Confidence and style, convenience and punctuality as well as possible multi-functionalities are some of the pros that come with wearing watches.
Considering these numerous benefits that come with why you should wear a watch, the next step would be making a conscious effort to buy one and enjoy of its advantages.
Having a clear budget, considering the water resistivity, and the functionality of the watch are some of the key things to consider before buying a wristwatch.
Now, in purchasing a watch, there are quite a large number of details to take into account in the order or purchase process. These factors ensure you are getting value for your money to the optimum.
In this article, some of the very necessary things to consider before buying a watch will be discussed.
1. Have A Budget
How much should you spend on buying a watch? This is one of the most crucial factors to decide on. The cost of a watch depends on many factors such as materials, movement, built-in functionalities, and brand.
Decide first on your budget and what margins you can afford in buying a watch while considering the other factors.
2. What Are The Functions
You might have a particular function in mind before deciding to buy a new watch.
There are watches that can provide you with an elegant and stylish appearance, monitor your health and fitness levels in sporting routines, stopwatch, or even a calendar for convenience.
3. Water Resistance
Water resistance is a measure of the degree of how well a watch is sealed against water penetration. Water resistance is usually rated in bar, ATM (atmospheres), or meters.
An ATM rating of 10 or higher is specifically great for swimmers. Any rating below 10 ATM (10 bar / 100 m) can withstand brief immersion and splashes of water.
4. Materials And Construction
The case or strap material used will determine how susceptible it is for the watch to be damaged or scratched. Watches are assembled from a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, brass, plastics, titanium, ceramic, and more.
The construction of a watch from plastics serves lightweight preferences. Also, brass and other non-steel alloys are relatively heavier but can provide cheaper alternatives to steel and are susceptible to scratches.
Stainless steel watches are hard and the most durable material.
5. Movements – Quartz, Mechanical Or Automatic
The movement can be described as the powerhouse or engine of the watch. Quartz movement in watches makes use of a battery and a quartz crystal to keep time.
Mechanical movement in watches has a power reserve which is a complex combination of springs and gears hand wound to keep time.
Additionally, there are automatic movements in watches which also is a type of mechanical, but wind the spring by the natural movement of the wearer’s wrist. Automatic watches still have options to hand wind should you deem it fit.
Quartz watches are suitable for practical and low-maintenance options. For occasions or solely aesthetic and stylish purposes, mechanical watches would be a good choice.
6. Consider The Size Of The Watch
Watch sizes are typically measured in case sizes. The case size is based on the diameter of the case and has units in millimeters. Consider the size of your wrist and the style of the watch when deciding on size.
35 – 39 mm (slim), 37 – 42 mm (average), and 41 – 45 mm (large) are the predictable case sizes to suit the various wrist sizes. When contemplating between a big or small watch, it is always advisable to go for the small one as a watch is rarely too small for the wrist.
7. Brand
There is a long list of watch manufacturing companies and brands to choose from. As such, there is also a large number of low-quality, overpriced, and junk brands on the watch market.
In deciding on a brand of watch to purchase, pay attention to their own unique style and reputation, the brand’s history, quality, and customer service.
8. Where To Buy A Watch
Watches, just like any other fashion items, can be bought from retailers including department or specialty stores and trusted online platforms. Do not forget to consider the retailer’s reputation, warranties, or return policies offered.
Beware of scams and counterfeits associated with watch sales. Be sure your purchase is done with a reputable retailer.
The listed factors above should help you make an informed decision when ready to buy a watch to meet your preferences and style. It is important to take care and the time needed in choosing the right timepiece that you will enjoy and value now and in many years ahead.
