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First, let’s discuss what “entry level” means, as there is a lot of discussion about this vague term in the horological world. Some give this designation that timepieces as affordable as $500, while others will call a $10,000 masterpiece an entry level watch. In my experience, this term most often describes products in the $2,000-5,000 range. They are the beginning of the truly exquisite luxury pieces, but can be had for a reasonable amount of money. That’s why I think the Tudor Heritage Black Bay embodies this spirit perfectly and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enter the luxury watch market! Tudor Heritage Black Bay History If you’re a watch enthusiast, there is a good chance that you’ve heard the name Hans Wilsdorf. The reason is that this visionary businessman created Rolex, which is perhaps the most famous watch brand in the world. After some time, Wilsdorf sought to make a product that could retain Rolex’s standards of quality, but come in at a lower price point. What he wanted to do was open up his craft and make it more accessible to regular people. Tudor was born out of this exact desire. The relationship that Wilsdorf provided allowed Tudor to become a powerhouse brand right away, as they had access to Rolex’s widespread appeal and technology. It wasn’t long before the US Navy began to use Tudor watches and the company started to make historical contributions to the craft of horology. What you, the consumer, need to know is that this brand has a fascinating and impressive heritage that you can be proud of. Tudor Heritage Black Bay Aesthetics The Tudor Heritage Black Bay has that quintessential dive aesthetic, but somehow separates itself from almost every other piece I’ve seen. The appeal starts with the dial, which is simple, yet exudes pure class. Next, you have the hands, which sport the signature Tudor shape. Then, there is everything else: The glossy bezel, polished case, and much more. One thing I especially like about this piece is how creative you can get with its straps and coloring. You can stick to a conventional silver bracelet and black bezel. Or branch out with a leather strap and bronze case. Whatever your style is, the Black Bay should cater to it. Craftsmanship Tudor isn’t one of those brands that sells based on name alone. Instead, they devote themselves to creating excellent timepieces that have fantastic craftsmanship. That devotion starts with the movement, which is incredibly reliable and is built in-house. It also has an impressive 200m water resistance and a general feel of quality materials. In short, you won’t get your hands on a Black Bay and think, “this feels cheap.” Instead, you’ll be shocked at how low the price is despite its exceptional quality. Tudor Heritage Black Bay Price Point As is always the case when talking about watches, the price you get will depend on what you buy and where you buy it from. Still, I can provide a range that your Black Bay will most likely fit into. As far as I can tell, every one of them is somewhere between $2,500-3,500. While this price point is unrealistic for many, it is somewhat affordable when you compare it the other Swiss brands. Ultimately, this piece is not out of reach for many of the people that are interested in joining the luxury watch culture. A Past Complaint That’s Been Resolved One issue that collectors had with the Tudor Heritage Black Bay in the past is that it used a generic movement. What this means is that Tudor would buy Swiss machinery from a bulk supplier. Then they would install it into their pieces. While they worked well, many people didn’t like how high the price was, considering that the movements were not built in-house. The good news is that this issue has been resolved. Tudor now produces their Black Bay movements themselves, making it an even more attractive piece. One Thing You Might Not Like There is one thing that you might not like about the Tudor Heritage Black Bay: Its case is a bit thick. While this issue doesn’t bother me, many people love the look and feel of a thin, sleek watch. If that describes you, it might be better to choose a different piece. Additionally, you can look into the smallest sizes of the Black Bay and see if they suit you better. Tudor Heritage Black Bay Conclusion Over time, you learn about the watch industry and that there are hundreds of fantastic options at every price point. Still, some pieces seem to grab your attention more than others. For me, that is the Tudor Heritage Black Bay – which checks all the boxes for entry-level watches. If you agree, then perhaps it is time to make the investment! Considering how wonderful the Black Bay is from top to bottom, taking that leap is something you likely won’t regret.

You want the best watches you can get, right? Just with the condition that it fits your chosen price point of course. In other words, you want the best bang for your buck! Hello budget-friendly watch brands. Just because they’re budget-friendly watch brands do not mean they’re not good watches by any means. (Now before we dive into it, these “budget-friendly” watch brands aren’t cheap necessarily, but the quality and what you get for it – it’s a steal almost!) To that, we have collated some brands that we feel are the best for the job. They’ll be divided into two: mechanical/automatic watches and quartz watches. Both have their pros and cons, and we have their summaries written below. On a final note, skip ahead if you prefer quartz watches. Mechanical/Automatic Watches An advantage that mechanical/automatic watches have is that buying a good one is generally considered an investment. Seiko  The best thing about Seiko as a brand is that they have watches covering everything within a reasonable budget! For example, you can go for a Seiko 5 which is just around $100, a Seiko ‘Turtle’ Prospex SRP777 Diver which sells for $495. Both budget-friendly watches are examples in each one of their categories. Evidence is the use of automatic movements in both watches that we mentioned above. Orient While Orient is a subsidiary to Seiko, they’re actually not the little one when it comes to designing a watch. Orient watches have been known for their diverse use of materials when it comes to how their watches look. They can go from plain and simple like the Orient Bambino Small Seconds or something as eye-catching as the Orient Esteem Open Heart which gives you a peek into the watch’s movement. Both of these watches cost around $300 and $130 respectively. And they both feature automatic movements. Quartz Timepieces On the other hand, quartz watches, when compared to their counterpart, are cheap and keep the time better. But buying one isn’t only an investment, it’s for keeps! Tissot So far (as at 2018), Tissot has been making watches for the past 165 years. And that includes both quartz and automatic watches. Between the two, we prefer their quartz watches since Seiko does a better job when you compare prices and movements. At the same time, the value of quartz watches shouldn’t be ignored. So, the Tissot Men’s Traditional Watch or the Men’s T-race Chronograph are options that we personally recommend you try out. The former costs about $200 while the second sells at around $400. Citizen Citizen has been known for its mechanical watches at cost-friendly prices, but nowadays, they’ve converted all of their watches to run on their Eco-Drive technology. The tech charges their timepieces through the conversion of any type of light into energy. And on a single charge, you can expect a few months of use. If the idea of winding (whether manual or self-winding) doesn’t appeal to you, this is an alternative to consider. In most cases, it’s even better than a quartz watch since there’s no need for a battery change even after decades. Sounds far-fetched, doesn’t it? Especially as the brand is supposed to produce budget-friendly timepieces. Nonetheless, evidence comes in the form of the Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Axiom ($140) or the $500 Men’s Promaster. Casio In the Japanese watch-making industry, Casio is one of the Big 3. The other being Citizen and Seiko. Like the other two, they’ve made their own mark in the industry by mostly making quartz watches. Or in the case of their G-shocks, solar-powered ones. Great examples in their collections are the Casio G-SHOCK GW-9400 RANGEMAN (roughly $200), Casio AMW320B-1A (around $100), and the Casio Edifice EF503D. The first one is solar-powered, while the other two are quartz. Our Final Thoughts for Budget-Friendly Watches There are countless watches under each brand that we mentioned above. Most of the watches recommended above have their own different models too! So be careful that you stick with the right category. Finding parts, information, and even tips are always easier if you have a watch that’s relatable. The budget-friendly watch brands that we’ve mentioned in this article are only a few options when it comes to the watch world.

Astronomical watches sit serenely at the more elite classes of want with regards to top-of-the-line authorities and purchasers. They have outgrown the need of stargazing, for headings and time of day. Astronomical watches are more of a symbol that exemplifies the feeling that you get from a complex horological machine. Considerable progress since our predecessors figured out how to understand the stars has been made. Till today, NASA keeps on bewildering us with new data about our universe and past. So firmly connected are the idea of time and cosmology that it’s unimaginable for one to exist without the other. Things being what they are, watchmakers are as similar to dumbfounded as we may be. But good for us that they have transformed this interest into the absolute most charming cosmic watches. Indeed, even the watch maestro Patek Philippe conceded that “watches with cosmic signs stay among the rarest and most wonderful kind of entanglements” — an assertion that perfect timekeeping stays near heart for even the greatest of horological greats. Let’s check out five astronomical watches that are probably the most delightful and complex pieces made at any point. Five Best Astronomical Watches 1: Bovet Récital 20 Astérium Watch Welded inside a one-of-a-kind wedge-molded case is Bovet’s forcing and very confounded watch. Layers of subtleties, markers, and showcases make up the bustling dial, yet a short introduction ought to get you on track with this exemplary artful culmination. Straightforward quartz shows the Super-LumiNova groups of stars at 12 o’clock. That can be altered toward the northern or southern half of the globe. The watch features a trio of capacities including the time, point north and the framework of the bright part of the night sky. Look significantly closer, and you’ll see a multi-month circle that demonstrates the heavenly body staging as the year progressed. At the back, a yearly date-book pursues the sidereal time, with a focal hand indicating the season, solstice, equinox, zodiac and month. 2: Jacob and Co. Astronomia Sky Astronomia has been one of Jacob and Co.’s most appealing arrangement. Enter the Astronomia Sky, a lavishly entangled timepiece that includes a period show, triple pivot tourbillon, and a delineation of the earth and moon that turn on spokes around a hub. At that point, there’s a sidereal-time complexity that tracks the development of the stars with zodiac signs. What you essentially have at that point, is a planetarium on your wrist. The beautiful blue titanium dial finishes one revolution a year — the time it takes for Earth to spin around the Sun. A plated-edged oval tracks the segment of the sky unmistakable from the North Hemisphere. The watch additionally observes an unending logbook and day/night pointer. 3: Christiaan van der Klaauw CVDK Planetarium This demonstrates constant circles of a chosen few worlds around the Sun. Christiaan van der Klaauw’s in-house planned module takes into account its heliocentric planetarium to work nearby the minutes, hours, date and month. It’s placed in the midst of an Aventurine star-radiant glass dial. At the back, the cosmology point continues with a planetarium-themed rotor, where the planets have been designed. 4: Van Cleef and Arpels Complication Poetique Midnight Planetarium Astronomic watches are known for being pretty, yet trust Van Cleef and Arpels to make an observation look relatively supernatural. Everything begins with the aventurine dial, which makes a sparkly rich blue background for the spiritual bodies that move similar to how they do in the sky. The planets are produced using a scope of colorful gemstones. For example, turquoise, red jasper and chloromelanite, with a valuable pink gold sun sitting at the focal point. On the sapphire stone is a little star shape that demonstrates your “fortunate star.” This Midnight Planetarium watch permits you to line up the red bolt at the fringe date-book show with an exceptional day of the year. That allows the Earth pointer sphere to be straightforwardly under the star-shape when it’s that time once more. Naturally, Van Cleef and Arpel teamed up with planetarium master Christiaan van der Klaauw for this exceptional timepiece. 5: IWC Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia Ten years — that is how long a group of watchmakers spent inquiring about and building up the Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia system. IWC implied for this to be a thing of pondering and what a charming piece it is! The group utilized the steady power tourbillon development. It additionally carries alongside it a surprising dead-seconds system, causing the tourbillon seconds hand to progress in one moment. On the front, you’ll get the standard works — tourbillon, control save marker, and 24-hour sidereal time. In any case, the back is the place the enchantment is. Pick your particular sky area, and you’ll get the correct area of 500 – 1,000 stars. The outline and hands additionally show dusk/dawn information, sun based time, day/night pointer and unending date-book.

Guys, when you have to monitor something as imperative as time – a remarkable gadget to gauge and oversee it is defended. But just because it’s practical doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish too.  Men’s watches come in many different sizes, colors and options. Notwithstanding helping wearers adhere to their calendars, wristwatches make it simpler to show their feeling of style. They reflect traces of threat, experience, and sports relying upon the make of the watch. With a relatively interminable assortment of approaches to pull off a work of art or present-day watch, it tends to be difficult to realize where to begin. Regardless of whether you’re going for a staple calfskin tie plan or a perfect metal one, there are diverse ways you can feature men’s watches. Men’s Watches: Find the Right Size  Try not to wear a watch that has a face that’s too huge, even for men’s watches. Watch faces are estimated in millimeters. Men’s watches are normally between 34mm-50mm, but they can be bigger too. Men’s Watches, Which Hand to Wear It on The customary hand to wear a watch on is the left. The reason they’re worn on the left is in all likelihood down to the way that the lion’s share of individuals are right handed. This implies individuals move their left hand less and aren’t as liable to harm the delicate inward activities of the watch. You can get left given watches; however, it’s best to stay away from those odd contraptions. Where to Wear It Wear your watch alongside your wrist bone. Make sure that the face sits ideal by the bone outwardly of the wrist. When standing, pretty much nothing or none of your watch ought to be noticeable underneath your sleeve. When wearing a sleeved shirt, your watch should just be completely noticeable when your arm is bowed. Never wear your watch over your shirt sleeve. The Perfect Band Wear a band that fits appropriately. A watch ought to seem agreeable, normal, and unquestionably not messy. It might be important to alter it as required, to suit characteristic changes in wrist measure. A few watches like dress watches and sports watches, have a prong and score framework that enables you to effortlessly move the prong up or down an indent to fix or extricate. Easygoing or formal watches can have a progressively convoluted attaching framework that expects you to alter the size by including or expelling joins. Counsel the guidance manual, or approach your gem specialist for help or exhortation on modifying the length of your watch. A man should never wear his wristwatch free around the wrist. It should move an inch around your wrist as you move. The essence of the watch should not slip to the side of your wrist. There must be enough space to fit a finger between your wrist and the band. A wristwatch must not be worn too firmly. On the off chance that the watch leaves an engraving on the wrist, it’s too tight and should be released. Meanwhile, ladies’ watches can be worn cozily, or free around the wrist like arm jewelry. The Game Watch Wear a game watch. You can either wear it as an ordinary watch or as a useful apparatus for running or working out. Sports watches can be made with elastic, plastic, or even texture groups that are intended to be strong, sweat-proof, and regularly water-proof. Give careful consideration to the guidelines that accompany the watch—they will disclose how far your watch can be submerged. Wear your games watch when you should keep time, measure profundity or speed, counsel a compass, or when you will utilize other extraordinary highlights included. Apart from athletic undertakings, you can wear your game watch with a long-sleeved shirt or even to easygoing occasions. Might be best to not wear a game watch with a suit—this is what might be compared to wearing shoes with a tuxedo! It is viewed as in poor taste. Pay Attention to Your Shoes Match your watch with your footwear. When in doubt, you are wearing dress shoes, a dress watch would be fitting. In case, you are wearing shoes; a game watch would be fitting. If you often wear boots, deck shoes, or flip-flounders, an ordinary easygoing watch is the most solid option. Men’s Watches, Match It With the Event Pick a go-to, ordinary watch that can be worn with easygoing attire. Your ordinary watch ought to be impartial and tough, as it’s intended to be worn all through your everyday exercises. Such as easygoing social capacities, and errands. Hardened steel is a famous decision as this makes for both impartial and tough watches. Wear a formal watch on occasions that require formal wear like weddings, christenings, formal suppers, musical drama and theater exhibitions, and similar formal occasions. People lean toward a formal watch that is made of indistinguishable metal tone from whatever remains of their adornments or embellishments. For instance, a lady who’s wearing platinum jewelry may like to wear silver, platinum, or a white gold watch. While a man who’s wearing gold sleeve fasteners will ordinarily like to wear a gold watch. Purchase different groups for your watch, so you can without much of a stretch and cheaply make your watch coordinate your shoes and belt. Or then again, search for a band that is a blend of dark colored and dark.

The Breitling Navitimer is a world classic amongst pilot watches. Pilots from all around the world still use the Breitling Navitimer. While many Air Forces continue to issue the timepiece as regular equipment. The emblematic timepiece with an integrated flight computer remains one of the most popular chronographs in aviation. While the design has become an iconic look, the Navitimer is first and foremost a tool of aviation. Breitling Time: For the Plane and the Pilot It was in 1884 that a 24-year-old by the name of Léon Breitling arrived in St. Iminer to create his first chronograph. After founding the namesake company, Breitling had developed a formidable reputation as a skilled watchmaker who crafted both timepieces and intelligent measuring tools. In its early days, the brand focused on chronographs which were in increasing demand for industrial, military and scientific applications. Over the next few years, Breitling received serious demand for dashboard clocks in planes and military chronographs. By 1915, the company introduced one of the world’s first wrist chronographs with a separate push-piece above the watch crown. By the 20s, Breitling chronograph watches had earned its place as the aviator’s choice. A Mini Computer for Pilots During the 30s, Willy Breitling, the grandson of Léon who had inherited the company, envisioned the two-pusher chronograph–one to start and one to reset timing. Until 1934, chronograph wristwatches had only a singer push-piece, which Willy saw as a key deficiency. He also wanted to further the idea of the timepiece as a calculation tool and recruited the help of Marcel Robert.  Together, they came up with a scale that featured the three most important units for the pilot: STAT for standard mileage, KM for kilometers and NAUT for nautical miles. By the 1940s, this allowed for pilots to calculate essential functions such as fuel consumptions, average speeds or climbing speeds. The Birth of the Breitling Navitimer In 1942, the Breitling Chronomat was introduced. The ingenious slide rule bezel of the Chronomat catered to pilots. The watch was highly practical and performed brilliantly throughout WWII. A decade after its initial release, Breitling decided to improve on the innovative timepiece. Breitling introduced the Navitimer in 1952, which lent its name from the words “Navigation” and “Timer.” The slide rule bezel allowed for quick and easy calculations of complicated operations such as fuel consumption. As well as climb and descent rates and averages speeds without the need for any other tool. The pearl bezel guaranteed easy grip and overall handling when in use, while the black watch face and chronograph display made for a beautiful design. It was a true pioneer that earned its name for its multiple functions that served as both a navigation tool and timepiece. The first edition was powered by a manual chronograph movement with column wheel mechanism, known as the Venus 178, which was considered innovative at the time. These early versions of the navitimer are rare collectibles today. It didn’t take for the model to enjoy worldwide success in the aviation world. In the same year, the Navitimer became the official watch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). In 1960, the partnership between the two entities was cemented with the inclusion of the winged logo of the AOPA. The Breitling Navitimer Effect During the 50s, Breitling targeted groups of pilots with its advertising, successfully creating a huge demand for navigation chronographs. By the end of the decade, Breitling was an official supplier of dashboard instruments for all major aircraft companies. During the 60s, Breitling replaced the Venus 178 movement with the Valjoux 7740 movement. In 1962, a special edition of the Navitimer, the Cosmonaute with the 24-hour display, accompanied astronaut Scott Carpenter to space. It was also admired by millions on the wrist of Captain Derval in the James Bond movie Thunderball (1965). In 1969, Breitling took another step towards modernity with the implementation of automatic chronograph movement in the form of the Breitling Calibre 11. All in all, the model has largely remained true to its aviation roots to this day. The instantly recognizable look of the Navitimer has attracted watch enthusiasts for generations, staying true to the classic aviator style watch. The dial is a reversed panda color scheme. Very busy iconic dial. The raised “B” winged logo and red sweep of the seconds hand both add a sparkling touch of color. Since its Breitling first introduced the model in 1952, the Navitimer has grown to achieve cult status. Generations of pilots have relied on the circular slide rules of the Navitimer for crucial calculations in the air. Whether in air and on land, the star of the Breitling collection continues to be an exceptional wrist companion to this day. The Breitling Navitimer is the most legendary of pilot watches and continues to reflect the spirit of aviation to this day.

People who delve deeply into a certain culture often forget that others have not gained the knowledge and experience that they have. Such is the case with watches and watch terms. Many seasoned collectors today wrongly assume that everyone knows as much about the watch niche as they do. However, the truth is that there are always newcomers in any field. These people deserve assistance with the basics of the thrilling yet very complex watch world. That education is precisely what we will provide in this article.  Without further ado, here are the most basic and essential watch terms that every newbie—and expert—should know. Use this to sound like a pro the next time you talk to someone else in the watch community 20 Important Watch Terms You Need To Know 1. Movement Zenith El Primero Movement | Photo by PukkahPoptop on Flickr This is one of the first few terms you should educate yourself on, especially when you’re just starting out with collecting. The movement is basically the watch’s machinery, which manages the time and makes it run continuously. Typically produced in Switzerland, Japan and China, this component is primarily responsible for powering all of the watch’s functions. These include the unwavering motion of the hands when telling time and making any complications work effectively. For a better analogy, the movement can be comparable to a human’s heart. Also known as a “caliber,” this component is contained within the case, beneath the dial. It is usually protected by a sturdy case back made out of stainless steel or sapphire crystal. Not all timekeepers have the same kind of movements. They can either come with manual, automatic, or quartz mechanisms, which we will discuss in greater detail below. Both manual and automatic movements come with a mainspring, a dial train, an escapement, setting jumper and a balance wheel. They also have a second hand that rotates in a suave, sweeping motion. Meanwhile, a quartz caliber consists of a battery that usually lasts up to 5 years, an integrated circuit, a quartz crystal and a stepping motor. Its accompanying second hand moves in a slow yet very satisfying ticking manner. One of the most acclaimed watch movements is the caliber El Primero, which translates from Spanish as “The First”. It was officially released by Swiss brand Zenith in 1969. Zenith continues to manufacture the El Primero movement today. Its exact build and configuration remains the same, with few minor tweaks on the side to help the movement keep up with the times. However, what makes the El Primero so iconic is its exceptional accuracy and frequency. The El Primero movement boasts 36,000 vibrations per hour (“vph”), as opposed to the usual 28,800 vph from other brands and calibers. This fantastic can be found in the brand’s major collections, such as Zenith Chronomaster and Zenith Defy. Tag Heuer, Ebel, Movado and even Rolex also previously utilized the El Primero in some of their products. 2. Automatic Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Ref. H70605163 Continuing with our discussion on movements, let us now first find out what automatic calibers are all about. First unveiled in the 1700s, this movement directly gains power through the kinetic energy from the wearer’s moving wrist rather than relying on a battery. When the wearer’s wrist moves, the movement’s oscillating rotor also starts to turn, putting the mainspring to work. This causes the rest of the watch’s gears to start, so the movement winds itself and tells precise time. Though not considered a necessity, timekeepers with automatic movements can still be manually wound using the crown and the winding stem. However, there is no clear signal indicating when the watch is fully wound. It is better to wear the watch consistently to avoid inconveniences or possibly over-winding your watch.  Since their engines have some heft to them, automatic mechanical watches can sometimes be quite heavy on the wrist. Depending on your preferences, this factor may be a hit or miss, especially for those who constantly put their hands to work everyday. Often regarded as the most popular type of watch, automatic timepieces are also generally more expensive and take an incredible amount of craftsmanship and engineering to create. A good example of a watch that relies on an automatic engine is the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Ref. H70605163. As a field watch, it has a 42mm stainless steel case, and a muted green dial with a 12/24-hour layout and a date component. Its H-10 automatic caliber  exceeds expectations by bearing a power reserve of 80 hours. 3. Manual Grand Seiko SBGK007 Manual-winding movements, also known as hand-wound movements, are similar to automatic calibers when it comes to components and conceptthey have one key difference: wearers must manually wind them regularly for smooth operation, rather than relying on battery or wrist motion for power. Timepieces that use hand-wound movements are known as mechanical watches. Twisting these mechanical watches’ accompanying crowns will wind up the mainspring. This process allows the watches’ gears and springs to fully work and eventually tell accurate time through the use of an escapement and a balance wheel. Compared to self-winding watches, the crowns of mechanical timepieces  have a stopping point. This tells users when the watch has already reached its winding limit. If over-wound, these watches can also suffer severe damage, which can then affect their overall effectiveness and longevity.  Known as the oldest type of movement, manual-winding calibers are often utilized by luxury brands, who want to showcase their ingenuity and creativity. Greatly admired for their intricacy, hand-wound movements are considered true works of art due to the effort and expertise needed to craft them. One example of a premium hand-wound watch is the Grand Seiko SBGK007, which has a stunning build and pristine finish. Its Caliber 9S63 movement comes with a small seconds feature and a +5/-3 seconds per day accuracy rating. 4. Quartz Tag Heuer Formula 1 Ref. WAZ101A.FC8305 Probably the most common type of movement today, the quartz caliber provides any wearer with great convenience. Invented in the 20th century, this mechanism relies on a battery, which has an electric current that fills the quartz with sufficient energy. This will then cause the quartz to oscillate at a whopping 32,768 hz per second. As soon as the quartz starts to vibrate, it sends pulses to the movement’s electric stepping motor, which prompts the dial train to work. The train will regulate the energy in the quartz, causing the watch hands to move. Timepieces with quartz mechanisms are almost always cheaper and less complex than their automatic and mechanical counterparts. Despite this, they are still the most accurate and dependable of the bunch, making them worth every penny. Extremely low-maintenance in all ways, quartz watches are easier to use due to their lightness. They are usually utilized by mid-range and high-end brands to produce designer, fashion, and sports timepieces, and the like. They also come with accessible price tags that will surely please every user. As such, it is no wonder why these quartz watches have become extremely popular over the past few decades. That said, one thing true watch connoisseurs do not like about quartz movements is that they have much simpler blueprints and lack an awe-inspiring appeal.  The Tag Heuer Formula 1 Ref. WAZ101A.FC8305 is one of the best men’s quartz watches in the market today. Available in many other colorways and configurations, this sporty piece has a rugged-looking bezel and a water resistance rating of 200 meters. 5. Dial Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15400ST.OO.1220ST.03 Moving on to physical attributes of the watch, we have the dial. This is basically the front portion of the watch that you look at whenever you need to read it. Also referred to as the watch face, it holds almost all of the crucial information, such as the time, date and day. The dial is typically also home to any complications the watch might have. These include sub-dials for the chronograph and small seconds features, the power reserve indicator, the annual and perpetual calendars as well as the moon phase indicator. The dial can come in many shades, textures, finishes, materials, and designs. It can sport just one tone, a matte or sunburst finish, or be highly detailed with engravings and precious stones. It can also feature Arabic or Roman numerals, geometric hour markers, or even a mix of all of them in just one model.  Usually the most flashy part of a watch, the dial is what consumers immediately notice when trying to look for the next member of their collections. It plays a huge part in wearers’ purchase decisions, along with the watch’s movement and features offered. This is why brands devote much attention to making the dials of watches highly attractive. The more unique or exquisite a dial is, the more wearers will be intrigued and eventually fall in love with the piece. One watch with a jaw-dropping dial style is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15400ST.OO.1220ST.03, which has tiny squares on its face in a pattern called the tapisserie. The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Ref. J003525540 also has an outstanding dial. It features skeletonized apertures that allow viewers to admire the beauty of its movement. Another fan-favorite is the Franck Muller Vanguard Lady Ref. V 32 SC AT FO AC COL DRM (RS) COL DRM, which has large multi-colored Arabic numeral markers that easily catch the attention of many.   6. Bezel Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow Ref. 116595 and Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ref. 79830RB-0002 The bezel is a ring surrounding the dial of the watch, which connects the case to the lugs. Usually made out of metal or ceramic, it also plays a big role in keeping the protective crystal barrier in place. All watches, no matter what type or kind, always feature bezels Depending on the watch’s purpose, a bezel can be plain, embellished with various markings and numbers, or studded with precious stones. Luxury brands often offer bezels adorned with precious stones, or those made of different materials than the case itself. There are also watches that come with square-shaped or octagonal bezels, which exude more edge and character than those typical rounded ones.  In addition, bezels can either be fixed or movable. Sometimes, bezels can turn to allow for certain functions such as a compass, a pulsometer, a telemeter, or a slide rule. Rotating bezels can be unidirectional or bidirectional, and are situated either inside or outside the crystal. Rotating bezels are most often found on dive watches, and come with scales and other measurements that can be used to record precise periods of time.  The photo above shows off two different types of watch bezels. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow Ref. 116595 has a decorative fixed bezel, adorned with 36-colored gradient sapphires. Meanwhile, the rotating bezel of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ref. 79830RB-0002 allows the user to track a second time zone.  7. Crystal Hublot Big Bang Ref. 341.SB.131.RX and Breguet Type XXI Flyback Ref. 3817ST/X2/3ZU  The term ‘crystal’ refers to the transparent glass attached inside the case which covers the entirety of a watch’s dial.In some instances, the case back, or even the whole case of a timepiece can be all made out of said crystal glass.  Crystals generally protect the timepiece’s face and all of its components from external threats such as dirt, dust, moisture, impacts and scratches. Meticulously designed to provide an optimal timekeeping experience, they also have anti-reflective coatings that aid in reducing light glares. Watch crystals come in a variety of different types, all of which have the same purpose yet have different levels of rigidity. Three of the most common are acrylic crystal, mineral glass, and sapphire crystal. The first, acrylic, is also known as Plexiglass, Hesalite, or Perspex. It is a type of clear plastic that can be easily manipulated to fit over the dial. Often found on many budget-friendly timepieces, it is the cheapest option, in terms of looks and price, among all the watch crystals. While it does not break easily, acrylic is more prone to scratches. Next up, we have mineral glass, which offers greater scratch-resistance. Made out of silica, you can also find this kind of crystal on your window panes.  It is the top choice of many entry-level and designer watch companies. Lastly, we have sapphire, which is the toughest and the most expensive watch crystal commonly used. Besides bearing a chic appeal, it also possesses unmatched legibility and scratch-resistance. Most Swiss timepieces today, such as the Hublot Big Bang Ref. 341.SB.131.RX  and the Breguet Type XXI Flyback Ref. 3817ST/X2/3ZU, come with sapphire crystals, since they are stronger and easier to maintain.  8. Chronograph Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Chronograph 42mm Ref. 311.33.42.30.01.002 A chronograph is essentially a type of watch that comes with both analog watch and stopwatch functions. It is one of the most popular complications that brands like to incorporate into their watch offerings. Chronograph watches are mainly used to measure events, races, and various periods of time. People enjoy them for their utility and reliability as well as the craftsmanship that goes into building them. Often used by pilots, divers, and race car drivers, a chronograph can record a tenth or a hundredth of a second, 30 minutes and 12 to 24 hours. They can use quartz or mechanical movements, or even a hybrid of the two. There are also numerous types of chronographs within the horological realm. The list can be quite overwhelming and they differ depending on your needs and how they are used  in your daily routines. The most common ones are the split-seconds chronograph (“rattrapante”), which can record two time periods simultaneously; the flyback, which can time consecutive events continuously; and the tourbillon, which helps increase the watch’s precision by reducing the effect of the gravity. A chronograph watch usually has a hand and two to three sub-dials, which display the elapsed seconds, minutes and hours. Most modern chronograph models also typically have a sweep seconds hand and two pushers on the side, next to the crown. These pushers can be used to control the chronograph functions, specifically in stopping, starting and resetting it. However, there are still some chronograph watches that only have a single pusher.  Perhaps the most popular and iconic chronograph timepiece today is the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Chronograph 42mm Ref. 311.33.42.30.01.002. It is highly-recognized as a watch that has been on many expeditions to the moon over the decades. It comes with a black dial and a meticulously-crafted tachymeter scale.  9. Style Watch terms like this one is pretty self-explanatory. While people might be talking about aesthetics when they use the term “style,” it is most often used to describe what general category a specific timepiece fits into. The most common distinctions include dive, military, pilot, dress, and sports. As its name suggests, dive watches are meant for underwater use. Made to last, these pieces have strong water pressure resistances, ranging a minimum of 100 meters to a maximum of 15,000 meters. Aside from a rotating bezel, dive watches may also come with additional complications such as a chronograph, dual-time, or a date component. On the other hand, military watches offer a higher level of reliability and utility since they were originally built to grace the wrists of members of the armed forces. Designed to withstand especially harsh conditions, these pieces have heavy-duty cases often made out of stainless steel. They also boast luminous elements that can be useful during instances where there is little to no light, and efficient and robust movements that can function well in any given circumstance.  Pilot is another popular watch style, especially among men. These watches bear humongous cases and crowns, indices and markers coated with luminous materials and legible dials. Built for the skies, these models do not disappoint when it comes to style or performance. We also have sports watches, which usually come with shockproof cases and highly-readable dials. Fully-functional and commanding, these pieces are equipped with advanced features such as a thermometer, altimeter, stopwatch, and compass, all of which come in handy during your athletic pursuits.  Lastly, we have dress watches that suit formal gatherings such as business meetings and evening parties. Elegant and versatile, they feature clean lines, minimalistic dials, and simple indices and hour markers. Brands tend to place a heavy emphasis on visuals and aesthetics when creating dress watches. 10: GMT Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 126710BLRO and the Panerai Luminor GMT Ref. PAM01088 Established in 1884 by the participating countries in the International Meridian Conference, GMT stands for “Greenwich Mean Time,”. All you need to have in mind is that having a GMT watch generally means being able to set it to two-time zones. This function is especially useful for frequent flyers, who might want to check the time in another country without having to reset their watches. Many often confuse this complication with a dual-time function since they both offer essentially the same purpose to the wearer. While both complications display two time zones at once, a GMT watch utilizes the dial, bezel, rehaut, and a 24-hour scale you can view using the separate central hand (also known as the “GMT hand”). Because of their layouts, GMT watches can sometimes even track three time zones. depending on your needs. Meanwhile, a dual-time watch typically comes with a sub-dial that indicates the second time zone using a 12-hour format.  Among the popular GMT watches today are the Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 126710BLRO and the Panerai Luminor GMT Ref. PAM01088. Sporting a rotatable Pepsi bezel, the Rolex model is 40mm in size and has a water resistance rating of 100 metersMeanwhile, the Panerai can withstand water pressures of up to 300 meters, and sits nicely on the wrist with its 44mm size.  11. Luminescence In the acclaimed Harry Potter series, a person’s wand lights up when they say “lumos.” That spell comes from this term. In the watch world, luminescence refers to the glow exhibited by a few dial components such as the hour markers, indices and hands. These parts are all typically coated with various luminous materials, causing them to light up, especially during the night or in low light conditions. In the past, watchmakers had to use radium paint on watches to produce luminescence. While it delivered a stunning glow, this chemical brought great health risks to both the wearers and the artisans behind the timepieces. To resolve the issue, manufacturers then opted to use tritium gas tubes as the safer alternative. Today, most modern watches utilize game-changing photoluminescent materials such as Super-LumiNova, LumiNova, or LumiBrite, electrical currents, or LED lights. Often incorporated in dive, sports, and pilot watches, luminescence brings great benefits and convenience to users. Many may take it for granted but it is one of the most vital parts of a watch that makes it worth getting. 12. Power Reserve Chopard L.U.C QUATTRO Ref. 161926-5001 The power reserve of a watch refers to the total time the mechanism can function for when fully wound. To closely monitor the amount of  power remaining, you can purchase mechanical watches equipped with power reserve indicators. This highly-functional complication often comes in the form of a sub-dial, with small hands and markers. A lot of entry-level watches provide around 38 to 50 hours of power reserve. This is quite good, considering you will only need to take your timepiece out for a spin every two days. However, the best timepieces are those that can last for several days without being wound. For instance, the Chopard L.U.C QUATTRO Ref. 161926-5001 can hold up to 9 days worth of energy. It has a sophisticated case made out of 18K rose gold. Exuding great opulence, its movement is also certified by both the COSC and the Poincon de Geneve. 13. Skeleton Bulova Classic Ref. 98A177 and Hamilton Jazzmaster Ref. H32705651 A regular watch typically has a solid dial, with the movement quietly hidden under it. Skeleton watches, on the other hand, have apertures that allow you to see the inner workings of the timepiece while it ticks. In other words, they allow any user to admire the charms of their watches’ calibers and their moving parts. Bringing a unique concept to the table, the dials of these types of watches can be completely skeletonized, or cut out in small parts to give some variation. No matter what style you choose, all skeleton timepieces offer a unique timekeeping experience to the wearer. While they all feel luxe and opulent due to their intricacy, not all skeleton watches come at exorbitant prices. The Bulova Classic Ref. 98A177 costs only $575 USD, and it even comes with a rose gold-colored stainless steel case and a robust movement. If you have a slightly bigger budget, you can opt for the Hamilton Jazzmaster Ref. H32705651. Priced at around $950 USD, it has a blue leather strap and matching blued steel indices and hands. 14. Winder If you have an automatic watch, you will know that sometimes, you still need to wind it manually and reset it, using the crown, to make it work. This happens when you have too many pieces in your collection, or you do not wear an automatic watch every single day. The watch will run out of power, which requires you to manually wind it for use again. Many do this by hand, but a large percentage of watch owners prefer to have a machine do it. These instruments are called winders. They are simply boxes with rotating slots that gently keep the timepiece in full power when not worn. These incredibly convenient containers automatically spin the watches’ rotors to keep their respective mainsprings fully wound, so the watches remain precise. Some winders are even attached to humongous vaults that can hold several precious and lavish timekeepers.  This type of technology suits wearers who have the budget, and are always on the go, so they do not have time to reset and wind all their timepieces. Many are still skeptical about the purpose of winders, and express concerns such as overwinding causing damage to the watch. Nevertheless, these concerns are unproven, and wonders are still quite handy to have, especially on days when you have much to accomplish. It is not a necessity but it surely does the job for you, and very well at that.  15. Chronometer A chronometer refers to a timepiece that has passed and met various accuracy standards. For instance, watches made in Switzerland should be inspected by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (“COSC”) in order to obtain the chronometer certification. Also known in English as the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, the organization plays a huge role in sustaining the prestige around the Swiss watchmaking industry.  The COSC rigorously tests and observes wristwatches, pocket watches, quartz pieces, and other time-telling devices such as desk clocks and carriage clocks. These timekeepers are kept in laboratories for around 13 to 15 days, and tested against different orientations, humidities, pressures and temperatures. Mechanical timepieces need to maintain an accuracy rating of -4/+6 seconds per day to successfully pass the test. Quartz watches, on the other hand, must sustain a ±0.07 per day precision in order to pass. While COSC undeniably carries a huge reputation, watch lovers should note that there have been many other distinction-giving bodies established over the years. Some of them are based in other parts of Europe or Asia, such as the Japan Chronometer Inspection Institute. Therefore, one cannot say that all chronometers are certified by COSC only.  16. Complication Another common term that you will surely encounter while exploring the wonders of the watchmaking field is the complication. Simply put, this word refers to watch functions that go beyond telling the hours, minutes, and seconds. A timepiece may have one or more additional complications, depending on its purpose. Those that have only one are called individual complication watches, while those that have three or more cutting-edge complications are known as grand complications.  All complications have numerous parts, which make complicated watches more difficult to assemble. Some of them even take years, requiring heavy attention to detail to build. As such, it is no wonder why pieces that have complications typically bear heavy price tags. Among the common types of complications are the chronograph, calendar, day of the week, date, moon phase, 24-hour display, tourbillon, time zones, minute repeaters, and alarms. Watches can even double as a compass, altimeter, or thermometer, especially those that are made for surviving harsh conditions. 17. Frequency Frequency refers to how fast a watch ticks or beats. In other words, it is the movement’s speed, recorded through the number of semi-oscillations, or half-turns, the balance spring creates in an hour. Measured using vibrations per hour (“vph”) or hertz (“hz”), a watch’s frequency typically ranges from 18,000 vph to a whopping 36,000 vph. Contemporary mechanical watches have a usual frequency of 21,600 vph to 28,800 vph. Meanwhile, pieces with advanced calibers beat at 36,000 vph or more.  While they are treated as mere numbers by some enthusiasts, frequency actually plays a huge role in a watch’s precision. The higher a timekeeper’s frequency is, the more accurate the hands’ movement will be. Thus, budding collectors must pay attention to these kinds of details, as they make the greatest impact on the overall performance of a watch.  18. World Timer Perfect for jet-setters and passionate travelers, a world timer watch comes with a busy-looking dial that displays 24 time zones. These time zones correspond to 24 cities in the world, all at once. With functions similar to dual time and GMT watches, world timers will help you adjust swiftly to a specific area, bringing you convenience and satisfaction. First developed by Louis Cottier back in the 1930s, a world timer comes with an internal bezel that displays the cities, and a 24-hour hand that rotates once a day. Wearers must sync their home time zone, using the bezel, to the hour found on the 24-hour hand. The latter will continue to rotate as time passes. These world timers can be very visually appealing, with some models even coming in world globe formats, boasting am/pm indicators and highly ornate movements. They can also look sporty or dressy depending on the style of the watchmaker. Watch manufacturers who excel in creating such avant garde pieces include Rolex, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. As you can tell from this list of high-end luxury brands, world timers are incredibly rare and pricey, since they require a high level of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. 19. Moon Phase Rolex Cellini Moon Phase M50535 One of the most unique and fantastic watch complications out there is the moon phase. It lets you see the different phases of the moon, or a 29.5-day lunar cycle through two rotating smoothly underneath the dial. Operated by a 59-tooth gear that spins one notch every 24 hours, the discs look similar to each other and come in different colors. Users can admire this amazing and visually appealing feature via a separate viewing window, called the aperture. Providing a memorable experience, the view of the moon on the watch follows the actual condition of said heavenly body in the sky. Highly ornate and well-made, this kind of watch is often desired by many connoisseurs due to the utility and aesthetics it brings to the table. Despite the many favorable comments regarding these watches, many still argue that a moon phase does not have a true purpose at all aside from being an artistic feature. However, one cannot deny that moon phase watches showcase brands’ technical prowess and expertise in watch engineering. With so many designs, styles, and color combinations to choose from, it is impossible not to find a moon phase watch that will suit your exquisite tastes and budget. 20. In-house Movement In-house movements refer to calibers designed, crafted, and produced directly by watch brands themselves for their products. To this day, the line is still blurry regarding what truly constitutes in-house movements, given how numerous brands that manufacture them still rely on other suppliers for other parts. Despite this, the term somehow brings companies an edge, simultaneously raising their reputation and their exclusivity. Many watch companies, especially Swiss-based ones, excel in creating in-house engines. These include Rolex, which produces sophisticated perpetual movements such as the Caliber 3230, with a -2/+2 accuracy rating. Audemars Piguet is also known for producing in-house chronograph movements such as the Caliber 4401, with top-tier quality. However, many other brands, both luxury and mid-range, still tend to utilize movements provided by ETA, Miyota and Seiko. Final Thoughts Watch terminologies can be quite difficult to understand, especially if you are new to the field. That said, knowing these terms are extremely useful in understanding the concepts and mysteries surrounding the watch world. In addition, knowing what these strange terms mean also makes wearers more confident about themselves when holding timepiece-related conversations. Once you acquire sufficient knowledge about commonly-used jargons in horology, it will be easier for you to determine your preferences and what watch to get. You will also learn what important aspects of a watch you should pay close attention to, so that you can make wise and informed purchase decisions.  We hope that reading this article will allow you to bypass the pitfalls brought by being a newbie in the watchmaking niche. With this guide, you will  be able to use these terms casually in no time, just like a true watch connoisseur. To learn more about the timepieces that could bring you the best value for your money, check out our articles on the Seiko SNK809, the Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar and the Orient Kamasu. Photos from the aforementioned brands’ official websites

We have a strange relationship with infamous gangsters of the past. On the one hand, we understand that they were ruthless criminals that were responsible for a lot of deaths. On the other, we are intrigued by their stories and the power that they achieved. And sometimes examining parts of their lives can be sort of compelling. As busy as they were, they had to keep track of time somehow. We detail a few of the most infamous gangster’s watches in the sections below. Pablo Escobar Pablo Escobar is likely the most famous gangster of all time. He has an incredibly gripping story, which includes heartless cruelty toward his enemies, exporting cocaine all over the world, becoming a political player in Colombia, and much more. His journey is so compelling that Netflix recently produced a series about him and the law enforcement agents that took him down. To put his success in perspective, he amassed a fortune of roughly 55 billion dollars and managed around 80% of the cocaine market in the entire world. What people talk about less is his penchant for gorgeous luxury watches. The most famous of them was his diamond-encrusted, yellow gold, Rolex Day-Date. As you can see, Pablo was not one for understated style. Instead, he sported one of the flashiest timepieces you could dream up. The whereabouts of this watch are not known today. The reason is that the Colombian government auctioned it off and the buyer chose to stay anonymous. Doing so was probably a good idea, given Escobar’s history. Al Capone Many believe that Al Capone was the most American gangster’s of all time. Like many others in this business, he orchestrated vicious crimes to get messages across to his enemies and bully others into compliance. Unlike most, though, he preferred to make those acts as public as possible. This habit allowed him to dominate the Chicago news scene and frequently put him under national scrutiny. What kept him going for so long, despite these public actions, was his relationships with government officials. Once again, this ruthless gangster enjoys Rolex over all else. His most famous piece is a gold “Prince” piece. While a wealthy man wearing a Rolex is not particularly original, his choice of model is. The square-shaped Prince is not a common choice, as circular models tend to be much more popular. This piece is much less flashy than Escobar’s Rolex, but still gives off an elegant and expensive vibe. Lucky Luciano When historians call someone the “father of organized crime,” you can be sure that he was a compelling individual. Such is the case with Charles Luciano, who came to be known as Lucky Luciano in the public space. His background is right out of a gangster movie, as he was an Italian immigrant that came to the United States at nine years old. The way he earned his fortune was through becoming one of the largest alcohol sellers in the prohibition era. Despite being a famous criminal, he ended up with a deportation to Italy, rather than a prison sentence. Though we aren’t sure of what his watch collection looked like, we know about one famous gift he gave to a friend named Joseph Bonanno. Though you might not recognize that name, he was the basis of the book “The Godfather,” which became one of the greatest films of all time. The watch that was given to him was the Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 1516), which later sold for over $35,000. For this reason, it is safe to assume that Luciano’s collection featured a Patek. Jiro Yanagawa Though you may not have heard of Jiro Yanagawa, you likely know about the infamous Yakuza gang, which is based in Japan. Jiro was one of the most notorious leaders of that gang, and has an unmatched reputation is the Eastern world. His origin story is that he was incredibly poor and joined the organization just to try and survive. He ended up having a knack for crime and rose through the ranks quickly. At his peak, he grew the Yakuzas considerably and set up a variety of relationships with people in high places. As many gangsters do, he became somewhat of a political player as an ambassador for Korea in Japan. His watch of choice was the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which is a piece that influential people frequently wear. He seems to have had a penchant for flair, though, as his Patek is one of the flashiest and most expensive of all time. The reason is its materials, as this timepiece was made from solid gold and riddled with precious jewels. As far as watches – no matter what, you can’t go wrong with the brands on this list. Patek Philippe and Rolex are two of the most esteemed Swiss brands in the world, which is why such powerful men chose to wear them at the height of their own power.

As much as watch enthusiasts may love Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and similar brands, there are other not-as-prestigious watches that should have your attention too. Why? Because only a tiny percentage of the timepiece buying market has ten or fifty thousand dollars lying around, and they definitely don’t want to finance such a substantial purchase over many years. As a result, many get scared off from the watch collection hobby because of the prices. This trend of consumers being intimidated by luxury brands and the prices that come with them is precisely why I decided to write this article. The truth is that many affordable brands have everything you’d want from a more prominent name: Heritage, aesthetics, and excellent reliability. Below, I take six picks from those brands and assemble a fantastic watch collection for under $1,000. The Affordable Classic One thing I love to ask watch collectors about their watch collections is what their first timepiece purchase was. While you might think that I would get 100 different answers for 100 people, this is not the case. Strangely, a substantial portion of them start to rave about the Timex Weekender. These references even come from the highest levels of the watch community. The reason is simple: This piece is incredibly reliable and is one of the most affordable products on the market. My favorite aspect of it is how good it looks on a NATO strap. This characteristic allows you to customize its look and make it perfect for whatever setting you want to wear it in. The One That’s Tough as Nails Another essential piece is the Casio G-Shock DW5600. Source from Official Website If you’re a true horology freak, you want a watch on your wrist at all times. But what if you’re doing yard work or some other tough task? While some enthusiasts keep their more expensive pieces on for these activities, I prefer to throw on a watch that can take the abuse and keep on ticking. My favorite product in this category is this Casio G-Shock, which is packed with capabilities despite having a manageable price tag. One additional note is that every G-Shock is exceptional. While I prefer this model, you might like one of the chunkier ones that costs a bit more. The Solar-Powered Field Watch Next, we have the Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180. It serves two purposes in this watch collection. First, it has a solar-powered quartz movement, meaning it is ultra-reliable and should never need a battery replacement. Second, it has a classic field watch aesthetic, which is a perfect look for a diverse collection. Ultimately, this watch is good looking, highly functional, and has a respected brand to back it up. Those factors combine to make it a can’t miss option. The Classy Dress Piece While some will argue that this watch is too large to be in the dress category, I believe it is just right, especially if you have a large wrist. It is the Orient Bambino, which masters the elegant, minimalist look that many horological companies are trying to replicate right now. Given its simple design and classy coloring, the Bambino can fit in anywhere. That’s precisely what it will do when you add it to your collection. The Dependable Diver No affordable watch article is complete without a Seiko. In this instance, I’ll choose one of the many exceptional pieces in their Prospex collection. All of them provide three crucial features. First, they are sleek and beautiful, which is always essential for fashion products. Second, they live up to their diver designation, with exceptional versatility and water resistant. Last, they have reliable automatic movements that outperform their price range. The Swiss Crown Jewel Up to this point, I’ve presented only Japanese brands. Despite how exceptional each of them is, we have to include a Swiss piece in this collection. In my opinion, the best way to do so is with the Hamilton Khaki King. This watch simply exudes luxurious energy, and it has the raving customer base to back it up. I personally have never heard about someone being disappointed with this Hamilton, as it exceeds expectations in every way. If you’re looking for a crown jewel to top off your collection, the Khaki King is an excellent choice. Watch Collection Conclusion As you can see, you can build a diverse and elegant watch collection with just $1,000. That sum is a fraction of the price of one luxury piece, and you can get six or more watches for the same amount. When you do, you’ll be choosing from historic brands like Seiko, Hamilton, and Casio, each of which has an excellent reputation in the timepiece community. What this article proves is that you don’t have to be a CEO or professional athlete to collect beautiful watches.

Ever want to fix your own watch, but you just do not have the right tools? Fear not, for we are about to go over with you all you need in order to have your very own watch repair kit. One thing many watch enthusiasts experience is “tumbling down the rabbit-hole” of timepiece obsession. What we mean is that a significant amount of people keep falling deeper and deeper into watch culture, and they end up becoming absolutely enamored with the inner workings of their watches. One result of such a tumble is people wanting to repair their own timepieces, which can be an incredibly fun endeavor. If this practice interests you, you are going to want to own some, or even all of the following tools for your own watch repair kit. Components of a Watch Repair Kit Multiple Tweezer Sizes A crucial tool you will need is tweezers, which lets you grab hold of tiny parts of the watch for extraction and repair. You will likely want to keep multiple tweezers of different sizes, especially since there is a diverse range of components in a watch, each with their own sizes and handling needs. Crystal Remover One way into a watch is by removing its crystal. Additionally, many watch repair enthusiasts like to temporarily take their crystals off a watch to give them a polish. Either way, your best bet is to use a crystal remover tool to do so. Crystal Polisher You want your watch to look sleek and brand new throughout its lifetime. While the internal mechanisms will inevitably wear down over time, your crystal does not have to. Instead, give it a polish every once in a while, with a specialized crystal polisher, and it will look as good as new. Miniature Screwdrivers Just about every timepiece out there is held together by screws, so you will need a screwdriver to take them apart. Of course, manufacturers use a range of screws with varying sizes for different models. What you will need is multiple miniature screwdrivers, which will allow you to unscrew a watch easily no matter what size it is. Hand Installation Instruments Part of the watch repair process involves taking the hands in and out of the casing. You might do this for a variety of reasons, including repair, a need for polish, or a full-on part replacement. Regardless, handling such a delicate object on your own is not in your best interest. Instead, get a hand installation tool to do the job for you. Winder One thing that mechanical watches often need is their handsprings wound. While you may be able to do this task by hand, you will find the process much more effective with a winder. This is because such instruments allow for a better grip and superior torque, which come in handy when working with such small objects. Metal Polisher An important aspect regarding the aesthetics of your watch involves the metal of your case and possibly your strap if it is made out of metal. Over time, metal cases and bracelets will start to lose their shine, especially if you expose your watch to rough conditions. You can reverse this trend using metal polishing products and tools. Oil and Oiling Instruments When it comes to timepiece functions, friction is your enemy. That is why you should invest in some oil and oil-applying instruments in your watch repair kit. Just like with a car, you need things to be slick for the machinery to work correctly. Regularly oiling a few key parts will do just that. Case Openers Though your screwdrivers will help a lot in opening a watch, you will likely need some additional assistance for the case. No watch repair kit is complete without a case opener. The reason for this is that timepieces are built incredibly well, some to the point where they can function hundreds of meters underwater. Taking apart that kind of resiliency takes much more than just a screwdriver and your bare hands. Band Pins and Pin Removers Lastly, we have band pins and pin removers. One of the best things about watches is that you can substitute your strap with another one at any time. Through this process, you can change the entire look and feel of your timepiece with ease. Though doing so is not difficult, it does require specialized tools like band pins and pin removers. 10 Best Watch Repair Kits  Now that we know all the different tools that you need to repair a watch, let us take a look at some of the best watch repair kits available out there.  1. Vastar Watch Repair Kit  Starting off with a very versatile set from Vastar, this is great for both professionals and those who enjoy DIY activities at home. For less than $20 USD, you get a complete kit with around 151 pieces of watch repair tools and components. One of the best things about this particular kit is that it comes with a case opener, which can be adjusted for cases up to 52mm. This means that dealing with both standard and oversized timepieces will no longer be a problem. Moreover, this watch repair tool kit also contains a spring bar remover for bracelet adjustments, anti-magnetic tweezers for better battery handling, and a manual for overall guidance.  All these, and more, are encased in a nylon zipper bag, making this kit easy to bring anywhere and everywhere. If you prefer a more vibrant-looking tool kit, this Vastar set also comes in an all-pink color variation as well.  2. Stalwart  Next up, we have a watch repair tool kit from a brand that is best known for offering a wide selection of tools. Stalwart is a pretty popular company in the DIY community because they offer a variety of tool sets for both general and specific uses. For example, Stalwart’s watch repair kit includes 144 pieces of watch tools and components with an affordable price tag of around $18 USD. These include a watch back pry opener, a case holder, anti-magnetic screwdrivers, a link remover tool, a bunch of spring pins, and lots more.  However, despite its affordability and completeness, this Stalwart set also has its downsides. First, it does not come with an instruction manual, which means it is less user-friendly to amateurs and beginners. Second, since Stalwart is a quite renowned brand, counterfeit products with their name on it do exist, so you have to be extra cautious when buying.  3. Kingsdun  Kingsdun is a Chinese brand that manufactures a variety of professional and special tools. They have partnerships with companies from different parts of the globe such as  Walmart, SMC Corporation, and many more. I mention this because, in order to have such big affiliates, you have to offer truly reliable and trustworthy products – and Kingsdun certainly meets that standard. Kingsdun’s DIY Watch Repair Tool Kit comes with 208 pieces of equipment and components. Aside from the usual tools, it also includes case wrench teeth, a bracelet holder, a spring bar tool with a scale, a cleaning cloth, and lots of spare components as well. It also comes with a bag and an instruction manual which makes everything easier, from storage to the actual repair process.  While the number of parts in Kingsdun’s watch repair kit may be intimidating, this is a great option for those who want the security that comes with having spare or duplicate components.  4. Stago  Stago is for those who already have some sort of experience with repairing their watches. In comparison to the previous kits mentioned, this one is a bit more pricey because it is definitely a long-term investment. This particular watch repair set has a total of 141 pieces with a price tag of approximately $40 USD. It includes a variety of quality tools and components such as an adjustable case opener, a watch case knife, link removers, a magnifying glass, a cleaning tool, waterproof paste, and many more.  Those who own this specific watch repair kit from Stago have said many good things about it. On the whole, it is perceived as a great tool set for collectors and enthusiasts who do self-maintenance for their timepieces.  5. Ohuhu  This next watch repair kit from Ohuhu is one of the most affordable yet quality sets out there. It comes with a total of 174 pieces of watch tools that are either made of durable plastic or stainless steel. Priced at around $17 USD, you might initially think this is a scam, or that the tools are not well-made, but those who have used Ohuhu’s watch repair set have nothing but praise for it. This kit includes the usual adjustable case opener, knife, tweezers, strap spring pins, screwdrivers, a case holder, link removers, and the like. Lastly, all these tools come in a nylon carry-on for easier storage and portability.  If your watch warranty has run out and you do not want to fork out money for every new repair or watch maintenance, then this Ohuhu repair kit is perfect for you. For such an affordable price, you can get a set of long-lasting, reliable tools that get the job done.  6. EzTool  EzTool is actually a company that is based in Australia, but offers their products worldwide. They provide quality tools that specifically cater to those in the watch community, regardless of their level of experience. Their watch repair tool kit retails at around $35 USD and is ideal for simple watch maintenance and repairs. Some of the tools and components included are as follows: a Jaxa case opening wrench, anti-magnetic tweezers, a spring bar tool, a link remover, and more.  The best thing about this particular watch repair tool kit is that it comes with a guidebook that has step-by-step instructions and photos. EzTool has really put in an effort to make the watch repair process easy and straightforward for beginners, yet also accessible and high-quality for seasoned DIY individuals.  7. Bergeon  Bergeon is one of the most renowned manufacturers of watch tools in the industry. They are a Swiss company that offers a variety of horology-related instruments, equipment, and components. Their products are professional-grade, which means that their prices are higher compared to most tool kits out there. An interesting thing about Bergeon is that they sell both Swiss-made sets and individual tools which is perfect for serious collectors and experts who really invest in these kinds of products.  The Bergeon 7812 Professional Grade, priced at approximately $226 USD, is a watch repair tool kit with a total of 18 pieces included. It consists of tweezers, screwdrivers, flat nose pliers, a spring bar tool, a wrist-measuring band, a case opener with a knife, a pin extractor, and more. However, unlike most of the sets mentioned on this list, the Bergeon 7812 does not come with any pins, so you will have to purchase those separately if needed. Overall, this watch repair kit is definitely a recommended investment for professionals and those who are serious about watch repair and maintenance.  8. Zexett Zexett is another brand that offers good quality tools and equipment. Their watch repair kit is a 200-piece set that is great for both beginners and experts. It includes opener knives, tweezers, adjustable case openers, a hammer, precision screwdrivers, replacement needles, spring pins, and more. All these tools and components are packed in a zipper carrying case with mini compact containers which makes it more convenient storage and portability-wise.  The great thing about the Zexett watch repair tool kit is that it comes with a very detailed manual. Even if you are new to DIY watch repair and maintenance, you will not have to worry too much because you simply have to read the instructions provided and follow accordingly.  9. BYNIIUR  BYNIIUR offers another watch repair kit that is perfect for general use, without breaking the bank. It has a price tag of around $17 USD which is definitely a steal for all that you are getting. This watch tool kit is a 155-piece set that can be used for both simple and complex repairs. It includes an extra large wrench case opener, a band link remover, tweezers, a case pry opener, pliers, a band holder, and many more.  The cool thing about this watch repair kit is that most of the tools and components are made out of durable stainless steel. This means that they are expected to last a long time, which is great for watch enthusiasts out there who constantly find themselves repairing their timepieces.  10. Onmust  Onmust’s watch repair kit serves as another affordable option for both amateurs and experts who enjoy tinkering with their timepieces. For approximately $23 USD, you can get a watch repair tool set with the following components: an adjustable watch case opener (up to 55 mm), a watch case holder, a pry knife, a spring bar tool, a hammer, a cleaning cloth, and more.  The interesting thing about this kit is that it comes with a watch capping machine, which makes everything, from the disassembly and assembly processes to the adjustments, a lot easier. While the current kits have instruction manuals included, some of Onmust’s old watch repair kits do not, so just make sure to check the kit thoroughly, especially if you need a guide.  Which watch repair kit should you buy?  After going through that list of the best watch repair tool kits on the market, some of you may be even more confused, faced with so many options. Here are some tips to guide you before you actually make the purchase. Know Your Level  If your watch is way past its warranty date and you do not want to spend a lot of money for a repair, then you have to check how confident you are with tinkering. If you have some experience with fixing devices or appliances then you can probably handle a simple watch repair as well. If you are a complete amateur, make sure to get a user-friendly watch repair kit, preferably with a clear instruction manual, rather than a complex one. Acknowledging your level at this kind of DIY task will help you narrow down your choices.  Know Your Watch  This one is pretty self-explanatory because there are some watch repair kits that cater to specific case sizes or structures. You have to be aware of the anatomy of your watch so that you will not accidentally buy the tools of the wrong sizes or shape. I mean, for example, you cannot exactly fix an Apple Watch with the standard watch repair kit, right?  Don’t Be Deceived By Numbers  Just because a kit is cheap or expensive, does not necessarily mean it is worth it or good either. In addition, even though having spare components can come in handy, having more pieces or components does not always equate to a better tool set. Do not be fooled by simple numbers. You have to do your own research by reading reviews in order to find out if the watch repair tool kit you are looking at will really fit your needs.  Alternative to Watch Repair Kits: A Watch Repair Specialist Many watch enthusiasts think that getting a watch repair kit and maintaining their timepieces by themselves will be a pleasurable experience. While the majority of them are correct, others find that this goal is simply too much work. If the latter describes you, do not think that taking your watch to a watch repair specialist is a loss. Instead, realize that this endeavor just was not for you and let a professional do the work for you! That said, repairing your own watches can come with a variety of benefits. In our opinion, the most rewarding part is how intimate you can get with your piece of machinery. Instead of only gazing at the outside of the watch, you get to understand and have a hand in the maintenance of the inner workings as well. While it may take a while to become proficient at watch repair, there is a good chance that you will fall in love with the process, so you certainly should not hesitate to at least try. Final Thoughts As far as making a purchase, your best bet is to buy a full watch repair kit that has most or all of the tools you want in it. Purchasing tools individually is likely not in your best interest due to expense and the amount of time you will have to spend looking for the right tools. Once you get that perfect watch repair set, however, you can easily split your favorite timepiece open and see just what is on the inside.

One of the things horology enthusiasts love most about timepieces is complications. What this term refers to is extra features built into the watch’s machinery. While people love having access to the date or a different time zone, the most popular complication might be chronograph watches. Aside from its utility, there is just something so alluring about a piece that manages to incorporate a tiny stopwatch into such a small space. My love for chronographs has motivated me to create the list you’ll find below: Seven chronograph watches that don’t break the bank. Chronograph Watches Timex Weekender Chronograph The Timex Weekender is a legendary watch in the horology community. The reason is that it has an incredible amount of class and quality while also costing less than a trip to a sit-down restaurant. Luckily for us chronograph lovers, Timex has a version of the Weekender that incorporates this complication. It has a moderate 40mm case, reliable quartz movement, and is water resistant up to 30m. My favorite thing about this piece, though, is how customizable its look is. Not only does it come in many dial colors, but you can choose the perfect strap for your taste too. Whether that means classy brown leather or a bright NATO strap, you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for. Seiko Men’s SNDC31 Jumping up a level in quality, we have the Seiko SNDC31. One thing I love about this watch is that you can wear it in any setting. If you’re going out to the woods for a camping trip, you can throw on a water-resistant strap and this piece will keep up with the most rugged watches out there. When you get back and go to attend a luxurious dinner party, you can put on a leather strap and this Seiko will still fit right in. Aesthetics aside, this watch is also incredibly well built and should last many years before needing repair or replacement. Citizen Brycen Eco-Drive One of the reasons why I own so many Citizen watches is their commitment to the Eco-Drive movement. This term refers to their quartz machinery that is powered by sunlight. In practice, that means never having to change out your battery, which is both convenient and impressive. This specific watch lives up to that spirit of excellence, as nearly no customer out there has a bad thing to say about it. One word of warning is that this piece has a 49mm case. For many people out there, that will be too large for their taste, so make sure that size is what you want before purchasing. Casio Men’s MCW-100H-1AVCF One thing you learn in the horological world is that the typical Casio aesthetic is incredibly divisive. While some love the chunky, sporty look of their pieces, others find them distasteful. If you are in the former group, purchasing a Casio chronograph watch is an excellent decision. Not only will it not break the bank, but that resilient piece of machinery should keep ticking through the most extreme conditions. Victorinox 241432 Maverick GS People outside of the horology community often double take when they see the brand Victorinox. The reason is that this company is incredibly famous for making Swiss Army knives. What most do not know is that they also produce excellent timepieces at reasonable prices. This model is an embodiment of that assertion, with is Swiss quartz movement, chronograph, and dive capabilities. Citizen AT0200-05E Our second Citizen watch is a personal favorite of mine because it has the quintessential military aesthetic. It’s green strap, large dial numbers, and uncluttered look make it a classic piece that almost anyone would love. As I explained previously, most Citizen pieces have a solar-powered quartz movement, and this model is no exception. The fact that is has three sub dials and chronograph capabilities is icing on the cake. Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch Lastly, we revisit Timex, this time for their Expedition field watch. This piece is a favorite for frugal outdoors enthusiasts around the world for three reasons. First, this captures the rugged aesthetic that this group of people loves. Second, it has a remarkably low price for the number of features it contains. Lastly, it is insanely reliable, making it a piece that you can own for many years without servicing. Combine all of those factors with a chronograph and you have a can’t-miss pick. When talking about affordable chronograph watches, you really can’t go wrong with the likes of Timex, Citizen, Casio, Victorinox and Seiko. Of course, more expensive brands use chronographs as well. If you have a larger budget, check out Omega, Rolex and all of the other esteemed Swiss brands out there. With such diversity in brands and aesthetics, you’re sure to find something that you love no matter what price point you shop at.