How to choose a wristwatch

Since the 20th century, wristwatches have been classified as accessories, rather than simple chronometers. Today the variety of the lineup is impressive. The functionality has significantly expanded, which made the watch even more noticeable and in demand. If you know how to choose the right wristwatch, then you can make a proper impression on the opposite sex, noting your individual characteristics and excellent taste.

In fact, without this accessory, in some cases it turns out to be difficult to cope with. It is necessary for hiking trips, serious meetings and meetings, as well as for those people who prefer extreme sports, and therefore a mobile phone will be useless.

Within the framework of our article, you can find out about which wristwatch to choose, what functions should be present so that the purchase does not disappoint in the future.

Choosing watches for men and ladies: a little history

For the first time people learned about what a wristwatch is in the 16th century. At that time, these were female models, which were distinguished by their fragility. They looked incredibly beautiful. It was like that for over a century, until the male variants appeared. Wrist watches quickly became fashionable, men were able to appreciate their convenience in relation to pocket models.

Let there be unixx models in modern fashion that will suit all genders, according to tradition, all watches are divided into women and men. It is believed that a thin strap with a small dial looks beautiful on a woman's pen. The strap can look bulky if it is too wide. A narrow bracelet on a man's wrist, in turn, will look ridiculous. It is recommended to try on before buying an accessory so as not to run into a pig in a poke.

List of manufacturers of watches: which brand to give preference to

If you choose a wristwatch, then in order for the model to serve for a long time, it is recommended to give preference to famous brands. In this case, it is recommended to rely on the financial capabilities of Longines, PatekPhilippe, Tissot, Rado and Seiko. These brands are really popular in our country. We analyzed reviews on the Web from experts and ordinary people and came to the conclusion that this is absolutely deserved.

If there is no time and desire to choose a quality watch, then it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the product line of the above brands. Otherwise, we advise you to read this article to the end in order to determine the correct purchase.

We will try to outline the main criteria that are worth paying attention to.

Choice of mechanism: mechanics or quartz

When the question arises which is better to choose quartz or mechanics, then you need to understand what are the differences in this form. The main thing is that a separate energy source is used. If it is quartz, then the device is powered by a battery, but a mechanical watch is powered by a coil spring. Of course, it is worthwhile to understand that each of the species has advantages and disadvantages, even if at first glance there are no special differences between them.

Quartz is quite cheap. Such watches do not have much weight, they do an excellent job with impacts. The plant is carried out in the event of a battery change. Also, such a watch will show the exact time, deviations from the accuracy of the course up to 20 seconds in 30 days.

But there are also disadvantages, which depend on the fact that the battery can fail. Also, the time may be displayed incorrectly if the temperature is -6 or +40 degrees. The frequency of repair depends on whether there are spare parts in the system. If the manufacturer no longer produces them, then you have to worry about changing the entire mechanism as a whole.

Speaking of mechanics, it is worth noting that such watches work without a battery, they are highly reliable, and even less prone to temperature changes. Such watches are an indicator of the status of the owner. If necessary, you can always carry out repairs.

But the disadvantage is that men's watches are really expensive, and therefore not everyone can afford such a purchase. For such models, regular maintenance is important - after 3-5 years of constant use, you need to clean the mechanism and lubricate the elements. The plant is carried out manually. Accuracy may be present. This is + 40- -20 seconds per day.

When choosing a mechanical watch, you should pay attention to the presence of an automatic winding. In this case, the errors will be reduced to zero. But remember that the case will become heavier and repairs will not be so easy. In general, if properly handled with a mechanical watch, it will serve you for a long time, becoming a real family heirloom.

Types of watches

Let's take a closer look at the types of wristwatches, finding out all the features of the mechanism, disadvantages and advantages. This is really useful information if you are faced with a choice of which model to choose.

Quartz

This type of watch is notable for its accuracy, a beautiful design solution, even if the analog models do not stand out much from the mechanics by their external features. The correct stroke will depend on the frequency of the pulses. It is worth noting that it is calculated mathematically. Only quartz crystals are not subject to the aging process. Errors over time can also show up.

The good news is that the owner will not be burdened with the need to wind the watch regularly. The error is not high - 15-20 seconds in 1 month. The body is not big, the weight figures are also. Such models are distinguished by high durability properties, they are reliable in operation, and they are not very expensive at the price.

Please note that the owner will need to replace the battery. This should be done 2-3 times a year. But that doesn't make it too difficult.

As for the results in appearance, quartz is the choice of those who need absolute precision, a stylish accessory that does not pretend to be elitist.

Mechanics

It is customary to divide mechanical watches into versions with automatic and manual winding. In the second case, the owner must independently tighten the spring so that the watch does not stop. It is worth doing these manipulations once every 4 days.

If your choice fell on a model with automatic winding, then they will not bring much trouble. The constant movement of the mechanism is capable of providing a weight fixed on the drive axis, which contributes to a shift in the center of gravity. Hand movements in the watch will make him fall, this is possible due to the force of gravity. In this case, part of the energy will be transferred to the spring, but manual winding is not required.

The advantages of mechanical watches are that they really last a long time. You will be able to walk with them for 50 years at least. By its structural nature, this solution is quite simple. The clock will not stop in the event of a dead battery, as it usually happens at the most inopportune time. And note that the model is assembled by hand. This is very much appreciated, and therefore the owner of such watches will definitely feel all their status.

The price is, of course, high.This is due to the fact that the mechanism needs fine tuning. And keep in mind that there is a serious error of 5-60 seconds per day, which can also be attributed to the disadvantages of the mechanism.

Summing up the look, it should be noted that this is not just a chronometer. This is the style followed by the watch owner. The choice is given to those who know a lot about quality things, preferring classics that are time-tested.

Electronics

Watches are quartz watches, but it is customary to separate them into a separate group. This is due to the fact that they display time differently. It is shown on an electronic display, and not due to an analog mechanism. Those. you have at your disposal a clock that works in a 24 hour format. The display also displays information on the alarm clock, date and other important information for the owner.

The pros are that the electronics option goes to a more advanced level. You will have a display with informative data at your disposal. The watch works accurately, will please you with its durability. The time format is convenient, and by the way the clock works, you can figure out if it's time to change the battery. For the price, the option is also acceptable for many people in our country.

Speaking of the shortcomings, let us denote the fact that the display is more susceptible to failure than analogs with arrows. As a rule, such watches are made in a plastic case, which does not make them elegant in comparison with competitors of other types.

Like this model, as a rule, young people, athletes, as well as those who lead an active lifestyle.

It is also necessary to indicate the fact that quartz variants with a combined display of time are presented on the market. They have a simple analog dial with hands and an electronic display. The combination of systems gives the fact that the disadvantages of the models separately are aggravated. The combined watch will not be as reliable and durable, and the functionality has not been expanded.

Choosing a strap or bracelet

Bracelets based on precious metals for watches look really solid, but durability is not the main advantage here. It is possible that someone will find such a decision too heavy for constant wearing on the arm. In this case, you can use a watch with a strap.

Today, manufacturers delight in a wide variety, offering options from silicone, plastic and leather. The first 2 options are more preferable for the purchase of young people, but the leather is usually classified as a classic. But keep in mind that leather, like other natural materials, is too prone to the effects of interaction with the environment. Even if all precautions are taken, the leather strap will still need to be replaced. As a rule, this can happen after 1-2 years of constant use.

In the event that it is too difficult to decide what to choose - a bracelet or a strap, you should think about how often you prefer to wear a watch. The bracelet, which will be made of metal, can weigh 100 grams or more, and if we take into account the weight of the case, it will be very heavy on the wrist.

If your choice fell on a strap, then you should understand that replacement requires taking into account the width. If you cannot find such an option, then you should give preference to one that will be 1 mm wider.

Clock functionality

The main thing here is to understand for yourself what options in the watch are important to you. It can be a backlight, a calendar, an alarm clock. Based on these requirements, you will be able to build on when choosing a watch.

If it is a mechanic, then one of the mandatory options will be the cold reserve indicator. It will allow you to understand how much time is left until the clock is turned off and when it should be turned on again. Experts advise to make a choice in accordance with the nature of your hobby or professional occupation.

It will always be appropriate for travelers to have a world time option. It allows you to switch the time to other time zones. But athletes prefer to use chronographs. Those.this is a watch that has a stopwatch. As practice shows, businessmen are interested in the "perpetual calendar" option.

Glass

In this case, the glass will act as a protection for the dial. Three types have become popular today - mineral glass, plexiglass and artificial sapphire. The highest quality is sapphire crystal. It cannot be broken or scratched. Not prone to clouding when used.

Mineral glass, or artificial crystal, is the most demanded material. It is capable of being inferior to sapphire in quality and durability, but it is many times superior to plastic in accordance with the same parameters. It can be easily replaced, and therefore the demand for watches with such a screen is high. As for the plastic, the option is not expensive. It has its advantages. For example, it is quite difficult to feed damage, and therefore it is not always easy to break it. For this reason, plexiglass is bought most often by athletes and for children.

Waterproof or water resistant watch

Today, many manufacturers produce watches that have certain properties of protection against moisture entering the mechanism. But you need to take into account the degree of tightness. In the case of waterproof watches, it is worth looking at what atmospheric conditions they manage to withstand.

The minimum degree of water resistance implies accidental ingress of moisture inside. For example, it is water or rain if you wash your hands. But the maximum degree can easily withstand scuba diving, but in time it should be no more than 2 hours.

Appearance

A watch is primarily an accessory. You should like him in accordance with external parameters, give self-confidence. Only if they are to the liking of the owner, then this is possible. You should not rely on the advice of friends and acquaintances to buy a Rolex if you like other options. The thing is that only you should like the watch.

External data is the first parameter that each of us pays attention to when choosing a watch. Much will depend on the design decision. If you care about your style, then you need to select an accessory for it that will match this or that image. For this reason, customers often buy several watches at once, which can be combined for different wardrobe elements, creating original bows.

Price question: the cost of a watch

The question is not simple. Here you should rely on financial capabilities. Your watch will be worth as much as you can give for it.

A simple model for a mechanic can be bought for 1500 rubles and more. The price can reach 3,000,000 rubles due to the manufacturer's brand. The same mechanics, but clothed in a case made of precious metals, will cost 17,000 - 8,000,000 rubles.

The most expensive versions of watches for women with a mechanical drive will cost 1.2-2.5 million rubles. But there is a chance to buy a watch even cheaper - 3000-16000 rubles.

Quartz analog watches for men can cost 600 rubles and more. For women and children, there are models for 400-500 rubles. Reaches the cost and 900,000 rubles to the maximum.

Male electronics models cost 400-100,000 rubles, while female models can cost 200-80,000 rubles.

Expert advice: which watch to give your preference to

If you lead an active lifestyle, go in for professional sports, then the best option is a mechanic with an automatic winding or electronics. Choose a lightweight plastic or titanium case, but the glass should be combined. It is better if you have a chronometer with a comfortable strap and an anti-shock system. The level of water resistance should be appropriate according to your preferences.

For work in difficult conditions, it is better to buy an inexpensive watch, which will be made on the basis of stainless material or plastic, supplemented with plexiglass glass. It is much better if the model has shockproof properties, it will be quartz with an appropriate degree of moisture protection.A strap can be chosen for wearing on the hand, but not very expensive, because it is possible that the bracelet will simply unfasten.

The world of business people has its own rules for buying accessories. Focus on the unspoken laws of your circle. This will refer to the value and brand of the watch. For certain aspects of the purchase, refer to the classic mechanics. In some cases, an automatic re-charging method is possible. Pay attention to models in a heavy case, which can be made on the basis of precious metals. Supplex or sapphire crystal can complement the model. It is better if the mount is on the bracelet, but it is possible that you will like the leather strap better.

For women, opt for light, thin quartz watch cases. 1-3 atmospheres as moisture protection will be enough. Glass, fixing and decoration can be chosen according to your personal taste.

An inexpensive quartz watch with an electronic time display is recommended for children. They can be made of plastic, but the level of water resistance is not more than 3 atmospheres.