What do you need to know before buying a new watch?
- Consider the style and material
- Conduct your research
- Features
- Level of water resistance
- Size of dial
Watches are arguably some of the most prized possessions you could ever own. For some people, buying watches is a thing of money – they’re meticulously considering and weighing out their options in order to make a good investment on a timepiece. Other people who may not belong in this category may simply buy a watch for the sake of doing so. If you’re the latter, then you may want to read up on this simple beginner’s guide to buying a new watch.
Whether or not you’re choosing your first timepiece, buying one can be a challenging feat. Not because the act itself is quite complicated, but because there are just so many varieties to choose from, as well as factors you need to take into account. Buying a watch should be a fun experience for you. Continue reading to learn more.
Consider the style and material
Before bringing out your credit card to make a purchase on a watch, you’d first have to know what kind of style and material you have in mind. There exists an abundance of style watches, like analog, casual, digital, chronograph, driving, dress, or luxury. You’d need to understand what kind of style you would prefer.
For example, if you’re looking to find a watch that you can wear on a daily basis, then buying a casual watch from Mondaine Philippines may be the best fit for you. If you’re looking for a watch that you’ll be able to use occasionally, then choosing luxury watches may be your best bet.
As you’re choosing your style, also take note of the material being used. Luxury watches typically make use of stainless steel frames, while watches on the more casual side may be manufactured with lower-grade steel or even plastic.
Conduct your research
In line with having a style and watch material in mind, you’d need to conduct your research. You’d do well with a basic understanding of what each type of watch can offer you. But the research does not stop here – you’d also need to inform yourself on the best maintenance practices in order to keep your watch functioning for a longer period of time.
Your research can cover a broad spectrum of watch options for you. There are tons of online resources which can help you identify whether a watch brand is good or not, or whether a genuine leather strap material is preferable over synthetic leather. Research may also help you change your decision on the kind of watch you want to initially buy since there may be a piece that you find more suitable for your preferences after all, and one which would better fit in your budget.
Features
A watch’s time-telling capabilities are just as good as its features. Knowing the features helps you determine what kind of occasion the watch will be used for.
If you want to purchase a sports watch, you need to understand the different features of the one you have in mind. This watch needs to have just the right amount of durability and functionality in order to keep it running in high-intensive activities. These watches typically feature a higher illuminating capacity compared to casual watches, allowing you to view the time even in situations of dim-lighting.
For other watches, the features may specifically lie in the kind of casing material it has been manufactured with. D1 Milano’s Polycarbon Collection, for example, features a polycarbonate casing material, which has a more durable, and higher damage-resistant capabilities compared to your average watch.
Level of water resistance
This is probably not your first time buying a watch, so it’s safe to assume that you’ve already encountered such terms as “water resistance”. A common misconception is that the watch won’t cease to function, no matter how long you submerge it into a pool of water – you may want to change your thinking on this one, though.
Fortunately for you, most watches nowadays are considered to be water-resistant, meaning you don’t have to worry about its components getting damaged when you splash a bit of water on the accessory. There are specially-manufactured watches, however, that are more capable of withstanding different depths.
If you want to buy a diver’s watch, then make sure that the water-resistance levels meet the minimum guidelines which make the watch suitable for submersion. Some of the most common diver’s watch ratings you may encounter include 300m and above, 200m, and the like.
Size of dial
The size of the dial affects both the watch’s aesthetic appeal, as well as functionality on the wearer. Though this may be your first time seriously buying a new watch, the dial size may depend entirely on your preference.
The dimensions of the watch casing and the band are two things you need to consider when it comes to the fit of your watch on the wrist. Ideally, the casing should be proportionate to your wrist size – this can be as thick or as thin as you want. On the other hand, if you’re wearing dress shirts or suits for more formal occasions, it’s more suitable to buy a watch with a significantly thinner casing to fit the entire getup.
Watch manufacturers typically include a size guide on their online shopping sites. Furthermore, retailers can also make recommendations on dial diameter to make this task easier for you.
Key Takeaway
If you’re hoping to buy a watch with more attentiveness and knowledge this time around, then this beginner’s guide to buying a new watch can help you out.
Buying a watch should be quite an adventure – what with the variety of options you can choose from. With the guide above, hopefully, this activity will prove to be far less overwhelming than you may have imagined. By informing yourself of simple attributes such as watch features, water resistance, and even watch brands, then you’re already on the right path to buying the watch of your dreams.