Time flies when you haven’t got a watch on, but a truly sartorial gent feels practically naked without one. This fall, the dress code veers decidedly towards understated elegance and our favorite watchmakers have a few tricks up their (your) sleeves.

The key to taste is being on trend without appearing trendy (the latter should remain the exclusive of 13-year-old girls). Panerai’s new offering features a distressed band reflective of the yen for all things reclaimed and well worn. Breguet mixes rose gold with a spikey rubber band balancing a refined, rough attitude.

image: james t. murray

Panerai Radiomir Composite 3 Days on strap, 47mm
Breguet 18k rose gold Marine chronograph on rubber strap, 42mm

Available at London Jewelers, Manhasset, (516) 627-7475

image: james t. murray

A legacy is a hard thing to master. Rolex figured it out long ago and continues to honor its heritage with their Yacht-Master. But their latest, the Sky-Dweller, is the epitome of the brand: all the markings of the future well rooted in the teachings of the past. Newcomer Nomos is the watch-fiends go-to, a workaday timepiece ideal for more casual outings.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 40mm Yacht-Master in 18k Everose Gold
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 42mm Sky-Dweller in 18k Everose Gold
NOMOS Glashütte 38mm Tangomate Datum in Stainless Steel

Available at H.L. Gross & Bros. Jewelers, Garden City, (516) 747-6666

image: james t. murray

Regardless of the weekday suit of choice, a well-chosen horologe can reveal something extra about the wearer. This trio lives in the top drawer of “business casual,” but also betrays the inner adrenaline junkie of the man who connects one to his wrist.

Raymond Weil Freelancer Piper Special Edition Automatic Chronograph
Tag Heuer Carrera 39mm Vintage Automatic
Longines Admiral Automatic Chronograph 24 Hour GMT

Available at Gelber & Mundy, Great Neck, (516) 482-1585