A man’s watch is more than just an accessory, it’s a way to show the world his personality, style, and even what his hobbies are. So when you’re looking for the perfect watch for the man in your life, it’s more than just looking at what material the band is made of or whether or not it can get wet. While these are important factors, there are many other things that you’ll need to know before you make the final purchase.
At Loucri Jewelers, we have decades of experience in the jewelry industry, so you can rely on us for valuable information and insight into what makes a watch a piece of art rather than simply an accessory. We are passionate about the delicate mechanics of a watch, the timing, the materials, and the beautiful history that timepieces have. If you’re looking for a designer watch, one that will truly stand out from the others, visit our shop, and get expert help finding a design that fits your man’s style.
How to Choose a Men’s Watch
Watch Movements
As the name suggests, a watch’s “movement” is referring to the mechanism that moves the hands around the face of the watch. There are three kinds of watch movements: quartz, automatic, and mechanical. The type of movement plays a critical role in how the watch functions and keeps time.
- Mechanical: A mechanical watch is powered by a mainspring, which is between 9” and 13” long. When the spring is wound, it slowly unwinds, moving the second hand evenly and smoothing around the face. Generally, the more craftsmanship that went into the making of the watch, the smoother and more accurate the watch will be. Because mechanical watches are powered by a spring, it will never need replacement batteries; however, the watch should be wound every day. If the watch isn’t wound regularly, it won’t keep accurate time. One downside of mechanical watches is that they are susceptible to magnets, shocks, dust, and water, which could damage the watch. Mechanical designer watches are truly pieces of art and the wearer must understand that the watch has a history and a level of craftsmanship to it that you won’t find in many other types of watches.
- Automatic: Automatic watches are similar to mechanical watches except that automatics don’t need to be wound manually. The movement of your arm as you’re walking, cooking, reaching, etc., will automatically wind the watch. Inside the watch is a rotor, which is what winds the mainspring. If the wearer of the watch will easily forget to wind the watch every day, but they still want a sense of history to their timepiece, automatic movement may be a good option. These watches are also susceptible to environmental elements.
- Quartz: A more modern choice, quartz watches have become the norm for many men. They are powered by a small battery that creates a small electric current. The electric current causes a quartz crystal to vibrate, which causes the second hand to move. Still very accurate, these watches can withstand water and dust better than a mechanical or automatic watch. However, these watches don’t have the same history or character.
Complications
Simply put, a watch complication is any additional feature that the watch offers other than telling the time. Complications can range from very basic to, well, complicated. Some popular complications include the date, chronograph or stopwatch, and an alarm; but other features can include a tachymeter or phases of the moon. If you’re looking for a more modern, sporty watch, you may want to find one with more complications that will give the wearer more features to play with.
What’s Your Budget?
The cost of a designer watch can vary greatly, anywhere from $100 to well into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. This can make it difficult to narrow down your budget. Keep in mind that watches require craftsmanship and precision to create, so generally, the higher the quality, the more expensive the watch will be. A great watch is an investment, so when determining a budget, consider the quality and value that you’re getting as well as the amount of money you’re spending.
Style
There are dozens of styles of watches to choose from, so when it comes to choosing a style of watch, you’ll want to consider the wearer’s lifestyle. If you want a professional looking watch that can be worn to the office, there are five most common styles to choose from: dress watch, field watch, dive watch, pilot watch, and racing watch.
- Dress Watch: Professional and sophisticated, dress watches date back to the 20th century when businessmen first began wearing wrist watches rather than keeping pocket watches. These watches are sleek and on the smaller side, giving them the perfect appearance for formal occasions. The band is typically made of leather and the face can be any shape but offers the basic features and not many complications, if any.
- Field Watch: Rugged and functional, field watches have their origins in the WWI trenches, when officers needed a durable wrist watch that still had a stylish look. These watches tend to be larger, have features on the face that are larger and easier to read, and tend to not have any complications. Field watches are more versatile when it comes to when to wear them and what to wear them with — from business casual to jeans and a t-shirt.
- Dive Watch: Dive watches were first introduced in the 1930s, but the character James Bond made the dive watch more popular. As the name suggests, the watch is water-resistant, but still offers an everyday look. The features are bold, the band is typically metal, and they can be worn with nearly everything.
- Pilot Watch: Also known as an aviator watch, these pieces were first introduced when one was made for a friend of Louis Cartier in 1904 who was a pilot. In the 1930s, the Swiss company Breitling designed watches with chronographs so pilots could determine their speed, distance traveled, and fuel consumption. Pilot watches often have a large face with oversized hands, making them easier to read. They are a great option for more casual environments, rather than business.
- Racing Watch: Also known as a driving watch, Rolex equipped drivers with these watches to help them keep track of the time. Tag Heuer took the watch to the next level and added a chronograph and tachymeter, truly making it a racing watch. These watches tend to be larger, have leather or metal bands, and have a bold look. They are often worn for more casual situations.
Choosing a Designer Watch
When you’re shopping for a designer watch, there are many factors to consider, including lifestyle, the style of watch, additional features, and how it’s powered. There are hundreds of brands that all offer high-quality, beautiful watches. So how do you make the final decision?
The team at Loucri Jewelers truly loves talking about watches, their history, their craftsmanship, and how they are incorporated into the wearer’s life. If you need expert assistance finding a watch for the man in your life, get in touch with us today. We’re located in Greenvale, NY, and we can’t wait to help you find a watch that he will truly love.