How to Find the Perfect Watch for You

Looking for a perfect watch that suits your tastes is like finding out which clothes suit you best. But truth be told, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s because there are several factors that need to be taken into account before buying a watch that matches your needs.

One way of figuring out which watch suits you best is ensuring you are wearing the proper attire for it. For instance, wearing a quality watch over a simple T-shirt and jeans shorts doesn’t really fit. Sure, the people around you will comment on your luxury timepiece, but not your overall outfit.

But don’t worry, if you’re thinking about watch shopping for the yourself, then this guide is just what you need. Follow the steps given below so you can come to a more informed decision regarding your perfect watch.

Steps to Finding the Perfect Watch:

1: Think about the type of watch you’re looking for

As you may know, there are hundreds, if not thousands of different types of watches available. Not only that, but each one of those watches come with varying functions and purposes. For instance, a luxury watch worn with formal attires is different than an athletic watch that’s used for running.

In other words, you need a watch that gives you “value.” This means there are watches worn for special or formal occasions and those for regular outings. Once you differentiate your specific need for wearing a watch, you’ll be able to narrow down your search. After all, there’s no value in owning a watch – luxurious or not – if you’re not going to be using it regularly or at all.

2: There are relevant online communities

If you’re a newbie to the world of timepieces, then you should visit relevant online watch communities. There, you can ask several questions that can help you get a better idea of what you’re looking for. The only thing you shouldn’t ask them is “Which watches should I buy?” Do you know anyone there personally who knows about your tastes and vice versa? Asking complete strangers something personal is the wrong approach.

Instead, you can streamline your search by asking questions regarding your personality, character, and other unique aspects. Then online forum members will be able to make rough estimates and suggest appropriate models based on those questions.

3: Look up various watch styles for the perfect watch

There’s no easy way to tell you about the type of watch is available and the type of people they appeal to. But we’ll try to be as brief and to the point as possible.

• Field Watch: as the name indicates, this is the type of watch that is designed to endure rough conditions.
• Dress Watch: these watches are thin and formal that are ideal for black-tie interactions.
• Aviator’s Watch: per its name, this watch is used for aviation. It uses a GMT chronometer, bezel, and allows wearers to track several time zones. These watches even come with a bigger crown meant for turning when wearing pilot gloves.
• Dive Watch: Diving watches are designed to withstand extreme water pressures when out swimming or diving.
• Smartwatches: a digital watch that comes with all the features of a smartphone.

• Racing Watch: Race car drivers use the tachymeter to help them calculate various speeds.
• Fashion Watch: this watch can only be owned by the wealthy and doesn’t make most of their profit from watch sales.
• Digital Watch: these watches use digits to display numbers instead of dials.

4: List down the essential qualities and features

To further narrow down your search, you should make a list of the most desirable features/qualities that you’re looking for in a watch. You’re going to have to sit down and devote as much time on this step than anything else. But in the end, the results will work to your advantage.

Are you going to use the watch for water excursions? Do you need a watch that you can read in the dark? Do you want a specific complication? If you want to exchange straps, are you looking for standard lugs? Are you worried about service costs? Do you want a watch that only looks cool instead of telling you the time? There are far too many questions that we wish we could list in this article.

5: Deciding on the watch’s appearance

Now comes the part in deciding what you want your potential timepiece to look like. Watch faces are available in several materials and metals including gold, platinum, silver, and titanium, among others. You can also choose plastic, although those are less durable.

Watch faces can also come in several shapes like the usual circle, square or even a hexagon. Your choices may be limited depending on what brand you’re going for but having a shape in mind can narrow your search.

Bands and straps come in several material choices as well, including leather, plastic, or gold and silver. You want to choose a band or strap that is durable and adjustable. Those made of metal are usually more durable than weaker materials like leather. Metal bands can be swappable, and you can have this done from a watchmaker or a jeweller.

6: Evaluate your wrist size

If you have a smaller than average wrist, then buying the largest watch on the market is a terrible idea. With a wrist size somewhere between 6 to 7 inches, a case between 38 to 42 mm in width will suffice. If your wrist is bigger than 7 inches, then you should settle for a case that measures between 44 to 46 mm.

7: Choose watch functions

There are usually two types of watches that people go for: analog or digital. Digital watches represent time in number form whereas analog models do so with a clock that has minute and hour hands. People are usually able to tell the time better with digital watches but not so much with analog watches. Although to be fair, it’s really a matter of preference whether people opt for either type of watches.

For instance, some people lean towards digital watches if they prefer not to have to read the time on the clock. These watches tend to be lower-priced as they’re not intended for dress or formalwear. They function better with sports or smartwatches.

Analog watches come with a more traditional clock-like look that are used for formal events. Analog faces come in various types. Some faces come with numbers that mark each hour, while there are others that don’t have any numbers and use Roman numerals instead.

Looking for Your Perfect Watch: A Conclusion

So there you have it, a complete guide on how to select the perfect watch. It may seem a little confusing, and even overwhelming at first, but follow the steps we’ve laid out for you in this article, and you are sure to find a lasting timekeeping companion that suits your unique tastes in every way.