Watch To Wear

Featuring timepieces from Citizen, Bulova, Accutron and more, fashion journalist Eli Gomez Garcia teaches us how to up our wristwatch game. —Noa Nichol

Hi Eli! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

I’m a fashion journalist born in Colombia and living in Montreal. I’m passionate about fashion and love travelling. My journalism and fashion marketing background is what brought me to start my blog back in 2011. Since then I’ve been sharing fashion tips and my experiences at the most prominent fashion weeks around the world.

With smartwatch users on the rise, why do you still love wearing, and styling, a traditional watch?

There’s something very special about a traditional watch; I find them to be elegant and their designs to be unique and timeless. In addition, we’re seeing a tendency to take breaks from technology every once in while, so why do we need more distractions on our wrists? I love wearing and styling traditional watches because they have this intrinsic vintage feeling that’s so in vogue these days—and, you know a watch is a fashion statement!

What sorts of details (design and otherwise) do you look for in a watch?

I love minimalism. I want my watch to be easy to manipulate. For me, the beauty of a traditional watch is that all the components tend to be harmonic and well integrated. I don’t want my watch to be heavy; I want it to be comfortable to wear. I want to feel that my watch rests easily on my wrist.

What are some of your top wristwatch styling tips? Do you switch up your watches to match your outfits, and to suit occasions?

First, try to match your watch to your outfit. My wardrobe is primary neutrals, therefore I have a tendency to buy watches with white or black dials so it’s easier for me to match them with my clothes. But if you have different colours in your closet, you should determine what one you wear most often and look for a watch face that will match it. Second, think straps. For many watches you can acquire different straps. You can add a variety of colours or change the material. For example, I often wear leather straps with casual outfits and I metal ones with more elegant fits for fancier occasions. Don’t forget that a watch will definitely turn heads!

Do you have a favourite watch to wear on the daily? Do you find that a daily wear watch can elevate an “ordinary” outfit? If so, how?

I believe that accessories can elevate any outfit and that watches in particular have the power to do exactly that. A go-to watch is definitely something that we need to think about. We live in a world that moves so fast and sometimes we lack the time to look for the ideal piece to wear, so a watch that we love and feel comfortable wearing becomes very handy under these circumstances. Bulova has many styles that could be an excellent option for a watch to wear on the daily. Bulova is always there for the modern trendy look. For instance, the Gemini is a great option. Citizen Eco-Drive also has some amazing options, like the Corso, which is great for the sustainability.

With holiday party season coming up, what are some special watches you suggest we could wear to a glitzy festive event?

You can never go wrong with a Frederique Constant piece, like the Classics Art Deco Carré, for luxury, elegance and a very feminine look. You won’t go unnoticed!

For New Year’s Eve, we’re thinking sparkle! This year, is there one shiny timepiece you have your eye on in particular to rock for the countdown?

I’ll be wearing my favourite watch: the Accutron 521 Legacy Edition, available at Maison Birks. This watch is a limited-edition replica of a timepiece worn by Elvis Presley in the 1960s. Mine has a golden metal strap, but you can also buy it with different coloured straps. It’s really a unique watch, not only because of its history but the classic and bold design. I wear my Accutron to all of my important events.

citizenwatch.com