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The watch you wear speaks volumes about who you are. It expresses your personality, tastes, interests and lifestyle. Your watch is an investment in yourself for years to come. This men's watch guide can help you understand the most important factors in watch buying so you can take pride in wearing a timepiece that is truly "you."
1. Overall "Dress Code"
Is your typical look more sophisticated or sporty? Dress watches are usually designed to complement suits and slide easily under shirt cuffs. Sport watches are heavier and can handle more physical stress, with greater water and shock resistance. If you like both "looks" equally, combination dress-sport watches are also available.
2. Band
Straps are made of any soft material - often leather; exotic alligator and ostrich or cloth. Bracelets are made of stronger materials like precious metals, steel or rubber. If you like variety, straps are a less expensive way to try different looks, while bracelets tend to have more longevity.
3. Movement
The movement of a watch is it's "engine." The two basic types are quartz and mechanical automatic. Battery-operated, quartz is the "workhorse." It's the most affordable, durable and accurate. Automatic watches are more of an art form, with a fascinating international history, led by Switzerland. The movement is hand- built and driven by a traditional winding mechanism.
4. Crystal
A watch crystal is the "window" over the dial. Mineral crystal is generally more affordable than sapphire, while sapphire is significantly more scratch-resistant. You'll see sapphire in many dress watches. Sports watches tend to use mineral crystal because it's less likely than sapphire to shatter in rough situations.
5. Metal
Gold watches aren't just for retirement anymore. If your budget allows, both solid gold and platinum cases are timeless dress choices. Surgical-grade steel (316L) is the next-best choice and can be plated with gold, platinum or ion plating (IP). IP is commonly used to achieve special color effects, like the current trend in black. Whichever type of plating you choose, the more layers it has, the better.
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1. Overall "Dress Code"
Is your typical look more sophisticated or sporty? Dress watches are usually designed to complement suits and slide easily under shirt cuffs. Sport watches are heavier and can handle more physical stress, with greater water and shock resistance. If you like both "looks" equally, combination dress-sport watches are also available.
2. Band
Straps are made of any soft material - often leather; exotic alligator and ostrich or cloth. Bracelets are made of stronger materials like precious metals, steel or rubber. If you like variety, straps are a less expensive way to try different looks, while bracelets tend to have more longevity.
3. Movement
The movement of a watch is it's "engine." The two basic types are quartz and mechanical automatic. Battery-operated, quartz is the "workhorse." It's the most affordable, durable and accurate. Automatic watches are more of an art form, with a fascinating international history, led by Switzerland. The movement is hand- built and driven by a traditional winding mechanism.
4. Crystal
A watch crystal is the "window" over the dial. Mineral crystal is generally more affordable than sapphire, while sapphire is significantly more scratch-resistant. You'll see sapphire in many dress watches. Sports watches tend to use mineral crystal because it's less likely than sapphire to shatter in rough situations.
5. Metal
Gold watches aren't just for retirement anymore. If your budget allows, both solid gold and platinum cases are timeless dress choices. Surgical-grade steel (316L) is the next-best choice and can be plated with gold, platinum or ion plating (IP). IP is commonly used to achieve special color effects, like the current trend in black. Whichever type of plating you choose, the more layers it has, the better.
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR VOTE IF YOU ENJOYED READING THIS GUIDE. I appreciate it, thank you!
Guide created: 08/09/08 (updated 10/01/08)
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