How to choose a watch
Sometimes, although the exterior of a watch catches the eye, its inner world is, to put it mildly, somewhat disappointing. However, the opposite cases are possible: what’s the deal with a perfect inside when there is nothing to look at outside? In this article, we will tell you which wristwatch to choose in order to achieve balance without any regret on your wasted time.
4 MAIN FEATURES
Hundreds of watch brands are represented in the world and hundreds of tips are given on how to choose a wristwatch. To prevent you from exhaustingly surfing the Internet, we are telling you with all responsibility: between this article and your successful purchase there are 4 steps only.
Choosing A style
What garment are you going to accessorize with the watch?
Sure, some eccentric personalities may buy an eye-catchy accessory first to then put the whole look together centered around it. However, in general, it happens the other way around: you initially think of a look, and then accessorize it.
Ignoring some transient subtypes, all looks in the world can be easily divided into three categories. Please, check the one that fits with your intentions to wear the watch:
- – attire
- – business
- – casual
In accordance with the style of clothing, let’s determine the design of your watch:
- – luxurious, with meticulous details;
- – conservative, minimalistic;
- – whatever you wish for.
At the same time, let’s define the purpose of the watch:
- Multi-purpose (for most garments) — a nice choice, if you pick your first watch.
- Exclusive (for special occasions) — the best option, if you like unique gadgets or keep a collection.
Once the first and most important question is solved, you may already understand how to choose a wristwatch for men and women, who utterly care about their style. However, to reach the most accurate and successful result, you’d better not ignore the following steps, where we give you more interesting tips.
QUARTZ OR MECHANICAL MOVEMENTS?
How will your watch operate?
A quartz watch is battery operated.
On average, the battery is to be changed every 2 to 3 years. More frequent maintenance is required, only if the quartz watch has some unusual add-ons and optional complex elements. Quartz movements are always more accurate than mechanical ones, while the movement itself is usually more reasonably priced.
A mechanical watch is powered with a wound spring.
On average, manual mechanical movements are to be wound every one and a half to two days, while self-winding movements require no assistance (only wear them, that’s it). Regular maintenance is required in both cases. Historically, mechanical movements are more prestigious than quartz ones. They are also more beautiful when it comes to demonstrating their magnificent caliber.
SETTING BUDGET LIMITS
The society widely believes that the cost of a watch should be equal to your monthly salary. For many, this hardcore measure is understandable and justified as first we work to create an impeccable image, then it is the image that works for us. If you are not yet ready to follow such a serious approach, there is good news however: the purchase should bring joy to your heart, rather than cause mourning about the money spent.
Surprisingly for those willing to be smart (“I won’t overpay...”) and beautiful (“...but I will be elegantly-looking”), some silver or gold watches can have a lower price tag than those made of non-precious materials. The only (conditional) “sacrifice” when setting lower budget limits while maintaining high quality is the brand name. No high-profile Swiss brands fit for this cunning scheme as here you will have to pay for expensive materials and technologies, and also for the name inscribed on the dial. Therefore, if you want to choose a wristwatch for both enhancing your image and pleasing your soul, take a closer look at brands from other countries.
Fortunately, here, in Russia, Russian craftsmen know how to make jewelry watches of Russian precious metals, which means that any import fees are excluded. Everything is relative. For example, NIKA Mystery, a luxurious silver watch with an exclusive hybrid movement, can cost about 50,000 rubles, while a steel watch, minimalist and conservative in its style but representing one of the most famous Swiss brands, can easily cost 500,000 rubles.
DEFINING THE MATERIAL
In other articles with tips on how to choose a wristwatch — whatever their goal is — the material is the question of the first order. Actually, this is an important, but secondary point. We claim that the way the watch industry is developing today makes non-precious and precious watches look equally stylish and prestigious.
- case color (it should fit other accessories in your look);
- personal preferences (some have a thing about precious metals, while others are happy with a bright plastic watch).
- laconic and ultimate emphasis on your elite status;
- the ability to combine unusual materials.
TIPS FOR MEN
Men pay more attention to the content of the watch rather than to its design. Therefore, avoid ignoring a prominent feature set that modern manufacturers offer to you. The second time zone is a useful feature for those who travel frequently or go on business trips. The power reserve indicator is a great help for businessmen and other very busy people. Chronographs are loved not only by athletes, but also by everyone who cares about measurement accuracy.
If you have no experience in choosing men’s wristwatch, you may overlook interesting details. However, it is the imperceptible nuances that give our watches a special charm that is so appreciated among connoisseurs of watchmaking:
TIPS FOR WOMEN
An accessory, that is chic as it is, can be even more brilliant, literally. There are many varieties of precious and semi-precious elements embedded in the case and dial. Among them, the most common are diamonds, cubic zirconia, and mother-of-pearl.
Nothing is as graceful as women, so the shape of a woman’s watch cannot be limited to circle and rectangle ones. That’s where a true geometric diversity can be found.
Let’s imagine what jewelry the watch should match. It is reasonable to combine silver with silver, and gold with gold (both metal details and color). So, you think it’s boring? Well, feel free to mix colors. Some manufacturers present collections of watches made using the bicolor technology. The case and/or strap may be made two-tone thanks to a mix of metals. Usually, steel and steel with gold plating are mixed; luxury brands may mix steel and gold, while NIKA mixes silver and gold.
FINALLY, THE BIGGEST TIP FOR EVERYONE
Similarly to matters of the heart, when choosing a watch, the main point is: you should always want to admire it and hold it in your hands.