How to Choose a Watch

Watches serve a number of functions; from serving as diving instrumentation, acting as a fashion accessory, to helping as a exercise aid. Before purchasing a new watch, here are some points to look at:

1. Determine what you will be using the watch for, and how many watches you will own. If you just want to own one watch, that watch must serve in an assortment of conditions depending on your lifestyle and intended usage. If you mean to be buying many watches, you can include in your list specialty watches that are made for the activities in which you participate.

2. Look at other characteristics that may pertain to you. Some watches blend both digital and analog faces on one watch. A water-resistant watch is fine for swimming and general use and can be worn in the shower. But for diving, be certain to check the depth rating. If you are a jogger or you take part in other timed events, a stopwatch (often referred to as a chronograph) will be highly desirable. If you travel frequently, an alarm feature is very convenient, as is the ability to support multiple time zones. If you are picking out a watch as a fashion statement, gemstones are beautiful addition high-end watches.

3. Understand the mechanics of the watch you are interested in. Almost all modern watches use a battery-powered quartz crystal to produce precise time. Mechanical watches use gears and springs to keep the time. While these types of watches are evocative of times past, they require periodic servicing. The very best watch makers build their own mechanics. Lesser watch manufacturers purchase their mechanisms from third-parties.

4. Take a close inspection of the watch outer casing. Most expensive watches will include a screw-on back and screw-down crown ; this results in the most security from dirt and water. Some watches include a back that allows you to see the mechanics that make up the watch. Common case materials used for watches include titanium, gold, silver, stainless steel, and platinum. If you are looking for a durable casing for your watch, stay away from gold. While it looks classy, it is the softest material used and more likely to be scratched.

5. Carefully check the crystal on the watch (the transparent face that covers the watch). Acrylic crystals are cheaper, they offer reasonable shatter resistance but they may be more easily scratched than glass. Sapphire crystals are wonderful, and the most costly, option for watches. They offer superior clarity, shatter resistance, and scratch resistance.

6. Be certain the watch band is secure and comfortable. Leather bands provide a timeless, rugged look. Nylon bands are quick drying, secure, and strong. They are the best choice for sports watches, but you won't be starting any fashion trends with one. Segmented steel bands have a classic look, a good feel, are quite popular. They can be tough to adjust though.

7. If you are thinking about a self-winding watch, consider how often the watch will be worn. Self-winding watches don't really wind themselves. They work from the movement of your body to wind themselves. If your self-winding watch may often spend several days not being worn, you will discover that it will slow down and often need to be reset after sitting.

The contributor is an enthusiastic collector of watches. He enjoys writing watch reviews, many of which can be read at watch-reviews.com.

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