Cufflink Fashion 

Mastering the art of matching cufflinks and watches is a surefire way to propel any outfit to runway-worthy levels. From experimenting with metal harmony to perfecting colour coordination, the right pairing can take your style from good to exceptional.  

Whether you prefer classic designs or modern aesthetics, we’re here to help you make a lasting impression. 

Now that you’ve learned how to match cufflinks and a watch like a pro, it’s time to put your expertise to the ultimate test! 

Explore AusCufflinks’ exquisite collection for men and find the perfect cufflinks to complement your watch. 

Dive further into the world of cufflinks through our other blogs:

• What are Cufflinks?
• How Do Cufflinks Work
• How to Wear Cufflinks