When choosing a watch for another person, considering their personality is key ... Carol Davidson, an image consultant at New York's StyleWorks of Union Square, discusses five common personality types, and the timepieces that compliment them.

 

Athletic
If your recipient is sporty, consider a watch with function and durability—in all likelihood, he'll wear it every day. A watch for the sporty recipient not only complements a comfortable wardrobe, but also has useful features to match and active lifestyle. Look for a watch with a plastic or water-resistant leather band. Avoid flash-heavy metal bands and gems just get in the way.

Creative
Secondhand and vintage stores are gold mines for creative individuals. They value originality in their apparel. Think of the deserving person on your staff who isn't bound by conventional wisdom or fashion dos-and-don'ts. Here, consider a watch that has function and panache, or maybe a bit funky. A creative individual's sense of style may lead him to carry a pocket watch, or perhaps she'd wear two watches on the same hand, just to be different.

Daring
The daring type in the office doesn't look to the runway to know what's trendy. They only need look at themselves. That seize-the-day outlook extends to wardrobe and accessories. Look for a watch that knows the time is now, like the person wearing it. Someone who is "fashion forward" may wear several attention-grabbing pieces at once, so choose a timepiece that can stand its ground-and stand out.

Traditional
There's a sturdy appeal to having a classic sense of style, one rooted in neutral colors, minimal prints, and conservative designs.

People who are traditional are consistent and dependable. In the office, coworkers value their reliability and trustworthiness. Traditionalists will appreciate a watch that tastefully reflects those traits - one that's not too showy.A leather strap with a classic square face is a good choice. Or try a solid-color metal band with a barrel shaped bezel.

Refined
"These people tend to be meticulous in their appearance and project a refined, flawless image," Davidson says. "They always look perfect, whether its six a.m. or ten p.m." With any selection below, sophistication is second only to quality.