Time and its measurement have been fascinations of mine. Over the years, I have collected a few wrist watches, pocket watches, and clocks of different types. When I traveled for business or on vacation with my partner, oftentimes there would be stops at museums, artists or local jewelry shops that would have a unique collection of watches. It is amazing how many different types of beautiful designs artists can create and how many different types of functions a watch can have.

You are probably wondering why you need a watch when your phone does the same thing. The answer is that watches are simply more personal and classic. Watches can also do specific functions, that might be harder to do when you are using your phone.

You can get watches that match your personal needs and style. They last longer than phones and you do not need to charge them everyday. If this sounds like something that would interest you then keep reading for the 4 easy steps on how to find a watch to buy.

Buying a watch is an important decision and one that should not be taken lightly. It is worth taking the time to educate yourself on what kind of watches are out there and what features you need in your new watch.

Watches are available in a wide range of designs with different functions available to meet everyone’s personal needs and requirements. There is a simple four-step approach to selecting one. Before you start making your decisions about style and functions during the third step, you need to make some basic choices. This four-step process will help guide you to find the best watch for yourself or as a gift for another.

What type of mechanism do you want to run the watch?

There are three types of watch mechanisms to choose from.

Quartz

Quartz watches are one of the most popular options because they are powered by batteries so they do not need to be wound up manually. Battery life can vary depending on how you use the watch, but you can expect that batteries will last and not need to be replaced frequently. Quartz watches are more accurate than mechanical watches.

Pros

• More accurate than automatic or mechanical watches
• Battery operated
• Battery can last a long time

Cons

• Unsure when battery life will end
• Specific type of battery required
• Potential difficulty changing battery

Automatic

The first thing to know about an automatic watch is that it is powered by the movement of your arm. This means you must wear it to wind it up at least once a day. 

The second thing to know is that they are often much more expensive than quartz watches. They are typically made from higher-quality materials such as gold, stainless steel, leather, or titanium.

A third important point is that many people feel like mechanical watches are worth their high price. They last longer and offer something different in terms of both form and function from other types of timepieces out there.

Pros

• Do not have to worry about the life
• Do not have to worry about the type of battery
• Aesthetics

Cons

• Need to wear the watch to wind it up
• Often more expensive

Mechanical

Mechanical watches, like automatic watches, need to be wound up once a day. The difference being that the crown on the side of the watch must be used to wind it up. 

The workmanship and materials used to create a mechanical watch increase their price.

Mechanical watches are engineering masterpieces that are made from several components used on the inside and outside. It is a timepiece that relies on the movement of gears.

Pros

• Do not have to worry about the life of the battery
• Do not have to worry about the type of battery
• Aesthetics

Cons

• Need to wind the watch up
• Often more expensive

What do you want the display to look like?

You might not know what the difference between an analog and a digital watch is, but they are quite different. You should consider where you are going to wear your watch and how you are going to use it. There are two types of displays.

Analog

Analog watches have hands that move around the face to tell you the time. There are many different number styles that can be used. You want to be sure that the watch number design you select is easily readable by you. Analog watches, in a manner of speaking give you an impression of the flow of time.

Pros

• Aesthetically pleasing to look at
• Shows flow of time

Cons

• Number style might be difficult to read
• Can be more difficult to quickly read exact time

Digital

Digital watches show you numbers through little screens. It is important that the display can be easily read where you are planning to use the watch. Some displays are difficult to read in full sunlight.

Pros

• Viewable in dark conditions
• Displays exact time

Cons

• Might be hard to see in daylight
• Display can degrade over time

How are you going to use the watch?

Once you have decided on the mechanism and display you like for finding your best watch, you need to consider how and under what conditions you are going to use your watch.

Are you trying to make a personal statement about yourself? Are there specific environments that you need the watch to work in? Do you travel a lot? Are you only looking for some basic functions?

There are different styles of watches to meet these different needs. Although there are many functions a watch can perform, here are some questions you need to answer for yourself. Knowing which of these you might want, or need can help you to find the best watch.

• How detailed do you want the time displayed – hours, minutes, and seconds?
• Do you need the date to appear – day, month year?
• What do you want to know besides the time?
• What size of watch?
• How many things do you want displayed on the face of the watch?
• What functions do you want to be accessible by touching a button?
• Where are you planning to use your watch?
• Will you be using the watch functions for a special purpose – aviation, diving, racing, exercise, sports, camping, travel, dress, fashion, smart watch?

What type of watch band will you need?

Oftentimes we get wrapped up in the type, style, and functions of a watch that we sometimes overlook how comfortable it should be to wear. A watchband should not be a hinderance to wearing a watch. Watch bands should fit comfortably and meet your needs.

Metal Watch Bands

Metal watch bands are durable and offer a sleek aesthetic that many people like. Stainless steel is a popular metal for watch bands because it lasts and will not tarnish. It is also affordable. Some metal watchbands can be heavy depending on the type and amount of material that is used.

Pros

• Durable
• Wide range of styles

Cons

• Heavier in weight
• Flexibility might be limited

Leather Watch Bands

Leather watch bands provide an easy way to completely update your look with a strap change. With proper care, leather will last a long time. It comes in many hues and textures, so you will be able to select from a wide variety of designs.

Pros

• Flexibility
• Variety in designs and styles

Cons

• Adjustment holes wear out over time
• Strap can deteriorate over time

Rubber and Plastic Watch Bands

Rubber and plastic watch bands are durable, lightweight, and affordable. These materials are perfect for an active lifestyle. It is water-friendly so it will not rust or corrode like metal bands. If you need to work in an environment that is often wet or dirty, this is a good choice.

Pros

• Durable
• Light weight

Cons

• Possible sweat retention
• Flexibility might be limited
• Not as stylish

Fabric Watch Bands

Fabric straps are durable, lightweight, flexible, and affordable. They come in different fabrics. These, like rubber or plastic can be used in different environments. Some people might find these to be a more comfortable fit than a rubber or plastic watchband.  

Pros

• Durable
• Flexible
• Light weight

Cons

• Possible sweat retention
• Not as stylish

What type of watch do you want?

There are watches to meet everyone’s needs. Finding the best watches to meet your needs or the needs of another might seem complicated. It is always personal preference.

There are 4 basic things to consider when you start trying to find the best watches for your requirements. To help guide your selection, follow a 4 step process.

First, decide on a mechanism to keep the watch running. Second, select a display that you can easily read. Third, think of the functions you want in your watch. Fourth, determine what type of watch band is most appropriate for your use.

Follow this 4 step watch selection process to help you find the best watches for yourself or someone else.

You can begin finding your best watch by checking out the Best Selling Watches on Amazon.

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