A watch is an accessory that can effortlessly add to or complete any outfit, both formal and casual. Men differ in their preferences and choices of accessories, but a watch is, for the most part, a staple fashion choice when putting together an outfit. It also gives others some insight into your likes and dislikes with style, as the watch you choose to wear does express your aesthetic preference.

A watch can garner a lot of attention, so you want to make sure it looks good. You also want to ensure it matches your unique style.

While pondering your next watch purchase, here are the four top trends in men’s watches.

1. Different Shapes

Square- and rectangular-shaped faces are increasing in popularity, deviating from the traditional circular face. This isn’t to say that the classic round watches aren’t trendy, but the watch market is changing quite rapidly and watch brands are being quite bold with their designs.

If you’re an individual who is a bit more creative and enjoys sporting unique pieces, look for watches with a combination of shapes—for example, a circle face within a square backing. This way, you don’t have to choose just one type of shape.

2. Blending of Colours

It can be difficult to choose a watch, particularly if you’re unsure of the right colour for yourself. If you’re uncertain of the colour to choose, you don’t need to settle on just one. Look for watches with an interesting colour combination. For example, check out watches that have a blue strap and a brown and silver face.

3. Large and Small

“Big is best” is not necessarily the case with watches, guys. The face of the watch shouldn’t take up your entire wrist. It can look a tad gaudy, which is exactly what you do not want to portray with your accessories.

If you have a smaller wrist, choose a watch with a smaller band width and a smaller face.

For those of you who are into a subtler watch, choose one with a simple, but larger, face and a thinner band. Yes, you want your watch to get noticed, but you also don’t want to get attention for the wrong reasons. A simpler watch looks very elegant and won’t overshadow the rest of your outfit.

4. A Variety of Materials

Leather tends to make a watch look slimmer, while a metal band will give the illusion of a bigger watch, mostly because the material is naturally heavier. Metal is also faster to catch the eye solely because it is brighter.

Again, if you’re unsure of the material to settle on, do some research or ask the store clerk for suggestions based on your preferences.

If you have larger wrists, you may want to opt for a watch with a metal band.

You can also deviate from the rest by sporting a wood watch. This is unique and also appropriate for those of you who are environmentally conscious. You’ll certainly gain attention with a men’s wooden watch.

Additionally, you can also consider releasing the artist in you. How? Look into watches that merge different materials. These are quite different from the classic watches, but they are definitely very creative and trendy. For example, look for a watch with a leather strap and a metal face on a wooden base.

For those of you who sport formal wear predominantly, look for a sleeker watch design or one with a more neutral colour, such as a grey strap. This will enable you to wear your watch on a daily basis, without having to worry about whether or not it matches your outfit that day.