Over 1 billion watches are sold in the United States each year. If you are in the market for a watch, you will need to take your time to make the right decision. It can be said that the watch market is flooded with options, which can make finding the right timepiece a bit difficult.
Often times, you will need to consult with professionals in this industry for help. Whether you want to buy a more affordable watch or a luxury watch such as the Rolex Daytona, working with a trusted authorized dealer is a must.
Getting in a hurry when it comes to choosing and buying a watch will usually result in crucial mistakes being made. The last thing you want is a case of buyer’s remorse after purchasing a new watch. Here are some of the most important considerations you need to make before buying a new watch.
What style of watch best suits your needs?
When trying to narrow down the selection of watches at your disposal, be sure to consider what style you want. Watches come in all shapes and sizes (even in some odd ones), which means you should have no problem finding one that works for your needs.
If you are going to be exercising a lot while wearing the watch, then getting a sports timepiece is a good idea. Generally, this type of watch is more durable and will be able to handle moisture without malfunctioning. Generic pieces with a sporty aesthetic should do the job, but you can also look into something more specific such as a dive watch or a pilot watch. If you need a watch for running or playing various sports, you can go for a smartwatch or even a hybrid watch.
If you are looking for a watch that is sure to impress those around you, investing in a luxury or even a vintage will allow you to accomplish this goal.
Analog or digital
The next decision you need to make when choosing a watch is whether you want an analog or digital display. A digital display resembles a smartphone screen and provides you with the time by putting numbers on the face. The analog display utilizes the power of watch hands to display the time.
Many of the analog watches on the market will also feature separate dials that give you information about the time in different time zones. Sports watches typically feature a digital display because they are both easier to read and more durable than an analog display. However, digital watches are a bit harder to set and alter when needed.
You can also find many smartwatches that can transition from a digital to an analog display.
The features a watch has
Once you have the basic watch elements you want in mind, you will need to start checking out the features the timepieces at your disposal have. If you do a lot of deep water diving, then choosing a watch that can handle not just getting wet, but a lot of pressure too, is a must.
Some digital watches feature GPS trackers and even multiple alarm settings. Going into a watch supplier and getting a firsthand look at the timepieces they have is a good idea. By doing this, you can actually see the features a watch has in action. Once you have this information, narrowing down the list of available watches on the market will be much easier.
The power source
Choosing the right power source is also important when trying to select the best watch on the market. A mechanical watch is among the most reliable when it comes to power sources. Keeping this type of watch functional will require you to wind it up every day or so.
Solar powered watches are also a popular option. As long as the watch gets access to direct sunlight, it will never have to be wound or equipped with a battery. Quartz watches generally feature a battery that will last around two years. When these batteries start to wear out, you will probably notice your watch acting erratically. Allowing professionals to replace the battery will help you avoid making costly mistakes.
The overall weight and comfort of the watch
Another benefit that comes with going in and trying on a few watches is that it allows you to feel how heavy a timepiece is. While all metal watches are extremely appealing, they can be quite heavy. If you are trying to reduce the amount of weight your existing watch has, then using leather or even a rubber band is vital.
When trying on watches, you also need to pay attention to how big the actual dial is. Big face watches are very popular right now, but there are limitations to how big you should go. Getting a dial that is too big will make your watch look disproportionate in relation to your wrist. Generally, your accessories should be proportionate to your body: men who are thin or have rather narrow traits should go for smaller, more narrow accessories, while bigger men should go for bulkier styles. This way, you will look balanced, as otherwise, the features of your accessories will contrast greatly with your features, which can result in a rather odd look.
The key to getting a good deal on a quality watch is taking your time to do thorough research. Luckily, there is a lot of information online about various watch brands and what they can offer, so you can get a lot of documentation (sometimes you can even request a free catalog from a brand) in order to make the best choice for you.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
Form, function and everything in between: Hybrid watches
The features of your watch as a reflection of your personality
Can you buy quality watches at an affordable price?
Style Guide: What is a go-to watch?
3 reasons to wear a great watch
Universality in elegance: Finding the perfect watch
Emotion and design: The aesthetics of watches
How to match your watch to your clothes
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