Wedding Watches - On Time & In Style!

That all said, the watch you choose as a wedding gift can be a rather specific choice in itself. Like all jewellery it’s a matter of personal taste, though I do believe this: like your engagement ring and wedding band, your wedding watch should say something personal about the two of you. After all, it is bought as a reminder of your husband and your marriage as much as it is to please your eye.

In female terms, nothing says I love you better than diamonds. Not only a girl’s best friend, they are so very bridal too. When the question was put to me I chose a Christian Dior La D De Dior diamond watch. Not too glitzy for day time wear yet special enough to step up to the occasion. Anything more and I would have felt restricted to wear it as an evening watch which would have missed the point entirely. Like my ring I wanted to show it off as much and often as I could. Funnily enough, most girls do!

The other point about wearing a diamond watch is for those of you who have a nice little sparkling ring worn on your left hand, this is also the hand that most people sport a watch. Too much jewellery for one hand? Never! But it can 'ruin' your look if you choose the wrong one. Something too masculine, heavy or sporty will take away from your gorgeous ring. Something female, elegant and romantic will enhance your look. This is why a diamond watch will set your engagement ring and thus your 'look' off. Bearing in mind most girls will wear their engagement ring and watch day in, day out, it's not really an option to get it wrong. You want to love it in a way that’s impossible you'll ever tire of it.

As far as diamonds go check out the Gucci G-Class ladies' watch YA055510. It has 11 diamonds as hour markers at 0.11ct, diamonds surrounding the top and bottom parts of the frame, and a date window at 3 o'clock for those of you that can't resist a bit of practicality in the mix. This is a stronger watch in terms of its solid frame yet small enough to keep its femininity.

Now if talk of a lower price tag is more than appealing whilst still maintaining the diamond effect, it’s worth considering crystals. I love the DKNY ladies' watch NY4411. This really is a Wow watch! The all over crystal diagonal link bracelet and crystal framed face gives a beautiful vintage feel to it, so it could easily be worn by day as by night. Undoubtedly the crystals have the same glitzy effect as diamonds without looking like the poor cousin. The DKNY ladies' watch NY4645 is equally as bewitching but has a more modern style with circular crystals forming the bracelet.

Having alluded to the fact that sometimes, for some girls, less is more and only a hint of glimmer is enough I must suggest other crystal watches that will sit more 'gently' with your engagement ring yet like the DKNY watches don't have diamond price tags. For this I recommend the Guess Mini Rock Candy Ladies' watch I952732L1 which is classic, clean and simple in design with a white mother-of-pearl face, surrounded by crystals and a polished steel bracelet to set it off. This really is a smart and rather stylish watch.

However we must remember, one doesn’t' have to don a diamond to be glamorous. Equally many girls may not have chosen a diamond ring and feel that they need a contrasting style. Being understated can also speak volumes in terms of great taste! If money is no problem then take a look at vintage watches.

I adore the ladies' vintage Piaget watch. Its black face oozes confidence set off by the 18carat gold bracelet. This look is reminiscent of old Hollywood and a time where ladies stepped out of chauffer driven cars, immaculately dressed and immersed in confidence. Similar to this but at a more affordable price point and not quite as bold is the Longines Grande Classique Ladies' watch L4.205.2.11.7. The French being French even have an phrase for such timeless elegance - 'BCBG’ (bon chic, bon genre) meaning effortless style. This is a watch that really will last you a life time in terms of both quality and design. Like beautiful rings, you will never tire of it and if anything will make a stunning heirloom. Notably what gives it this edge, like the Piaget Lady, is the yellow gold which has historically been a symbol of wealth and class. If you like this it comes in either a white or gold face, or an all gold bracelet and is a great option for those looking to match yellow gold engagement rings and, or wedding bands. Here the gold bracelet mixed in with steel breaks the look up a little, while the black roman numerals signify old school glamour.

Of course if you really want to rock this look or are looking for something you can pass down the generations (what a lovely idea!), it's really a Rolex you want to invest in. The Vintage Rolex Oyster Quartz comes in a gold and steel bracelet with a champagne face and date window and of course being Rolex, is highly advanced mechanically. It's the daddy of luxury watches, the ultimate buy. I personally totally love the Rolex Lady-Datejust 179171, but I can't help myself with diamonds and melt at the sight of rose gold. Its beautiful steel and everose gold bracelet with a gold dust set with diamonds face let’s people know where your at.

In short there’s very few times in our life whereby we are indulged in such a magnificent way that we almost feel we are owed it, and a wedding is one of them. Entirely guilt free its an event which almost demands splashing out as part of the process. So take advantage, and choose a great gift when its offered to you – and trust me it will be!

Astrid Joss is the Shopping Editor for Brides Magazine