While the practical need for a watch may have diminished in recent years with the advent of the smartphone, wearable timepieces still possess an unignorable allure for many people.
Watches are so much more than just a tool for telling the time. They are statement-making accessories that say a lot about your taste, style and appreciation for the finer things. But they can also be hugely practical too.
If you’re keen to invest in a luxury watch, there are a few factors you’ll need to bear in mind before taking the plunge.
What do you want it for?
Different watches suit different lifestyles and occasions, so it’s important to ask yourself how you’ll be using your watch.
If you want an everyday piece that you can wear to the office and out on the town in the evening, you’ll maybe want something slim and lightweight.
For those who will be undertaking athletic pursuits, OMEGA watches are worth considering as the brand’s history is underpinned by sports timekeeping. The array of options available means you can strike the balance you want between a sports watch and something more multi-faceted.
Understanding the terminology
It can be difficult to get your head around what you’re looking at when you’re considering investing in watches, so here’s a rundown of some of the key terminology and what it means.
Automatic watch: These timepieces possess a mechanical movement and an oscillating weight that is triggered by the movement of the wrist.
Bezel: The edge of the watch case. On sports or diving watches it will likely be rotational and have calibrated markings.
Bracelet: Simply another name for the stainless steel watch strap.
Chronograph: If you need a stopwatch, you’ll want a chronograph.
Chronometer: To be called a chronometer, a watch must pass rigorous testing to display the accuracy requirements set out by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute.
Dial: The face of the watch.
Mechanical movement: This traditional movement is driven by a manually wound spring.
Quartz movement: Typically uses a battery to make a quartz crystal oscillate. They are deemed more accurate than mechanical movements but the hands tick rather than move smoothly.
What features do you need?
Now you know a bit more about the many factors that go into watchmaking, you’re better equipped to figure out what fits your requirements.
A mechanical movement is considered classier than a quartz one. However, the latter is cheaper so still worth considering if you’re on a tighter budget.
If you want to avoid scratches, make sure you get a synthetic sapphire crystal – the crystal is simply the window to the dial. Other materials used are not as resistant to scratching.
Also, be sure to try your watch on in person. Cheaper pieces use hollow stainless-steel bracelets, so feeling the weight is extremely important.
