- Mechanical watches - a classic based on a spring mechanism. The source of energy is a tightly wound spring. Gradually unwinding, it sets in motion a pendulum, which acts on the wheel mechanism that sets the hands in motion. Although they are characterized by low accuracy, high cost of repair and the need for periodic winding, such watches are considered very prestigious and are not cheap, and mechanical watches do not require batteries or accumulators to operate. The reason for the instability of the mechanics is the fact that it is almost impossible to evenly twist the spring spiral. Accuracy class 1 for mechanics is an acceptable error of +40/-20 seconds per day.
- Features of mechanical watches:
- - The need to adjust the exact time, even for models with a self-winding mechanism.
- - Automatic winding is a certain commitment: the accessory must be worn for at least 8 hours every day, and the dynamics of the owner’s movements must be quite active, because The spring tends to tighten as it moves.
- - Automatic watches have more impressive dimensions (since there is an additional mechanism).
- - The mechanism is sensitive to dust, moisture, and temperature changes.
- - The backlight in this watch can only be luminescent.
- A good bonus when purchasing is the potential for trouble-free, long-term operation and prestige provided that cleaning measures are carried out (by qualified specialists) and timely maintenance.
- Quartz watch- the most popular option. The quality of the watch is based on the traditions of the manufacturer, i.e. There is a clear relationship between the prestige of a brand and the level of quality of its products. This also includes electronic wrist watch, equipped with many built-in functions, up to advanced functionality with notebook and built-in calculator. Equipped with an autonomous power source - battery. The operation of the pendulum system in this watch is based on quartz crystals. If we compare them with mechanical ones, quartz ones have significantly greater accuracy: their permissible error is +20/-20 sec/month.
The niche of innovation in the watch world is confidently occupied by electronic wristwatch, which have the following features:
- - Can be equipped with an additional pointer dial
- - The accuracy of the electronics is very little dependent on weather conditions.
- - The display can be easily reset.
- - Backlight
A watch is a device that determines and controls time. It is also an accessory that allows you to express the status of its owner. Therefore, in order to purchase them, it is important to know how to choose a wristwatch.
Watch mechanism
First of all, watches differ in mechanism. There are mechanical and quartz watches.
The outer shell that protects the watch mechanism is the case. Reliability, durability and, of course, the type of product depend on the material from which it is made. Cases can be made of plastic, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, titanium, precious metals, ceramics. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Thus, a well-known brand produces high-quality plastic watches that are highly durable. Stainless steel watches are hypoallergenic, durable, and easy to polish. Titanium is much lighter than steel, but also scratches easily. Watches made of silver and gold are expensive, they indicate the high status of the owner. Silver is difficult to care for, as it quickly oxidizes. 
- Ceramics is a modern, fashionable material; it is very durable, scratch-resistant, but quite heavy.
- Coatings are often used on cases: nickel, chrome, titanium, ceramic, gold. All these types of coatings are necessary to protect the watch, to prevent allergies in the owner, and also to give the watch beauty and attractiveness.
- Currently, coatings using PVD and IPG technologies are especially popular.
- PVD spraying is carried out in several layers in a vacuum. IPG is ion plasma gold plating. Both methods reliably protect against corrosion and increase the wear resistance of materials, but IPG coating is several times more resistant.
- The shapes of watch cases are square, round, rectangular, oval and other non-standard ones.
- Nowadays skeleton watches – transparent watches – are very fashionable.
Dial and glass
We see the time on the clock on the dial. It can be made in the form of a display or with regular arrows. Hands come in different shapes and are even luminescent, allowing you to see the time in the dark. The dial is protected by glass. There are plastic, mineral, sapphire, and combined glass.
Plastic is available on inexpensive models; it is easily scratched. Mineral watches are installed in the middle price category. It is inferior in strength to sapphire. Sapphire is the most wear-resistant and high-quality. It is difficult to scratch (only with a diamond), but it is fragile. The most convenient option is a combined mineral-sapphire glass. There are special coatings for glass: anti-reflective and water-repellent.
Bracelet and strap
How to choose a wristwatch without paying attention to the bracelet? After all, it is he who allows the watch to stay on the wrist. Typically, bracelets are made from the same material as the cases. Their choice must be taken seriously, as they determine appearance hours and should be comfortable to wear.
Leather straps are great for both classic and sports models, but they quickly lose their appearance and are influenced by the environment. For example, humid weather can have adverse effects on the skin. Therefore, leather straps have to be changed frequently. All this must be taken into account when choosing a watch.
Clasps are an important factor when choosing a bracelet. There are classic, folding and butterfly clasps. The last two are more reliable.
Watch functions
How to choose a watch without knowing anything about its functions? There is a set of useful additional functions, making the life of the watch owner easier. These are a calendar function, backlight, alarm clock, chronograph, chronometer, tachymeter, tourbillon, power reserve indicator.
- The calendar function shows the date, month, year, day of the week, leap year, moon phase.
- The backlight allows you to see the time on the dial even in the dark.
- Quartz watches often have alarm clocks.
- The chronograph records periods of time. This is a separate mechanism in the watch.
- The tachymeter is an addition to the chronograph. It measures the speed of the wearer's movement.
- The power reserve indicator shows how much time is left before stopping in mechanical watches and before the battery runs out in quartz watches.
A chronometer is a precision watch that has an error of +4/-6 seconds per day. Every watch movement called a "chronometer" must undergo rigorous testing by the COSC. The mechanism is engraved with its serial and certification number.
The tourbillon was invented by Louis Breguet in the nineteenth century. This mechanical device increases the accuracy of the watch by overcoming the force of gravity acting on the mechanism parts. The tourbillon is usually displayed on the dial. Tourbillon watches are quite expensive.
Watch protection
Water resistance (or water resistance) is determined by the tightness of the watch, indicated on the back cover of the watch case, measured in meters or atmospheres (1 ATM is equal to 10 meters). A watch with so-called household water protection (3-5 ATM) is suitable for every day. In a watch with WR 5-6 ATM you can swim without diving. For diving, water protection WR 20 ATM or higher is required.
The most important indicator when choosing a watch is its shock resistance. Watches with ISO-1413 standard are suitable for everyday wear. We told you how to choose a watch. Which watch to choose is up to you.
Advice from an experienced buyer
From life…
I want a watch! I put the money aside and found time for shopping. Hooray! Go ahead and buy. A couple of stores, endless showcases, and a lot of different models. Head spin. Which watch is right for me? What's in fashion now? Which brand is better? Universal or original model? After much thought, I returned home empty-handed. I didn’t give up trying to please myself with my new acquisition. Internet to the rescue. I studied reviews from experienced watch connoisseurs and advice from magazine experts. Armed with knowledge, I was able to order my first watch without leaving the cash register. There - on the Internet. Another crusade shopping centers I couldn't stand it.
So, what did I understand and what guided my purchase?
Aesthetic aspect
What you need to do before buying a wristwatch.
1. Decide on a style.
Exquisite classics, bright fashion watches, sporty chic, gentle romance, stylish unisex models and other variety. Each style carries a special temperament. And he must match you. And also matches your wardrobe.
Therefore, here is the first tip:
Choose for yourself.Don't adapt to other people's opinions. They will always be contradictory. Fashion magazines and girlfriends are good advisers, but it’s up to you to wear the watch you bought.
2. Find your ideal size.
How to do it?
First, pay attention to the size of the dial. Large watches are now at the peak of popularity. But, there is one big BUT. If you are the owner of a fragile, elegant hand, a fashionable purchase will look extremely ridiculous. It is better to choose a model commensurate with your body.
Secondly, look at how the clock sits. They should kind of wrap around your hand. This means a tight fit, but not squeezing, and a slight ride on the wrist.
Tip two:
Know your limits. Have a clear idea of how it looks on you. If you buy in a store, look in the mirror. If on the Internet, understand the exact dimensions of the model.
3. Choose a color
The color range in watch fashion is wide. First you need to understand where and how often the chosen model will be worn. If this is your main wristwatch for everyday wear, it is better to choose classic black, brown or metallic shades of steel, gold and silver. If you need a model for the summer, choose bright and rich colors. Ladies Watch with prints or pictures are good for walking and relaxing. Although the choice should primarily be based on lifestyle and style.
Tip three:
If you are buying a watch for every day, choose more subdued shades. The color shouldn't be annoying. There is an opportunity to pamper yourself with a watch accessory at different cases- don't limit yourself to the classics. Choose bold and original models.
Quality aspect
Which ones to choose: quartz or mechanical? Watch on a bracelet or on a strap? What should glass be like? How important is coverage? There are many questions when choosing a watch. And here are the answers I found.
Mechanism. Mechanical watches are more of an option for connoisseurs or organized people who will not forget to wind the watch. The quartz movement does not require winding, and to be more precise. The only thing is to change the battery on time.
Strap or bracelet. There isn't much difference. A matter of taste. The bracelet is practical. Most of them can be adjusted to the desired size. It is wear-resistant and a light polishing gives it the new kind. The weak point is the links, or rather their connection. Solution: buy more expensive bracelet watches. The leather strap is beautiful and comfortable. It really needs to be changed. Service life is from 2 to 5 years depending on the quality of production. Although changing the strap will incur additional expenses, it will only freshen up the watch.
Material. The most popular is metal. It's better to stick with stainless steel. Optimal for price and quality. Don't be afraid of the newfangled ceramic watches. In addition to being beautiful, they are also durable. They do not scratch and retain their original appearance for a long time. True, they cannot survive particularly strong blows. You can also pay attention to watches with rubber or wooden elements.
Coverage. Do you love gold in all its shades, but are you afraid that the coating will quickly wear off? Choose watches with PVD coating. It is durable and strong. Resistant to scratches. Can last up to 15 years. Which by today's standards is not small. Also pay attention to how many microns the spraying itself is. The bigger, the better.
Functionality. The filling of the watch can be very different. But will you use everything? Alarm clock, tachometer, calendar, backlight, “second time” indicator - all this is built into modern wristwatches. But to really use it Everyday life You don’t need all this arsenal. So why overpay for additional elements. Take more simple model. It’s a completely different matter if you are involved in sports, tourism, diving or other extreme sports.
Price aspect
Maximum from your purchase. Pay attention to both the price-quality ratio of the watch itself and the accompanying service from the brand or selling store. Packaging, warranty, service in service center, bonuses and discounts for the buyer - all this is important. When purchasing my watch, I received an official 2-year warranty (this is not enough), complete documentation with care instructions, and a small gift in the form of a discount on my next purchase. All this in beautiful branded packaging and with free delivery in person. I was as happy as an elephant. So don't deprive yourself of good service.
Brandomania. As for brands, the opinions of connoisseurs differ. Everyone has their own object of desire. Some people dream of a Rolex, while others are saving up for a Patek Philippe. But such watch companies are from the luxury category. And not everyone can afford it. Choose a watch according to your financial capabilities. After all, such an accessory must have a lot to match.
An excellent solution is Fashion watches. They are optimal in price and more daring and varied in design. There can be many such hours. But at least a few.
All the world's famous fashion brands from Chanel to Galliano produce their own line of watches. These are models with decent quality mechanisms, materials and other parts. But oh external characteristics and there is no need to talk. Who else understands style better and sets new trends?
My conclusion: fashion watches are an excellent alternative to expensive models. Unless, of course, you are a collector or connoisseur of fine watchmaking.
You can also find excellent models from affordable watch brands from Europe and even domestic production. Take a closer look at Skagen from Denmark or 33 element from Lithuania.
P.S.:
This is the experience. If it's useful. Use it when purchasing your watch. Buy with pleasure and benefit.
By the way, my choice is Guess Viva in rose gold.
Wristwatches, you should carefully examine yourself. Each person has his own style of behavior, manner of dressing and preferences in choosing accessories. Besides, great importance has social status. A watch is not only a quick way to tell the time, but also practically the only jewelry a man can afford.
Decide how much money you are willing to allocate for this purchase. However, remember that watches should not look more expensive than clothes or, on the contrary, look too cheap compared to them. Both are mistakes. It is better for a business person to choose several watch models: classic ones for work, sports ones for active rest, casual for everyday life and representative for important official events. Usually, two of the listed types of watches, which everyone chooses for themselves, are quite enough.
A classic watch should be strict and elegant, without unnecessary details. They only show the time and date, and no additional functions like a calculator or calendar. A black or brown leather strap will go well with a business suit. Most often, the dial of a classic watch is round, but it can also be square, rectangular or barrel-shaped. Keep in mind that their elegance and thinness come at the expense of low water resistance, so you need to be careful when it rains or snows.
Sports watches usually more massive due to their high water resistance, and they also have additional shockproof housing protection. Choose a rubber or steel bracelet; leather bracelets quickly fail. Such watches are much heavier and look rough due to the many additional functions and enlarged symbols on the dial. They may have a chronograph, pedometer, tachymeter, etc.
Casual watches are similar to classic watches, but they have a metal bracelet. They match any clothing and are better protected from water, accidental impacts or falls. In principle, they can be an excellent replacement for the first option.
Executive watches are the most expensive choice, because they are there to make an impression. However, remember that the clothes should match this accessory. Expensive watches they will look strange against the background of a cheap suit. In addition, the color of the leather strap should perfectly match the color of the belt and boots. It's better to prefer Swiss mark, such watches always look advantageous.
Remember that the diameter of the dial should correspond to the width of your wrist. If it is too big, the hand will look small, and vice versa, a small watch on a large hand will look like a child's watch. When purchasing a model with a leather strap, pay attention to the quality of the leather and the neatness of the seams. For watches with a steel bracelet, choose the optimal length. They should not be too loose and at the same time move freely when you turn the brush. You can remove excess links from a watchmaker.
For many decades watch remain a must-have accessory for a stylish person. The variety of models allows everyone to wear them, from schoolchildren to businessmen. Of course, for different categories of people, with different occupations and social status, different types hours. Therefore, in order to correctly evaluate yourself and purchase exactly the accessory for your hand that suits you, your clothing style (and wallet), you need to spend a lot of time in specialized stores or on sales sites. Or you can remember a few simple rules regarding watch etiquette and use them when you come to make a purchase.