Luxury watches are not only a part of every true fashionista’s wardrobe; they’re also popular with successful businessmen who want to show that they, too, have a sophisticated sense of style.

Today’s luxury watches come in a wide variety of materials and designs, from stainless steel, sterling silver and gold watches adorned with chain link bands, to silver and gold watches with bands made of luxury leathers such as lizard and snakeskin. In addition, today’s watch faces may be made of delicate, diamond-studded porcelains as well as brushed silver and gold.

For those who like a look of classic elegance, companies such as Rolex, Cartier, Patek Phillipe and Tag Heuer have continued to make the same traditional designs of luxury watches for generations. Newer companies, however, such as Jacob & Co. and Joe Rodeo, have made their own mark with modern-styled luxury watches inlaid with colorful gemstone panels and encrusted with diamonds. There are even novelty styles for those who want to show that they’re in touch with their inner child. After all, who can resist a solid gold Mickey Mouse watch?

While buyers have more to choose from than ever before, it’s important to have a good general understanding of how to match a watch shape to a particular wrist and hand length and size. This is especially important because luxury watches are investment timepieces meant to last for generations.

Generally speaking, a longer wrist and hand can wear any of the elongated and rectangular styles, including the classic rectangular Cartier Tank style and the Golden Ellipse style made by Patek Phillipe. Patek Phillipe also makes several oval styles, including the Nautilus; these oval designs look particularly attractive on a long wrist and slender hand.

If you have a heavy, large wrist and a large hand, you’re easily able to wear the bulkier chronograph and bezel styles produced by companies such as Rolex and Tag Heuer. The classic Rolex Presidential and Oyster models won’t engulf your wrist if it’s large enough to carry off the overall look.

Women with small wrists and hands may have problems wearing a heavy chain link band because it’s liable to slip off the wrist completely. In addition, the chain might also feel too heavy and clumsy for comfort. A great number of luxury watches are produced in leather strap models, so those with smaller wrists would do well to consider purchasing one of these designs instead.

Movado wristwatches with leather strap bands are a favorite option for many women with smaller wrists. Likewise, Chopard’s Happy Diamonds and Happy Sports product line features delicate, feminine leather strap watches with diamonds enclosed in the case and studded around the bezel. Women who prefer the look of a delicate wristwatch may prefer the solid gold cocktail watches which are still produced by companies such as Universal Gen