The essential characteristics of a good watch.
Like jewelry, a watch is something very personal. Everyone has their own taste and needs when it comes to a watch. So, we can’t get into specifics, but we can go over the qualities you want to find in a good watch.
Note: This is a basic look at watches found under $1,000.
Watch Fabrication
Good watches are made to last, so you’ll at least want to see stainless steel here. Of course, titanium, gold, and silver watcher are better quality materials and have a more expensive price tag.
Stainless steel is a good material for watch fabrication because it does not stain, oxidize or change colors with perspiration. Also, stainless steel does not generally cause skin irritation.
When considering a watch, look at the entire watch as stainless steel marking on the back of a watch means that only the watch working is made of stainless steel.
Weight
Weight will also play a factor into getting a good watch. Heavier watches indicate that it is well made and that the steel used to make the watch is of good quality.
Look for 316L stainless steel as this is the material the better brands use, and the parts that touch the skin are coated with PVD, which protects the watch from humidity, sweat, odor, and stains. In general, well-known brands have these characteristics, and you won’t need to ask, but when in doubt, be sure to ask the seller about the stainless steel and whether it has a PVD coating or not.
Kind of Glass on the Watch Face
Good watches use sapphire glass which is hard to scratch and maintains its clear appearance even as it ages. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then a simple crystal or mineral face will be enough. Note, these watch face glass options can scratch easily.
The Workings
Good watches have quartz movements or, at the very least, a certified mechanical movement (see this bering watch). Quartz is usually the movement of choice for watches under $500. The advantage to quartz is that there are fewer needed parts which makes the watch accurate.
Water-Resistant
Look for water resistance in a quality watch. Water can damage the inner workings, so you want to try to find a watch with 10 ATM water resistance which means it is resistant up to 100 meters.
The Strap
Watch straps can come in a variety of forms. They can be hand-made, leather, gold, beaded. Whatever the strap is made of, try to minimize its contact with water as it is not waterproof. Also, you want to check to ensure the band fits the watch seamlessly.
All in All
An affordable watch may cost less, but it still needs to be beautiful. It should have all of the above characteristics but also have a comfortable fit and an excellent finish.
Follow Us!