A watch is more than just a time-telling accessory; it’s a personal statement and often an extension of one’s style and personality. A watch is used for more than keeping time in minutes and hours. Not only is a guy who wears a watch trying to be on time, but he’s also trying to look attractive. In addition, males don’t have a lot of bling to play with. Budget, design, and function are just a few things to consider while selecting the watch that best suits you. What does your watch need to do for you? How will you transport it? What style are you going for? Start pondering! There is a watch style for every guy and every soon-to-be epic tale, from high-end to ultra-trendy.
With helpful information on watch kinds, designs, components, brands, budget considerations, size, and more, this men’s watch buying guide attempts to assist you in navigating the purchasing process. By the time you finish reading this article, you will better understand the watch industry and be prepared to pick the perfect timepiece to enhance your look and daily activities.
List of Men Watch Buying Guide
Understanding Watch Types
In the world of watches, there are various types of timepieces, each with features and characteristics. Knowing the differences between these watch types can help you determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.
Mechanical watches
A mechanical watch is your standard, vintage, hand-wound timepiece. It is powered by a huge network of sophisticated workings and great workmanship, unlike a quartz watch, which is battery-operated. A mechanical watch depends on manually winding its mainspring, considerably like the spring-driven clocks of the 17th century.
The two primary categories of mechanical timepieces are:
- Manual winding – To keep the mainspring wound and the watch functioning, the user must manually wind these watches once every one to three days.
- Automatic/self-winding – These watches include a rotor that uses the wearer’s wrist motions to wind the mainspring automatically. They can be manually wrapped, although they often don’t need to be if they’re used every day.
Quartz watches
“Quartz” refers to the movement in quartz (or quartz crystal) watches. Watches made of quartz are reliable, lightweight, and need little upkeep. Quartz watches utilise a quartz crystal to maintain time and are battery-operated. Compared to mechanical watches, they are renowned for their affordability, accuracy, and ease of maintenance. Usually, the battery has to be changed every 2 to 5 years.
Digital watches
A digital watch uses numbers or symbols to indicate the time. In contrast, an analogue watch uses hands to display the time. The fundamental benefit of a digital watch over an analogue watch is that many additional functions may often be shown on a digital watch in addition to the time display. Consider day, date, year, place, and 24-hour notation. The display is also simple to read and versatile when a digital watch has a chronograph (stopwatch) and various timers and alarms.
Hybrid watches
To deliver the finest of both worlds, the best hybrid smartwatch combines several of the top functions of a smartwatch, such as heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and notifications, into a style that resembles a standard analogue or digital watch. Typically powered by quartz movements, their entire operation depends on a smartphone’s connection.
Smartwatches
A wearable computer that closely resembles a wristwatch or other timepiece is called a smartwatch. Considerable smartwatches are Bluetooth-capable and can symbolise the time. The watch transforms into a wireless Bluetooth adapter that may bring the features of the wearer’s smartphone to the timepiece. The user may use the watch’s interface to make and take phone calls from their mobile device, read email and text messages, get weather information, listen to music, compose an email and text messages, and communicate with a digital assistant.
Watch Styles
The sizes and forms of wristwatches are varied. Others are intricate and bustling, while others are plain and organised. They may be divided into a few stylistic groups regardless of their material or method of movement. It does not imply that every watch will fit into one of these categories; many will be outliers or hybrids searching for their style.
Dress watches
The dial of a dress watch is usually the most basic. It doesn’t have any issues other than a date window. The face is available in silver, white, or black and is never broader than 42mm. Is 42mm a man’s size too small? No, not in the case of dress watches. Even the hour markers are simple; they often consist of Roman numerals or plain batons. Dress watches are crafted of pricey metals like gold to fit the occasion. Given that wearers buy them for important events, it makes sense.
Sports watches
Sport watches are timepieces made specifically to be worn while engaging in sports. Depending on the activity, they may have a range of qualities, such as waterproofness for individuals who want to swim while wearing one. They keep tabs on our heart rate, activity, and sleep, use GPS to measure our speed and distance, provide us with auditory cues during workouts and competitions, and much more. Sports watches help us perform best during workouts by displaying real-time metrics and coaching on our wrists.
Diving watches
The Dive Watch is the pinnacle of the Tool watch; it is waterproof (to a depth of at least 300 feet), very tough, legible both day and night and stylish and multifunctional. When you only have enough oxygen for 20 minutes of bottom time, a diving watch’s spinning bezel, one of its most recognisable characteristics, is essential.
Pilot watches
Pilot watches are often made of tough materials that survive extreme pressure or shock and continue functioning even after submerging in water or dirt. They also include large, simple-to-read dials, and the hands light up so the pilot can use the watch in dimly lit areas.
Racing/chronograph watches
A racing watch is a specific kind appropriate for various events, including auto racing and horse racing. It is renowned for its extraordinary precision and accuracy in measuring distance and speed. This sort of watch often has a larger dial size and larger numerals, either Arabic or Roman. Additionally, it has chronograph subdials that show speed and distance. A chic tachymeter often rests on the dial’s outside rim. Usually, titanium or stainless steel is used to make the casings. While because of their exceptional longevity, leather straps are favoured.
Field/military watches
Military watches are tactical timepieces created especially for associates of the armed forces and police enforcement. They include unique characteristics like a compass, waterproofing, a strong strap, and other things that will be useful on excursions.
Fashion Watch
Fashion watches are created primarily for aesthetic purposes rather than for accurate timekeeping. Some people would classify trendy timepieces as jewellery. These watches may nevertheless fetch a substantial price even though they are often less costly than their luxury counterparts. Fashion watches often feature basic or no complexities and quartz movements. Designers often produce a whole line of accessories like leather wallets, belts, scarves and purses, all based on a single fashion motif.
Luxury Watches
Like less costly timepieces, designer watches are fashion item that can also tell the time. They stand out for their superior artistry, material quality, and often distinctive designs. Luxury timepieces are often painstakingly hand-finished and based on ancient designs developed over many centuries. Luxury timepieces are gorgeous works of art with a purpose; they are not produced fast or cheaply.
Fitness watches
Fitness watches provide customers with a simple-to-use tool that aids in maintaining their health. While some fitness devices measure steps, some also track heart rate and pulse rhythms. Most fitness tracks are 30 to 50 metres water resistant so that you may wear them in the shower or pool. You may wear your preferred bracelet with several fitness bands since their interchangeable wristbands.
Pocket Watches
In contrast to wristwatches, worn on the wrist, pocket watches are designed to be carried in a pocket. They were the most popular watch form from their invention in the 16th century until wristwatches gained popularity after World War I. Although wristwatches mainly replaced pocket watches by the 20th century’s conclusion, they are still manufactured and marketed today.
Watch Components
You can appreciate the skill and complexity of making a timepiece by being familiar with the many parts of a watch. The following are the important factors to take into account while choosing a watch:
The watch’s case.
Fine watches often employ gold, silver, platinum, or rhodium; nevertheless, the casing might be made of plastic, ceramic, or metal. A watch’s casing serves the same purpose as the skin on our bodies by retaining everything in place.
Dial
The area where the time is shown. It is the numerical digital display of a digital watch; on a conventional watch, the dial comprises the hour markers and hands. A thermometer without a display is equivalent to a timepiece without a dial. While computations could still be running in the background, they are not helpful if you do not know the outcome.
Hand
The hands travel across the dial to show the time and point to the hour markers. Similar to how traffic signals direct you in the right direction.
Crystal
The visible area of the watch face that covers the hands, dial, and other exposed parts. The crystal might be constructed of synthetic sapphire, glass, or plastic. A watch’s crystal functions similarly to a window in a home in that it shields the inside from the elements while permitting visibility.
Movement
The watch’s power source and timekeeper are called a movement. Accuracy, maintenance needs, and pricing features vary depending on the movement type. The three primary categories are mechanical (manual winding and automatic), quartz, and digital watch movements.
Wristband or strap
The bracelet or watch strap is designed to fit snugly around your wrist. It is a bracelet if it is composed of metal or contains distinct links. On the other hand, a watch strap is called a continuous flexible band. Numerous materials, including leather, cloth, stainless steel, rubber, and ceramic, may be used to create the strap.
Button or Crown
On a mechanical watch, the crown, which is typically positioned on the watch’s right side, serves as a winder. The crown may be used to change the date in watches with more intricate mechanisms.
Date Range
Not all timepieces have this function, although it is a common one. Time-telling is the primary purpose of the date window, which only displays the day of the month.
Glass Crystal Mineral
The glass casing that covers the watch’s face’s dial is known as the cover. Mineral crystal glass is a common material for inexpensive and stylish timepieces. But you may also find sapphire crystal, a more durable and scratch-resistant material, in high-end timepieces. In actuality, only a diamond can scratch sapphire crystal.
Complications
Any extra features or functions in a watch that goes beyond basic timekeeping are called complications. Complications may make a watch more sophisticated and valuable while raising its cost and upkeep needs. Typical complexities include date displays, chronographs (stopwatches), multiple time zones (GMT), moon phases, and perpetual calendars.
Watch Brands
The watch market has many brands offering unique designs, quality levels, and price points. Here is an overview of watch brands categorized by luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly options:
Luxury brands
Luxury watch brands are known for their prestigious reputation, exceptional craftsmanship, and high-quality materials. These brands often produce movements and use premium materials like gold and platinum. Some notable luxury watch brands include:
- Rolex
- Patek Philippe
- Audemars Piguet
- Vacheron Constantin
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- A. Lange & Söhne
- Breguet
- IWC Schaffhausen
- Omega
- Cartier
Mid-range brands
Mid-range watch brands offer a balance between quality, design, and affordability. These brands often use reliable Swiss or Japanese movements and provide various styles and features. Some popular mid-range watch brands are:
- TAG Heuer
- Longines
- Oris
- Tissot
- Rado
- Seiko
- Hamilton
- Frederique Constant
- Sinn
- Montblanc
Budget-friendly brands
Budget-friendly watch brands offer quality timepieces at accessible price points. These brands often use quartz or more affordable mechanical movements, providing an excellent entry point for watch enthusiasts. Some well-known budget-friendly watch brands include:
- Citizen
- Casio
- Timex
- Swatch
- Fossil
- Orient
- Bulova
- Skagen
- Invicta
- Seiko 5
Budget Considerations
When purchasing a watch, you must consider your budget and determine what you’re willing to spend. Here are some key points to help you get the best value for your money:
Setting a budget
Establishing a budget before starting your search can help you focus on watches within your price range and prevent overspending. Determine an amount you’re comfortable spending, and use that as a guideline to narrow your options.
Factors affecting price
Several factors contribute to a watch’s price, including the brand, materials, movement type, craftsmanship, and complications. Understanding these factors can help you decide which features and qualities are most important to you, allowing you to allocate your budget accordingly.
- Brand: Prestigious luxury brands often come with a higher price tag due to their reputation, craftsmanship, and use of high-quality materials.
- Materials: Watches made with premium materials, such as gold, platinum, or sapphire crystal, tend to be more expensive than those made with more affordable materials like stainless steel or mineral glass.
- Movement Type: Mechanical movements, particularly in-house or Swiss-made, are usually more expensive than quartz or digital movements due to their complexity and craftsmanship.
- Craftsmanship: Hand-finished or limited-edition watches can command higher prices due to the time and skill invested in their production.
- Complications: Watches with additional functions or features, such as clocks, perpetual calendars, or tourbillons, can be more expensive due to the complexity of creating these mechanisms.
How to get the best value for your money
When selecting a watch, consider the following tips to ensure you get the most value for your budget:
- Prioritize your needs and preferences, focusing on the features and qualities that are most important to you.
- Research and compare different brands, models, and prices to identify the best options within your budget.
- Consider pre-owned watches, which can often be found at a lower price point while still offering quality and reliability. Make sure to purchase from reputable dealers to avoid counterfeit or damaged watches.
- Look out for sales or discounts from authorized dealers or online retailers, which can help you save money on your purchase.
- Remember that a higher price only sometimes guarantees better quality or performance. Assess each watch based on its features, materials, and craftsmanship rather than solely focusing on the price tag.
Sizing and Fit
Ensuring that your watch fits comfortably and looks proportionate on your wrist is essential for comfort and aesthetics. Here are some tips to help you choose the right size and fit for your watch:
Measuring wrist size
To measure your wrist, wrap a flexible measuring tape or a strip of paper around your wrist just above the wrist bone. If using a strip of paper, mark where it overlaps, and measure the length with a ruler.
Choosing the right case size
Watch case sizes vary greatly, typically from 34mm to 46mm or larger. To choose the right case size, consider the following guidelines based on your wrist measurement:
- Small wrists (6 inches or 15 cm and below): Opt for a watch with a case diameter of 34-38mm case diameter.
- Medium wrists (6 to 7 inches or 15 to 18 cm): A case diameter between 38-42mm is generally suitable.
- Large wrists (7 inches or 18 cm and above): Consider watches with a case diameter of 42-46mm or larger.
Remember that these guidelines are not set in stone, and personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right size. Try various sizes to see what feels comfortable and looks balanced on your wrist.
Strap and bracelet adjustments
Once you have determined the appropriate case size, you must ensure that the strap or bracelet fits comfortably around your wrist. Here are some tips for adjusting different types of watch straps and bracelets:
- Leather straps: Many leather straps come with multiple holes for adjusting the fit. You can create additional holes or have a professional do it for you if necessary.
- Metal bracelets: Metal bracelets typically use links that can be removed or added to adjust the length. Visit a local jeweler or watch repair shop for assistance with resizing the bracelet.
- Rubber or fabric straps: Some rubber or fabric straps may be adjustable using a buckle or clasp system, while others may require cutting or folding to achieve the desired fit. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper adjustment.
Try on a watch before purchasing it to ensure it fits comfortably and looks proportionate on your wrist. A well-fitting watch will feel better and enhance your overall appearance and style.
Where to Buy
When purchasing a watch, choosing a reliable source is essential to get an authentic, high-quality timepiece. Here are some options for where to buy watches, along with tips for avoiding counterfeit products:
Authorized dealers
Authorized dealers are retailers with an official relationship with specific watch brands, ensuring you purchase an authentic, brand-new watch with a valid warranty. These dealers can be found in brick-and-mortar stores or on the brand’s official website.
Online retailers
Many reputable online retailers sell watches from various brands, offering a wide selection and often competitive prices. Some well-known online watch retailers include Jomashop, Amazon, and Watchfsearchesearch; the retailer’s reputation, return policy, and warranty offerings before purchasing.
Pre-owned watch marketplaces
Purchasing from a reputable pre-owned watch dealer can be an excellent way to find a unique timepiece or save money on your purchase. Pre-owned watch marketplaces, such as Chrono24, WatchBox, or Crown & Caliber, offer a vast selection of pre-owned or vintage watches at potentially lower prices than new ones. Always check the dealer’s reputation, return policy, and authenticity guarantees before buying.
Tips for avoiding counterfeit watches
Counterfeit watches are a prevalent issue in the watch industry. To ensure you’re purchasing an authentic timepiece, consider the following tips:
- Buy from reputable sources: Stick to authorized dealers, well-known online retailers, or trusted pre-owned watch marketplaces to minimize the risk of purchasing a counterfeit watch.
- Research the watch: Familiarize yourself with the specific watch model you’re interested in, including its features, materials, and typical price range. This knowledge can help you spot potential red flags in counterfeit products.
- Check for inconsistencies: Inspect the watch for any inconsistencies in design, materials, or finishing compared to the authentic model. Compare the watch to an authentic one or reference images from the brand’s official website.
- Verify the serial number: Many watches come with a unique serial number that can be verified with the watch brand or an authorized dealer to confirm its authenticity.
- Seek professional assistance: If you need clarification on a watch’s authenticity, consider seeking a professional opinion from a watchmaker, jeweler, or authorized dealer.
By following these guidelines and doing your due diligence, you can increase your chances of finding an authentic, high-quality watch that meets your needs and preferences.
Watch Care and Maintenance
Properly caring for your watch ensures its longevity, performance, and appearance. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your timepiece:
Properly caring for your watch ensures its longevity, performance, and appearance. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your timepiece:
Maintain Your Watch
Your watch has several tiny wrinkles and crevasses that need to be cleaned where dirt and oil might collect, such as the links in the bracelet and the seam where the case and bezel meet. You may clean your watch daily with a lint-free cloth, but you should give it a more thorough cleaning every few months. First, take the watch’s band off. Use a soft toothbrush and some warm water to clean the casing gently. You may also use mild dish soap, depending on how filthy the watch is. If you have a bracelet strap, you may repeat this procedure; alternatively, you can soak a leather strap in warm water and white vinegar. Before putting your watch back together, make sure it is totally dry.
Always wear your watch.
Contrary to what you would think, wearing your watch will maintain it in better shape than keeping it. Additionally, it guarantees the lubricants are current and the proper operation of your watch. Regularly wearing your watch helps to keep the lubricants in the movement from losing their viscosity. These lubricants may harden and generate friction if your watch sits idle for an extended time, which can eventually harm the movement. You should still have your watch serviced every few years, even if you wear it often.
Keep Your Watch Safely Stored
Preserving your watch is crucial if you intend to use it sparingly. A watch winder is the ideal storage option for watches. In addition to keeping your watch secure and dry, a watch winder will keep the gears turning and stop the lubricants from hardening. The original box or a watch roll are the ideal places to keep your watch if you decide not to purchase a watch winder. Try to wind it once weekly and store it somewhere dry and cool.
Avoid very hot and humid conditions.
Even though many watches are made to withstand the elements, it’s best to keep them out of intense heat or humidity. Avoid exposing your watch to the sun over a lengthy period. The battery life of a quartz watch may be decreased by heat, and the colour of the watch’s face or leather band can deteriorate in the sun. Even in the bathroom, humidity may harm your watch and make it more likely to rust. Any significant changes in humidity or temperature might harm your watch’s ability to work correctly.
Avoid using colognes and chemicals.
Additionally, you must avoid using products that include chemicals, including lotions, colognes, and cleaning materials. The dirt and debris may accumulate on your watch because they can become entangled in tiny cracks and crevasses. These kinds of things may make leather weak or even cause it to rip if you have a leather band. Before cleaning or while using cologne, perfume, or lotion, be careful to remove your watch. Before putting on your watch after application, make sure it’s absolutely dry.
Ignore magnets
Try to keep magnets away from your watch, from little ones like purse clasps to huge ones like airport detectors. Any magnet has the power to harm your watch and result in costly repairs. Take your watch to a qualified repair or service person if it slows down or stops after exposure to a magnet.
Consult your manual
We’ve outlined some fundamental watch care and upkeep procedures for all timepieces. However, it’s crucial to remember that each watch is unique and needs to be handled as such. Before adjusting your watch, you should always read the handbook. If you don’t have the original manual, you may discover information about your watch online with a fast search for it.
Changing the battery (on quartz watches)
Quartz watch batteries need to be updated every two to five years. To ensure the watch’s integrity and water resistance during the procedure, have a qualified watchmaker or authorised dealer change the battery.
Repairing and maintaining
The performance of your watch must be maintained regularly, especially for mechanical watches. A qualified watchmaker will clean, lubricate, adjust, and replace worn components during service. Your watch should be serviced every three to five years or as the manufacturer directs.
Storage
When not in use, keep your watch in a cool, dry location away from harsh lighting and temperatures. Think about using a watch box, case, or soft fabric bag to shield the watch from dirt, scuffs, and moisture.
Conclusion
A watch is more than simply a tool for telling time; it also conveys personal style, is a useful accessory, and may even be an investment. The ideal wristwatch for you will rely on your taste, needs, and lifestyle, regardless of whether you’re all about technical prowess at the hands of skilled watchmakers or prefer the simple but accurate offering of a quartz watch. After reading this article, you may use what you’ve learned to shop for a new watch that combines style and utility.
Finally, get your watch from a respected retailer to assure quality and authenticity. By carefully reading this guide, you’ll be ready to choose a watch that matches your preferences, way of life, and price range, giving you a dependable and fashionable friend for years to come.
