How to Choose a Men’s Wristwatch

If you want to own a watch but know nothing about watches, this article is for you. We will consider everything you need to know to choose well, explain how some models differ from others and how much such differences affect the cost. We will also discuss what can be called an aesthetic component — the appearance of watches. And — last but not least — you’ll learn what wristwatches are trending today.

What Mechanism to Choose

Before you choose a wristwatch for men, decide on the mechanism. There are two basic types of working mechanisms: mechanical and quartz. They, in turn, are subdivided into subtypes: mechanical watches can be self-winding or manual, while quartz watches can be analog (with pointers), liquid crystal, combined and with alternative power sources — auto-quartz and eco-drive.

Mechanical

A mechanical watch indicates its owner’s special status and emphasises his masculinity and temperament. Mechanical watches don’t just tell the time — they tell a story. The mechanism, created in the 17th century, is based on a mainspring that unwinds to set in motion the gears and the balance ring. These, in turn, move the hands of the dial.

Quartz

These watches operate thanks to a symbiosis of electronics and mechanics, where the electronic component acts as the driving force for the movement of the hands. Quartz sets the pulsing tempo; its crystals act as an oscillating system. A battery powers such a system, but some watches are designed to run on solar power.

Thanks to electronics, such watches come with numerous functions, so choosing a quartz men’s watch displaying today’s date or other information like that will not be hard. Unless a digital display is used, it is almost impossible to distinguish mechanical watches from quartz watches based on their appearance.

Swiss or Japanese: Which is Better?

Choosing the right men’s watch can depend not only on visual aspects but also on the knowledge of the country of manufacturer. According to reviews, Japanese and Swiss watches are the most reliable and high-quality ones. But it is difficult to call them competitors – each type has found its audience.

If in doubt about the country of manufacture, compare the differences.

• Swiss watches are the choice of wealthy people with high demands and social status. Such watches are dreamed of and bought for collections. The best men’s watches of this kind are often made of gold, platinum, and other precious metals and decorated with diamonds. The brightest representatives of this category are Rolex, Breitling, and Ulysse Nardin. Watches in the premium segment are Longines, Tag Heuer, Oris, Rado. However, you can find affordable watches of this kind, and they will be no worse in quality and accuracy. Tissot, Luminox, and Candino represent the medium price segment. Which company to choose depends on your taste and budget.
• Japanese watches are characterised by functionality and original design. Japanese manufacturers give preference to exclusive appearance and reliability. Among the famous brands are CASIO, Seiko, Orient, Citizen, Minase, and many others, offering high-end and affordable models. If you need an accessory that emphasises modern style and personality, pay attention to a Land of the Rising Sun manufacturer. You can easily order any watch you like from Japan or China. However, as watches are not the cheapest accessories, we recommend monitoring the delivery of the watches you’ve ordered, which will allow you to react quickly should anything happen. We also recommend using SpeedPak delivery to ensure a fast and secure shipment from China. (Follow the link to read more about how to track SpeedPak.)

Case Material — Practicality and Aesthetics

Plastic

It is used in watches of different price segments. Modern plastic with improved characteristics has retained only the name but dramatically differs in composition and appearance. For example, the famous CASIO brand produces plastic watches of high quality. They are suitable for casual wear, combined with fashionable clothes and appropriate general style. Plastic is often used to make sports watches for men.

Steel

Watches of this kind belong to the medium price category. The complexity of machining steel results in a higher price, but the result surpasses all expectations.

Japanese and Swiss manufacturers use steel in their collections more often than others. You can find stainless steel watches in the medium price category and the luxury segment.

Titanium

This alternative to heavy steel looks advantageous even without additional coating. It is often used in a matte grey shade, but you can also find polished, glossy examples. A wristwatch with a titanium case looks similar to a steel one, but it weighs much less, which does not affect its durability in any way.

Gold

Always in vogue. The cost of an original gold watch depends on its hallmark and the built-in mechanism. But even inexpensive models will not be affordable to the masses, as such a watch is not so much a time indicator as a piece of status jewellery. A gold frame decorated with precious stones and ornate glass is a work of art, inherited and preserved for generations.