While all of our phones have the time on them, there are still millions of watches worn around the world. They were once used primarily to tell the time, but they have evolved into a major fashion accessory. Watches look great, can compliment an outfit and there are several other reasons to wear a watch.
However, with literally hundreds of different watch companies out there, who craft thousands of different designs, choosing the right watch isn’t always easy. You could spend weeks sifting through all of the options available, and still be no closer to finding one you like. With that in mind, this article is going to serve as a guide to help you choose a watch. No matter what kind of watch you want, or your price range, this guide will help you find the right watch for your needs.
Know the Style You Want
First and foremost, you need to think about the style, look and design of the watch that you want. All watches tell time, so the thing that most differentiates them is their look. The style of watch you want will often directly tie into your lifestyle. For example, if you are a businessman looking at a new watch for work, you will likely want a dress watch.
However, if you like to be active and ride bikes, you may want one that is best for cycling. The possibilities are endless and the best watch for your friend won’t always be the best watch for you. There are a variety of different colors, styles and materials to choose from, so you will certainly be able to find something that works for you.
Be Aware of the Different Watch Movements
While not everyone is aware of this, there are several different types of watch movements you have to choose from. In total, there are three main options, which are mechanical, automatic and quartz. A mechanical watch requires the owner to wind a spring in order for the watch to be functional. An automatic watch is self-winding as it winds with your movement.
Lastly, there is quartz movement, which relies on a battery in the watch to work. Most people in the modern day wear a quartz watch as they are quite simple and hands-off. Each style has their own pros and cons that you will need to consider, as well.
The option you choose will be completely up to you. Some like to do the mechanical cranking themselves, while some prefer the simplicity and ease of having a watch with a battery in it. Of course, not all watches that share the same movement are the same quality. There can be subtle and individual differences between the styles due to craftsmanship or the materials used.
Have a Budget in Mind
Before you ever go into a store to purchase a watch, you need to know how much you can afford to spend. Watches can be as cheap as a few dollars, up to tens of thousands of dollars. Knowing how much you can afford can keep you from making a very unintelligent purchase. Once you know your budget, it is important not to look at watches beyond your means.
Sure, we would all love to get a Rolex, but they simply cost more than we can afford. If you constantly look at and consider these watches, you are more likely to eventually give in and get one, even though it could ruin you financially. The good news is, with so many options out there, you should always be able to find a quality watch within your price range.
Get To Know Your Size
While some watches will have many notches that can essentially fit anyone, this isn’t always the case. This is especially true with most metal watches. Some may come with extra links or the ability to remove them, but this isn’t always easy. Be sure to go into a store and try on different watches to find one that fits you well. If not, you could easily be stuck with a watch that doesn’t fit your wrist well at all.
In addition to the fit of the band, you also need to consider the size of the watch face. In mens watches, this can range from a very small and sleek face, to one that extends far beyond the dimensions of your wrist. You want one that fits well with the size of your wrist, and isn’t too clunky or large.
The size of your watch can also vary on how you plan on wearing it. A small and subtle watch is often better when wearing a dress shirt, while a more thick watch may work if you primarily wear it with a t- shirt.
Decide on the Additional Functions You May Want
Sure, a watch might be used more as a fashion item and time-teller than anything else, that isn’t all that a watch can do for you. Some can tell you the date, some have a stopwatch built-in, some have timers and others can set alarms. Also, with smart watches becoming more and more popular, watches can do things people have never dreamed of.
They can help track your fitness, tell your heart rate, send you notifications from your phone, play music and do much more. Sure, these smart watches are often a little more expensive, they can also provide additional value and can be worn both casually and professionally.
With technology seemingly taking over the world, don’t be shocked to see more and more watches become technological in the coming years.
In conclusion, we hope that this guide has been able to help you choose the best wristwatch for your needs. It can take a lot of time and research to find the perfect watch, but it will be well-worth it in the end.