Watch design is an art, and selecting a watch is a matter of knowledge. In the market, there is a wide variety of watch styles, designs, and functionalities, making the choices overwhelming. For newcomers, selecting their first precious timepiece is no easy task. Therefore, before purchasing a watch, considerations such as daily dressing style, practicality, wrist size, budget, materials, after-sales service, and parts availability can be taken into account.
Photo Credit: Watch Club London
1. Daily Dressing Style and Practicality
The daily dressing style is an essential factor to consider when buying a watch. The style, material, and design of the watch should match the wearer's attire, creating a harmonious combination that enhances the overall appearance.
Different brands and models offer various watch styles, such as dress watches, sports watches, modern watches, retro watches, and more. Before purchasing a watch, it is crucial to choose a suitable timepiece based on daily activities and attire to ensure the best user experience. For instance, in a professional setting that involves frequent interactions with clients, a formal and elegant watch may be more suitable than flashy and extravagant styles. For outdoor activities, a sports watch with waterproof and durable features would be more practical.
Photo Credit: Audemars Piguet
2. Functions
Different wristwatches come with various functions, ranging from the simplest time and date display to the more complex features like world time, moon phase display, and perpetual calendar. When buying a wristwatch, the wearer can consider their lifestyle and activities to determine which watch to acquire. For individuals who frequently travel for work, a wristwatch with world time functionality would be suitable, while those who enjoy diving might find a timepiece with a chronograph function more appropriate.
Photo Credit: Theo & Harris
Large watch diameters have long been associated with masculinity, as their bold appearance and substantial feel can highlight a man's aura and sense of strength. Consequently, such designs have gained popularity in the men's watch market. In recent years, large watch diameters have also become mainstream in the women's market. Wearing a large watch diameter can make a woman's wrist appear more delicate, accentuating their feminine traits.
Before considering purchasing a wristwatch, it is important to establish an affordable budget. Based on one's financial capability and budget, a suitable wristwatch can be purchased, and its value and affordability can be evaluated rationally. On the other hand, the more expensive the wristwatch, the higher the maintenance and servicing costs. Therefore, when choosing a wristwatch, the maintenance costs can be taken into account.
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Some individuals may have allergic reactions to specific metals, so choosing a material that suits one's needs can reduce the risk of skin sensitivity or allergies. For example, some people are allergic to nickel, so they can avoid choosing alloy materials with high nickel content. Additionally, the material of the watch case is often linked to its durability and resistance to wear. Certain materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium have higher hardness and durability, making them resistant to scratches and daily wear. In comparison, certain precious metals like gold are relatively soft and prone to scratches. Therefore, the watch owner can consider their daily activity level and choose a wristwatch material that can withstand daily impacts and wear, providing better durability and protection.
6. After-Sales Service and Parts Supply
For older or rare watches, it may be more difficult to find suitable repair services. If the watch's parts are too scarce, it can increase the difficulty of repairs and result in higher costs. Therefore, when considering a brand choice, the watch owner can carefully consider the after-sales service and parts supply of the watch to shorten repair time and save costs.
Summary:
In addition to the above considerations, factors such as purchasing a new or pre-owned watch, as well as choosing between mechanical and quartz watches, are also worth considering. As a novice buyer, it is important to do thorough research, understand one's true needs. By making informed decisions, one can have the best shopping experience.
