When buying a new watch, there are 7 things you need to consider. It is important to go through the 7 points in detail before you buy.
If we think of watches, they are not only a time-keeping tool but also an essential accessory for many people. In recent years, the watch industry has seen a surge in new designs and technologies, making it challenging to keep up with the latest trends. In this blog post, we will discuss new watches and seven important things to know about them.
1. Smart Watches
Photo by Ivan Shilov on Unsplash
Smartwatches have been a popular trend in recent years, and they are not going away anytime soon. These watches have advanced features, including fitness tracking, text messaging, music playback, and even mobile payment options. Smartwatches are popular among tech-savvy individuals who want to stay connected while on the go. The things to consider before buying a Smart Watch includes:
Compatibility – Ensure the smart watch you are buying is compatible with your smartphone. Apple watches are compatible with the iphone and other smart watches will likely pair with options like Samsung, Google and other android phones
Fitness Features – Pick a smart watch that has heart monitor and GPS tracking. The main benefit of a smart watch is to have the added feature of tracking your fitness. In my opinion, this is the main reason I’ll buy a smart watch
Battery life – This is very important due to the fact that you use your smartwatch to track your fitness, as well as trying to use it as a phone. You do not want to be constantly charging your smartwatch. Your smart watch should last at least 24 to 48 hours. This will allow you to have time to charge it overnight.
Swappable watch bands – Since you’ll likely be using the smartwatch during your workout, there is a high chance of increased wear and tear. This means during the life of your watch, their band may need to be replaced.
App availability – Ensure your smartwatch has supporting apps that meet your needs. This is something you need to check before you purchase your smartwatch.
A few good smart watches to consider are: Apple Watch Series 8 , Garmin Instinct 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
2. Classic Watches
Classic watches are a timeless accessory that will never go out of style. They are usually made of high-quality materials, including leather straps, stainless steel, and even gold. These watches come in a variety of designs, including dress watches, sports watches, and dive watches. Classic watches are perfect for those who appreciate traditional design and craftsmanship. For classic watches, the key consideration is to think about what occasion you will be wearing, functionality and purpose.
Occasion – Is it something you wear everyday. Is it a dive watch if you are constantly outdoor? Is it a dress watch to match your suit and/or dress.
Functionality – Are you buying it for Diving? Are you a Digital Nomad who needs a chronograph watch to track different time zones? Do you need it because you use the timer or other features?
Purpose – Is the purchased a status symbol? Is it something you want to buy to track the time? Is it something you want to buy to match what you wear?
3. Hybrid Watches
Hybrid watches are a combination of classic and smartwatch features. These watches have traditional watch faces but also include smart features such as fitness tracking and mobile notifications. Hybrid watches are perfect for those who want the look of a classic but also want the convenience of a smartwatch. This is usually a quartz watch with some digital features. It has the best of both worlds. Brands such as Garmin Vivomove HR, Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR come to mind.
Photo by Antony Trivet: https://www.pexels.com/photo/montblanc-wristwatch-9898215/
4. Luxury Watches
Luxury watches are high-end watches that are usually made of the finest materials, including diamonds, gold, and other precious stones. These watches are often limited editions, and their prices can reach up to millions of dollars. Luxury watches are perfect for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and are willing to invest in a timeless accessory.
Luxury watches can be something you wear to elevate your confidence, or can be a conversation starter. It can potentially open doors for you to mingle with other luxury watch owners. There are watch lovers who buy a luxury watch as a way to store wealth, whereas other people buy it as an investment. Whatever the reason, it’s important to consider these points before buying a new watch. Luxury Brands such as Rolex, IWC, Omega, Tudor come to mind.
5. Watch Materials
Watches are made of a variety of materials, including stainless steel, leather, and even wood. The type of material used can affect its durability, weight, and overall design. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability and classic look, while leather is often used for its comfort and style. The main components of a watch consist of the Dial (watch face), Bracelet/Strap, Crown, Crystal and Lug. The Dial, bracelet and strap are the parts that are most visible to the average person.
Dial are usually made from metals, typically brass, bronze, copper, fine silver, mokume-gane, solvent dye coloring technique, niobium and titanium
Strap can be made from rubber, stainless steel, silicone, leather, nylon, NATO straps and the list goes on.
Bracelets are commonly made from stainless steel, titanium, ceramic stainless steel with gold.
Photo by Lukas Tennie on Unsplash
6. Watch Movements
The movement of refers to the mechanism that powers it. It’s basically the engine of the watch and is the core part that makes a watch work. There are two types of movements: quartz and mechanical. Quartz movements are battery-powered and are known for their accuracy and affordability. Mechanical movements are powered by a spring and are often found in luxury watches. They are known for their craftsmanship and accuracy.
What is a mechanical movement?
Mechanical movement uses a coiled metal spring that releases energy as it uncoils through a series of gears to drive a balancing wheel (also called an oscillating wheel). The balance wheel is linked to the escapement, where the gear is periodically released to move the gear that runs the seconds, minutes and hour hand. The original mechanical watch involves the owner winding the crown (manual-winding). The newer mechanical watches are wound “automatically” (self winding), through movement of the watch when the wearer wears the watch during the day.
7. Watch Size
The size can affect its overall appearance and comfort. Watches come in a variety of sizes, including small, medium, and large. It is important to consider your wrist size and personal style when choosing a size. Below are some common sizes to consider.
- <34mm Small (women’s)
- 34mm – 38mm Midsize (unisex)
- 39mm – 42mm Standard (men’s)
- 43mm – 46mm XL/Oversize (men’s)
- >47mm XXL (men’s)
In conclusion, the watch industry has seen a surge in new designs and technologies in recent years. Smartwatches, classic watches, hybrid watches, and luxury watches are some of the most popular types of watches available today. It is important to consider the materials, movements, and size when choosing a new one. Whether you are looking for a traditional timepiece or a high-tech accessory, there is a watch out there for everyone.
Check out our other blog post about what a good price point for a watch should be. Click Here!