Are you thinking of purchasing a mechanical watch for the first time? Take a moment to think about it! Mechanical watches may be the definitive men’s accessory, but have you ever thought about what you need to know before purchasing a mechanical watch? Here are a few things to keep in mind before buying your mechanical watch.
Choose a timepiece you like
Finding a watch you like is fundamental as part of this watch buying guide. It’s all about the basics. If you don’t like it in the first place, you definitely don’t want to wear it. A watch should be based on your taste, not on someone else’s. The choice of dial, strap or even movement color should always be at your discretion. Remember, a clock is more than just telling time. Your chosen timepiece will ultimately become part of your self-expression – a characterizing accessory that others will associate with you.
Today, self-winding watches are timepieces for which watchmakers have created complex timepieces with attention to detail. A durable watch is guaranteed for a long time, as mechanical watches tend to withstand changes in time.
Movement is important
Movement is essential and has a huge impact on decision-making, so its importance cannot be ignored. There are only two movements you need to know about: quartz and automatic. Quartz is battery powered, but automatic watches use a rotor that generates electricity from the wearer’s movements.
As mentioned earlier, automatic watches are preferred by the majority. But this is not just because it will last a lifetime. Rather, it’s because automatic movements are more technical and, unlike quartz, require less maintenance. This shows that automatic movements are better.
Find the right size
Watch size is an important factor to consider carefully. The reason is simple. A perfectly sized watch means it’s more comfortable to wear than one that’s too big or too small for your wrist.
To be clear, watch size simply means the size of the dial, known as the dial. Various automatic watch manufacturers now offer different watch sizes. The majority of men’s automatic watches come with a 44mm dial, while for women the dial is usually 36mm. The 40mm size is more commonly seen as a “unisex” size.
Choose a dial
After choosing the material you want for your watch, you need to select between a variety of dials. There are plenty of options here, with date, second hand subdials, time zones, chronographs, tourbillons, moon phases and other complex functions.
None of these things probably matter unless you have a specific reason to buy the watch. FOr the majority, it all comes down to finding the right design. Want a busy watch face or something cleaner and more minimalist? The chronograph has three subdials and a simple date complication keeps the dial relatively sparse.
If this is your first time buying a mechanical watch, perhaps a more minimalist design with slim hands perfect for any event might be the best choice. If you appreciate bold timepieces that stand out, a more complicated watch may work best for you.
Find the right style for you
One of the most important things to decide on is your actual style. What kind of watch do you want? The first feature to choose from is whether you want a stainless steel or leather bracelet? As for the metal vs leather debate, each person has their own taste. Do you prefer gold and silver straps? If you like leather, is black or brown your usual choice? The options are endless, but most people have their preferences set in advance. Leather bracelets are traditionally intended for more formal occasions, but high-quality metal bracelets are equally respected. So, think about what best suits your style and find a watch that will flatter your overall look.
