How to Pick Out a Watch
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By :
William Shaftoe
Submitted
2007-12-12 15:44:03 |
Watches serve a wide variety of uses; from being a fashion accessory, serving as diving instrumentation, to assisting as a workout aid. Before buying a new watch, here are some points to think about:
1. Determine what you will be using the watch for, and how many watches you will own. If you just want to have a single watch, that watch must work in a variety of settings dependent on what you expect from the watch. If you are planning on buying several watches, you can include in your list specialty watches that are made for the activities in which you take part.
2. Consider other characteristics that may be of interest to you. Some models commingle both digital and analog faces on one watch. A water-resistant watch is fine for swimming and general use and can be worn in the shower. But for diving, be sure to check the depth rating. If you are a triathelete or you take part in other timed activities, a timer will be indispensable. If you travel frequently, an alarm clock is very handy, as is the ability to support multiple time zones. If you are picking out a watch as a fashion statement, gemstones are beautiful, although sometimes expensive, addition high-end watches.
3. Understand the workings of the watch you are interested in. Virtually all contemporary watches use a battery-powered quartz crystal to keep exacting time. Mechanical watches use gears and springs to keep the time. While these types of watches are charming and beautiful, they need periodic servicing. The very best watch makers build their own mechanics. Lesser watch makers buy their mechanics from third-parties.
4. Take a close look at the watch outer casing. Most expensive watches will have a screw-on back and screw-down crown ; this provides the most security from dirt and water. Some watches also have a back that lets you see the mechanics that drive the watch. Common case materials used for watches include silver and/or gold, platinum, stainless steel, and titanium. If you are searching for a durable casing material for your watch, stay away from gold. While it looks classy, it is the softest material used and most likely to be dinged up.
5. Carefully look at the crystal on the watch (this is the clear surface covering the watch face). Acrylic crystals are more cost-effective, they offer reasonable shatter resistance but may be more easily scuffed than glass. Sapphire crystals are fantastic, and the most expensive, option for watches. They offer first-class clarity, scratch and shatter resistance.
6. Be sure the watch band is comfortable and secure. Leather bands provide a rugged, clean look. Nylon bands are quick drying, strong and secure. They are the best choice for sports watches, but you won't be setting any fashion trends with one. Segmented steel bands have a classic look, a good feel, are one of the most popular options. They can be troublesome to adjust though.
7. If you are thinking about a self-winding watch, take into account how often the watch will be worn. Self-winding watches don't actually wind themselves. They make use of the movement of your body to wind themselves. If your self-winding watch may often spend multiple days, or weeks on a self, you'll discover that the mechanism will slow down and often need to be reset after sitting. |
Author Resource:-
The author is a life-long collector of watches. He enjoys writing watch reviews, many of which can be found at watch-reviews.com.
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