The perfect wedding watch in 4 different budgets

Introduction

Your wedding (or that of a close friend) calls for a watch that stylishly complements the day without stealing the show. In Goed Getimed, we set out to do just that—with four clear budget tiers: €100 , €500 , €2000 , and the Holy Grail . In this article, we translate the choices and opinions from the video into a practical buyer's guide. Expect: concrete models from the episode, down-to-earth arguments why they work for a wedding, and honest compromise points. General etiquette we adhere to: leather is king under a suit, a diameter around 38–40 mm (preferably 38–39 mm ) looks the most chic, and subtle colors trump flashy dials. Vintage can be tempting, but for the big day, new is simply more carefree.

Buying guide in brief

• Size : Aim for 38–39mm (40mm really the maximum) for a slim fit under your shirt.

• Strap choice : Choose a leather watch strap —comfortable, chic, and formal. Browse our leather watch straps.

• Color scheme : Choose light/chic tonal dials; avoid distracting bright accents.

• Style : dressy > sporty for the occasion; chronos and tool looks quickly become too busy.

• Homages : We'd rather avoid "strongly inspired" designs here; choose character.

• New vs. vintage : Vintage can be financially attractive, but its condition/lifespan is uncertain. Not ideal for the big day.

• Open-heart : looks more “showy” and can appear less formal; prefer a closed, quiet dial.

• Practical : thin profile = easier under the cuff; if necessary, switch the strap to leather beforehand.

€100 – Start smartly and stylishly

Recommended: Addiesdive AD2515

We deliberately looked for something under €100 that still looked wedding-worthy . The Addiesdive in a sleek, clean design came out on top. The video even mentioned a 39mm automatic option, but that's a few euros over budget.

Why suitable for a wedding

• Subtle & neat : with its muted dial colours it matches a suit and tie.

• Budget-friendly : leave room for a quality leather strap .

• Great value for money : For €60 you get a nice watch.

• Flexible : easy to dress up thanks to changing straps.

Specs & Fit (based on the video choices)

• Diameter : around 36 mm.

• Thickness/Shirt : Keep the profile modest for the cuff.

• Water resistance : a nice “safety factor”, but not the focus for the wedding day.

Tire advice

• Instantly switch to leather. A leather strap creates a slimmer and more formal silhouette. Check out our leather watch straps .

Honest minus

• The finish/design may seem “highly inspired”; the charm here lies mainly in the value and presentation with leather .

€500 – The safe, stylish choice

Recommended: Seiko SRPJ17J1

Around €500, "things start getting interesting." In this range, Seiko offers exceptionally strong value for money with smart dress options. In the video, we emphasize: don't choose an open-heart style if you're looking for maximum chic.

Why suitable for a wedding

• Stylish and understated : exactly what a wedding calls for.

• Strong value : finish and reliability are “simply good”.

• Lots of choice : light dials work great with a suit.

Specs & fit

• Diameter : 39.5, fits nicely under the cuff.

• Thickness : Go for a slim profile for comfort with formal wear.

Tire advice

• Choose leather. For example, smooth black or dark brown. Try a subtle taper for added elegance. See our leather watch straps.

Honest minus

• Some variants come in steel or with a sportier look; swap out the strap and keep the dial simple .

€2000 – Classic with character

Recommended: Frédérique Constant FC-301S3B6

In the €2000 category, we unanimously chose Frédérique Constant . The elongated (carrée) look was described as very chic (reminiscent of a Cartier watch in terms of feel), and the sleek, classic rounds are also spot-on. But ultimately, our eye fell on the FC-301S3B6. A beautiful 38.5mm watch with a powerful Swiss movement.

Why suitable for a wedding

• Classic dress DNA : timeless, refined, perfect under a suit.

• Size : 38.5mm or slim oblong.

• Finish : neat and presentable without being flashy.

Specs & fit

• Profile : Slim enough for any shirt cuff.

• Caliber : Basically a SW200 .

Tire advice

• Leather is a standard choice here. Dark brown or black with light stitching looks luxurious.

• Save sporty straps for later and store the watch in a watch box after the wedding .

Honest minus

• You're paying for classic design and refinement , not for technical prowess. Perfect for a wedding, but if you're looking for technical fireworks, you're not going to find it here.

Bonus mentions (from the video):

• Junghans – beautiful, chic and minimalist; the size around 38 mm was mentioned positively.

• Oris – tasteful and a bit more chic; suits formal wear well.

• MeisterSinger – style surprisingly suits weddings (quiet, elegant), but there was some discussion : some find it too simple .

Holy Grail – Unlimited dreams, undisputed class

Prime pick: A. Lange & Söhne 1815

The 1815 is pure watchmaking: dial architecture , phenomenal finishing , and a caseback that will leave you speechless. "Price upon request"—but the message is clear: this is refinement at the highest level , wedding-worthy without being ostentatious.

Alternatives from the video

• Christiaan van der Klaauw – breathtaking and technically poetic. Note the size (around 44 mm ); beautiful, but can appear large with formal attire.

• Patek Philippe (e.g. World Time ) – iconic, but in this setting it can feel “over the top” .

• Vacheron Constantin – a tasteful high-end route that often looks a little more discreet than bold icons.

Etiquette note
Even in the Holy Grail, the rule is: choose refinement over bravado . A wedding is all about the bride and groom—your watch should whisper , not scream .

FAQ

1) What size watch fits best under a shirt?
Aim for 38–39 mm ; 40 mm is the upper limit. Slimmer cases slide more easily under the cuff and look more refined.

2) Leather vs. Steel: What Should I Choose for a Wedding?
Leather wins. It looks more formal and visually slimmers the case. If necessary, swap the included strap for a leather version from our leather watch straps .

3) Is vintage smart for the big day?
Vintage is tempting, but as we mentioned in the video, you can't be sure about the condition and lifespan . For a day like this, new is more carefree.

4) Which dial colors look the most chic?
Light and subdued colors work well (white, silver, champagne). Avoid bright colors that will draw attention.

5) Why do we avoid “strongly inspired” homages?
Because a wedding demands refinement and individuality . It's best to choose something that stands on its own two feet.

6) What do I do with my dress watch after the wedding?
Store it safely in a watch box and keep it in working order with an automatic watch winder . Discover our watch box and watch winder. collections.

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Ready for the big day?

Order the watch within your budget today and complete it with a matching leather strap from our collection . Elegant, comfortable, and just the right touch for an unforgettable day.