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How to Choose the Right Type Of Watch

Have you broken or lost your old watch and are looking for a new one? Watches are so much more than a device you use to tell the time: they are an essential accessory to complete any casual or formal outfit.

However, with the wide range of choices, buying a new watch can seem overwhelming. To find a perfect watch, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Determine Why You Need a Watch

You need to have a clear purpose in mind before buying a watch.

It could be for daily use or a specific occasion. Once you know why you need the watch, you can narrow down your search. For example, an athletic training watch is ideal for running or working out. A luxury watch, on the other hand, is the perfect accessory for a formal suit.

Different uses call for quite different types of watches.

Decide What Kind of Watch You Need

There are a variety of watches available on the market, and they all have different features. The three major categories are analogue, digital, and analogue/digital, and there are male, female and unisex watches.

If you want a watch for business occasions, an analogue watch is ideal. They are the classic and never go out of style, while digital watches have a more casual appeal. Analogue/digital watches are the most practical out of the three but are not suitable for formal engagements.

If you are looking for a Fitbit, have a look at this comparison between the sense and versa 3.

Choosing Watch Movements

Most watches fall into two main categories: mechanical or quartz.

Mechanical watches are either automatic or manual. You can rewind an automatic watch throughout the day, whereas a manual watch needs to be rewound daily. Mechanical watches also involve higher maintenance costs.

Quartz watches offer better precision and a wide range of prices. The battery needs to be replaced occasionally, but the overall maintenance costs are lower.

Look for Reliable Brands

Once you have figured out the “what” and “why” of your watch, it is time to do some research.

Ask your friends and family for any brand recommendations. You can also read brand reviews on the internet and make a list of a few good local or online brands. Shopping online on sites like Chronoexpert will help you to find your perfect watch.

Selecting the Watch’s Appearance

This step can be a little time-taking but is pivotal to finding a watch you love. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Dial Shape: Dials come in different shapes, including circular, hexagon and square. Some watches also come in unique dial shapes. The choice of dial shapes greatly depends on the brand you choose.
  • Band material: There are multiple choices available when it comes to watch bands, the most common being metal, plastic, and leather. Metal bands are more durable but not so easy to replace. Leather and plastic bands are easily replaceable once they wear off.
  • Dial Size: This might not be a concern for women since women’s watches typically have a smaller dial. However, for men the dial size varies from 34mm to 50mm. A dial size between 34-40mm is the most common, and this is an important consideration.

Additional Features

Nowadays, watches can do a lot more than just displaying the time.

They come with a variety of additional features. Some additional features include water resistance, an illuminated dial, timer, not to mention smartwatch features. These features can also greatly influence the cost of the watch, but it is important to choose a watch that serves your purposes.

In order to determine the kind of watch that suits your requirements, you can visit a luxury watch shop and examine well-crafted timepieces that offer diverse features.

A watch packed with features might not necessarily be the perfect watch for you.

Decide your Budget for the Watch

Once you know what type of watch you need, it is time to set a budget.

The market has watches in every conceivable price range. It is important to decide how much you wish to spend. If you have a specific brand in mind, you will have to set your budget accordingly.

Another thing to keep in mind is that cheap watches will not last you nearly as long as the more expensive, high-quality ones.

Try on Watches in the Store

Trying on different watches is the best way to find out what looks good on your wrist, as well as testing the weight of the watch. You might like the idea a hexagon dial but not enjoy the look when you wear it.

The band of the watch should fit securely, and the dial should be in the center of the wrist.

Ask about the Warranty

It is wise to check the warranty policy of a watch before you buy it.

Different brands have different warranty policies, covering a range of different repair costs. It is always preferable to purchase a watch with a longer warranty period.

With the wide variety that is available these days, it is very possible to make the wrong purchase when investing in a watch. A watch should be a one-time investment, and it is silly to burn a hole in your pocket. These simple yet effective tricks will help to optimize your search and find a watch that is perfect for you.

Jeff Campbell