Guide to
choosing a watch
There are many
watches available in the market now-a-days. From mechanical
watches to quartz watches, from plastic to platinum, from a
few dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. There are
many ways to choose the "perfect" watch that fits any
lifestyle. The following are the few basic points to
choosing a watch.
The most important point in choosing
a watch is the purpose of
the watch, aside from telling time. There are many
categories, for example, a dress watch, a sport watch, an
everyday watch and so on. These watches categories, in a
way, are totally different from one another. To make it
simple, the following are three broad categories:
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Dress Watch
Dress watches are meant for dressy or
formal occasions. They are to be worn with a suit or a
gown/dress. The essentials of dress watches are basic
colors and they are, for the most part, they are
relatively thin. Also, they come in basic colors match
most suits and dresses. Thin, so it can fit under a
sleeve. The watches with a rotating bezel or any bezel
with markings on it is not recommended. Most of the
watches in this category come with a leather strap.
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Everyday / Casual Watch
These watches are designed
for everyday use. It is recommended to choose a watch
that is simple and innovative. Usually a simple styled
watch does not change its style in a short period of
time. Most likely this watch is going to be on the wrist
of the owner for a long period of time per day. The
watch should be easy to read because you want your watch
to tell you time at a glance. It is advisable to choose
a watch with bracelet. No matter how good the quality of
a leather strap, it will give in to wear. Perspiration,
perfume and water will accelerate the aging process.
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Sport Watch
These watches are designed to deal with tough
circumstances. Usually they are rugged and bulky.
The bezel usually is a rotating bezel and marked.
These watches are often water-resistant. The two big
categories are pilot watches and divers watches.
Most of these watches have a chronograph function.
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The second important aspect
to choosing a watch is "price points". You have to make sure
you get what you pay for. You always have to remember value
and quality aspects. The more you pay, the more quality you
get. You also have to set a limit on how much you want to
spend on your new watch. By adding a little bit more money
you can get one level above. But, then if you add a little
bit more money you can get two levels above. This process is
endless, that is why you have to set a limit before you make
the purchase. There are many reasons why fine watches have
higher price. This issue is discussed deeper in the
price
points section.
Another important
aspect is whether to choose a mechanical watch or
quartz watch. If the watch's sole purpose is just to
tell time, it is better to choose a quartz watch.
They are considerably inexpensive and more accurate
than mechanical. In addition to that, quartz watches
have low maintenance. This issue is discussed more
in depth in the
Quartz vs. Mechanical section.
Watch brands also have
great contribution in choosing a watch. A particular
brand does not get famous by itself. There must be
some reason for that. Companies who are willing to
pay for advertisements are usually the ones who gain
success. They have acceptable styles and designs
which appeal to the public. They are reliable and
long lasting.
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COSC Certificate for
Chronometer Watches
Many mechanical watch brands even
carry Chronometers in their collection. Chronometer is a
mechanical movement that already passed COSC (Contrôle
Officiel Suisse de Chronomètres). COSC is an agency in the
Swiss government that gives the Chronometer title. A famous
watch brand also provide a good service to the customer
through the authorized dealers.
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Guide
to buying a watch
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