For those who are unfamiliar with watches, the world can be intimidating. The terms “balancing wheels,” “escapements,” “lugs,” and “tourbillons” are among the confusing technical terms that may be unfamiliar to beginners. Don’t give up, though. I apologize for the pun, but this is a world that will reward you for your time, and Theluxurytime is here to help you choose the ideal watch.
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1. Establish a budget.
These days, you can find stylish, well-made watches for as little as £100 or less. However, if you’re hoping to treat yourself to a high-end watch, first determine how much you can afford to spend, and then stick to it. It will also assist in immediately reducing the overwhelming number of options available.
2. Conduct research
According to Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland, the company that sells more watches in the UK than any other retailer, “watch buyers today are more informed than ever.” There are lots of places to look for inspiration and guidance, like Instagram or specialized watch websites like Dimepiece, which focuses on female millennials and is jargon-free, or Hodinkee, which offers comprehensive reviews and information. Maybe you’re more of a traditional Cartier Tank girl, like Princess Diana? Or are you searching for something like H Moser & Cie or Nomos Glashütte, which have a specialized and minimalistic design?
3. Mechanical or Quartz?
The watch’s engine is the movement, also known as a calibre. Quartz movements, which date back to 1969, are a relatively new invention. A battery powers the watch by transmitting an electrical signal through a tiny quartz crystal encased in the circuitry. Quartz watches are very accurate and might let you get the design you want at a price you can afford, even though they might not have the same romantic feel as their mechanical counterparts.
However, a mechanical movement is the only option available to true watch geeks. According to Duffy, there has been a noticeable shift in women’s preference for mechanical over quartz over the past six or seven years. These micro-engineered masterpieces have a long history, dating back hundreds of years, and are still frequently crafted by skilled watchmakers by hand using minuscule parts.
There are two types of mechanical movements: automatic (also called self-winding and driven by the wearer’s wrist movement) and manual (which needs to be wound by hand). Nowadays, people prefer automatic watches over manual ones because wearing one often requires less effort from the wearer. Still, some people adore manual movements for the sheer elegance of their internal mechanisms, which are frequently visible through the watch’s reverse. In either case, because of the craftsmanship required in their construction, mechanical watches are typically more costly than quartz ones.
4. A lifestyle and fashion query
Reflect on your life and identity. Duffy asks, “Are you thinking practically, or are you wanting to make a statement?” The options are endless when it comes to color, design, size, and complication—the additional dials and hands on a watch that could indicate the date or time zone for those looking to make a statement. Maybe Hublot’s combination of technologically advanced ceramics and artist partnerships appeals to you? or to the unique case shapes of Cartier?
Taking your lifestyle into consideration is essential if practicality is your driving force. Do you want a watch you can wear to work and out on the town? According to Hannaway, “if you want just one watch, there are a few that go from day to evening, like those with subtle diamond hour markers.” Chanel’s recently released J12 effectively blends the durability of ceramic with the sparkle of diamonds, while Tudor’s Black Bay GMT S&G elevates its vintage “root beer” bezel by incorporating gold accents into the bracelet, bezel, and crown.
Maybe you’re an avid diver in need of a watch that can survive at least 100 meters below the surface, like the Omega Seamaster or Rolex Submariner? Or perhaps you simply like their athletic appearance and relish spinning the bezel? If you enjoy playing contact sports, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso may be of use to you. Its sophisticated dial can be flipped to reveal a steel caseback that can withstand numerous knocks, or you can opt for a second, more formal dial.
Strap or Bracelet?
According to Duffy, women are choosing watch bracelets more and more frequently. They are available in a range of materials, such as steel, ceramic, and gold in all shades. Hannaway suggests “having the full-metal look without the expense of all-gold with a bi-metal bracelet in steel and gold.” Style-wise, there are the more substantial, sports-inspired bracelets from brands like Tag Heuer and Omega, or there is the classic, feminine elegance of Piaget’s Limelight Gala, with its tightly-woven mesh design.
A strap made of leather, rubber, or even fabric (such as the well-known, frequently-stripy NATO strap) is a lighter substitute. More watch brands than ever before are providing easily interchangeable watch straps so that the wearer can change them on their own without needing to visit a store to have it done by a professional, for maximum versatility. Among the brands that offer watches with multiple strap options as standard are Cartier, Tudor, and Zenith.