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Watch Buying Guide

Timepieces have been made and worn for over 500 years, with watches having evolved from portable spring‐driven clocks. The first watches were worn as pendants or carried in pockets. Today, watches are everywhere – on phones, computers, tablets. But nothing can compare to the style and sophistication of a classic wristwatch.

Watches are commonly seen as a functional item needed in everyday life, however, they are increasingly appreciated as forms of jewellery or collectible works of art. As a result, there are many different types and prices of watches, from the simple and inexpensive to the ornate and pricey. Our watch buying guide is here to walk you through the different types of watches and common features as well as provide some tips on how to purchase the best watch for your needs.
Watch Buying Guide

Watch Displays

The display is the most important component of any watch because it shows the time. The display is also the most visible part of the watch, so it serves a style function. A dressy watch may look best worn with a suit or a formal ensemble, while more casual or sporty styles can be a more practical accessory for everyday wear. Here are the four watch display styles you’ll have to choose from. 

Analog Watches

Analog

Analog is a traditional look that displays the time using hour and minute hands. A sweep second hand may be used to track the seconds. Seen as a classic choice, an analog watch can be incorporated into both casual and formal looks with some people preferring a streamlined look like the designs from Movado, and others opting for more of a maximalist look like the designs from Casio
Digital Watches

Digital

A digital display shows the time in a numerical form, like 12:15 pm. Digital displays are very clear and easy to understand and are used in many children's watches. Some styles will include extra features like stopwatch and alarm capabilities, but at their most basic, the display simply shows the time and sometimes the date.
LCD Display Watches

LCD Display 

Liquid‐crystal Display (LCD) watches feature a digital display where the numbers are formed in a liquid layer enclosed between a pair of clear crystals. Similar in features to digital watches, an LCD display shows basic information like the time and the date.
Digital Analog Watches

Ana‐Dig

Analog-Digital watches combine both an analog (hour and minute hands) and a digital (numeric) display. This style often packs a lot of useful features into a single display, including a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, and world time functions. Casio is known for its line of watches that combine both analog and digital features into the display. While the style is definitely not minimalist, it has a sporty look that can satisfy your practical side and your stylish side.  

Watch Finish

Watch Appearance

Beyond the many types of movements and displays, there are a number of aesthetic components to every watch that dramatically impact the appearance and desirability of this popular form of jewellery. Some of the most important include:
Watch Movement

Watch Movement

The movement plays a key role in the functionality of a watch, but it can also impact appearance. While the movement is often hidden from view in most watches, there are some that employ a skeleton movement which adds both interest and value to watches. As the name implies, a skeleton movement uncovers the inner workings of the watch allowing the wearer to see the various mechanical components of the watch as it operates. For many, this turns the watch into wearable art and adds a level of interest that most pieces simply don't have.   
LEARN MORE ABOUT WATCH MOVEMENTS
Watch Band

Watch Band

Overlooked by many when considering a watch, the watch band is another highly visible component of a watch and one that can truly turn the timepiece into an interesting form of jewellery. Choose a leather, fabric or silicone strap for a simple, classic style, ceramic or stainless steel for a durable option that won’t cause an allergic reaction, or gold-tone for a higher-end option for special occasions.   
LEARN MORE ABOUT WATCH BANDS
Common Watch Features

Common Watch Features

All watches measure time by providing the hour and minute, but beyond that, watch features can be quite diverse. While displaying the current date, day of the week and seconds seems fairly common, there are also many additional features that you may want to consider when selecting a watch. Functionalities beyond basic timekeeping are known as ""complications"", and a watch that has one or more functions beyond basic functionality is considered a ""complicated watch"".

Popular ""complications"" for non‐digital watches include:

• Audible Alarm – This complication used to be available only on more expensive watches. It is a common feature on digital watches today.
• Chronograph – The ability to function as a stop‐watch.
• Moon Phase – Displays the lunar phase.
• Tourbillon – A device used to counter the effect of gravity, said to improve accuracy.
• Perpetual Calendar – A continual calendar that needs no adjustment.


Digital watches include their own unique set of 'complications' including:

• Calculator – A self‐contained mathematical calculator common on digital watches.
• Heart Rate Monitor – A receiver that monitors heart rate during athletic workouts.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) – A locational system using satellite technology.
• Digital Camera – The ability to take and store photographs.
• Phone/Email – There are certain watches that are designed to connect to the internet, allowing the wearer to use a phone or even check email.

The uses for a watch can be as diverse as each person who wears it, so it's important to consider what types of functions you may want when selecting a watch.   
Waterproof vs. Water Resistant

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant

The water-resistance of a watch is an indication of the degree to which a watch can withstand exposure to water. A static pressure test is used to assess leakage and the result is then expressed in bars, atmospheres, or meters. Since this test is performed only once on newly manufactured watches, a watch's ability to withstand water can be expected to degrade over time. However, watches used in more demanding environments, like a diving watch, are subjected to much more strenuous testing and must meet established guidelines.

Technically, no watch is truly ""waterproof"". Even diving watches, which are held to an extremely high water‐resistant standard, are not officially referred to as waterproof. They are, however, water resistant to a deeper depth and pressure.

Water resistance should be spelled out clearly on a watch product display. Use caution when wearing a watch around water and follow the water guidelines carefully.
SHOP WATER-RESISTANT WATCHES
Watch Care

Watch Care

Watches are considered jewellery and should be cared for as such. Here are a few basic watch care guidelines:

• Clean your watch regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils. Water and mild soap may be used to clean metal bracelets.
• Avoid exposing your watch to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
• Even water‐resistant timepieces should not be worn in a hot tub or shower.
• Chlorine, perfumes, and other chemicals may damage watch finishes and sealants. This is especially true for rubber, leather, or exotic watchbands.
• Always rinse a water‐resistant watch off in fresh water after swimming or snorkeling to remove any salt or sand.
• Always keep the watch case away from magnets, as they can damage the movement of quartz watches.

Shop Watches by Brand

  • Men’s Watches

    Men’s Watches

    Watches designed specifically for men tend to have a thicker, adjustable strap to fit a larger wrist. They also appear heavier and bulkier and come with a larger display between 38mm and 46mm for a more masculine style.
  • Women’s Watches

    Women’s Watches

    Watches designed for women tend to be smaller and more delicate with a display around 26mm to 36mm with fewer features. The band is generally thinner and more lightweight to avoid overwhelming smaller wrists.