Last updated: September 7, 2021

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Organization, class, and punctuality. These are three notions related to watches and three qualities that those who wear a watch can embody. The benefit of watches is that there are so many styles available, that you can buy one that fits your form and personality. Many people use watches as a complement to their clothing, while others as an expression of their character.

The history of watches is very interesting. They became a revolution during the First World War when soldiers realized that it was very difficult to continually check their pocket watches to find out the time. Soldiers began to hook their pocket watches around their wrists to make this task easier. This is the birth of the wristwatch and why we now can enjoy this fantastic invention.

Key Facts

  • Usually, watches are worn on the left wrist. The reason for this is because most people are right-handed, so it allows us to check the time while our right hand is occupied with another task. It also means that the watch doesn't get in the way or become uncomfortable when writing with a pen.
  • Despite the fact that we all have mobile phones in our pockets that can also tell us the time, clocks and watches are still a big part of society. Technology companies have even adapted to the continued demand for watches by creating 'smart' watches, that are connected to smartphones.
  • Switzerland is the most recognized country when it comes to the manufacturing of watches. Although wristwatches were not invented in Switzerland, this country is renowned for producing the best watches and is home to the most prestigious brands.

Ranking: The best men's watches

There are watches of all different types and prices. The range is so extensive that it can easily be overwhelming as a consumer looking for a watch. Watches can range from cheap, informal, plastic accessories to elegant, gold and diamond-encrusted pieces of art. In the watch market, it is possible to find a watch to suit all tastes and budgets, all you have to do is know where to look.

To help you on this journey of choosing a watch that suits you, we have created a list of the most popular watches (not including 'smartwatches') on the market. For a complete guide to smartwatches take a look at this guide.

Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about men's watches

It was during World War I, at the beginning of the 20th century when the wristwatch was born. This is an accessory that is now both fashionable and extremely useful. There are watches available to suit every kind of need and budget. All it takes is figuring out why you need a watch and what you are going to use it for. To help you in this quest, we answer the most frequently asked questions from consumers when it comes to watches in the following section.

 Handsome young man in formalwear looking at his watch

Mechanical watches have a more complex operation and tend to be more elegant.
(Source: Gstockstudio: 37821359/

Unlike bracelets, that are used to complement clothing or style, watches are highly practical accessories, which also say a lot about the personality of the person wearing one. Watches also have the ability to make you feel organized and can definitely help to ensure that you arrive on time for meetings or appointments.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a watch?

We live in a demanding society, where your personal image is important. Therefore, it is necessary to use clothes and accessories that project a positive image to those around you. Wearing a watch will make you look professional, elegant, and sophisticated.

For an interview or a work meeting, a watch is an almost indispensable complement.

The biggest disadvantage and one of the only drawbacks is that a watch may be uncomfortable. This is usually the case if it is a very large or heavy watch. The other potential disadvantage is if the watch cannot withstand the water and needs to be removed every time you go swimming or jump in the shower. This is why it is important to find a model that suits your needs.

What information does a watch provide?

In addition to providing the time, a watch can offer its owner information such as the date or the time in another location (if it has multiple dials). If the watch is digital, it may also have a stopwatch or an alarm. We repeat again that in this article we are not talking about smartwatches. A review of these amazing devices can be found in this guide.

The dial or 'face' is one of the most visible parts of a watch and serves to show the hands of the watch. The hands of an analog watch are what indicate the hours, minutes, and seconds.

Modern watches often provide information such as the seconds, the day and the month of the year.

Analog or digital watch?

It should be pointed out that when it comes to choosing one type of watch over another, it all depends on the personal preferences of the person that will wear the watch. Whether the watch has hands or is digital does not determine how precise the watch is or how durable the accessory is. The quality of the watch is dependant on the materials and mechanisms used to make the watch.

Analog watches are those that have a physical hand mechanism to display the time. They usually have two or three hands to tell you the time. The alternative style is digital, which displays the time information on a digital screen with numbers. It is usually possible to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour format on a digital watch.

Men in suit watching the hour

A person with a watch gives the impression that they are organized and punctual.
(Source: Olegdudko: 48312403/

What is the difference between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch?

When talking about the difference between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch, you must first understand that the names of each are directly related to the way they keep time. A quartz watch has a small quartz clamp inside it, which generates regular impulses that help to measure time.

Mechanical watches, on the other hand, are much more complicated than quartz watches, which is why they are preferred by watchmakers and watch enthusiasts. A mechanical watch has a machine made up of a mechanical unit and many small parts that work together to keep the time. The physical movement of these watches is often the mechanism used to keep them functioning by winding up their gears each time the watch is moved, such as when you walk.

"A gentleman’s choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his Saville Row suit." (Ian Fleming)

Should I buy a mechanical or a quartz watch?

Both mechanical and quartz watches have a number of excellent advantages. Below we explain the advantages and disadvantages of both types of watches so that you can make your own decision:

Watch type Advantages Disadvantages
Mechanical They last a long time. They are very beautiful and do not pollute the environment, as they do not need batteries. These watches are more sensitive to shocks and impacts. They can be less precise because if any part is moved or damaged, the time shown may be affected.
Quartz Less likely to display errors than mechanical watches. They are usually cheaper It may become damaged if you stop using it. If you stop using your watch for a period of time, it is recommended to remove the battery.

What are the parts of a watch?

An analog watch, in addition to its face and hands, has many different parts that help it keep the correct time or perform other interesting functions. Some watches have a bezel, which consists of a ring that surrounds the face and protects the crystal. The bezel can also be used for scuba diving, for telling a diver how long they have been underwater. The crown is the thread on one of the sides of the watch that is used to adjust the time and/or date.

The spring is responsible for providing energy or 'power' to the watch, while the balance wheel is responsible for changing the rotation movement of the gears. The band or strap is used to comfortably attach the watch to your wrist.

Common use of the watch

It is common to wear a watch on the left wrist.
(Source: Kaewsai: 54362873/

Is a watch a good investment for the future?

When we talk about "investing in luxury watches" we mean buying a watch in the hope of reselling it for more in the future. This is not an investment that suits everyone, but it is an option and some specialty watches have been known to increase in value over time. It is necessary to know a lot about watches in order to make a good investment. Knowing the brands, models, materials or characteristics will help to make a solid investment.

It should also be noted that, although a good watch generally maintains its value over time much better than other assets, only special models increase in value over the years.

For the watch investment to work, it is necessary to have a solid knowledge of the watchmaking sector.

How do you care for a watch?

If you own a mechanical watch, you should avoid playing sports with it so that it does not receive impacts or blows. You should also be careful with water or sudden temperature changes (for example, avoid wearing it inside a sauna or sunbathing with it on). A watch with a leather strap should not get wet and should not be sprayed with perfume.

If you own a watch as part of a collection or only wear it on special occasions, you should store it in a dry, dark and temperature-controlled environment. Humidity can cause the gears to oxidize over time, and light can discolor the watch. In addition, the watch should be regularly serviced by a professional watchmaker.

Did you know that in 1971, it was decided that a watch is legally considered as "made in Switzerland" if at least 50% of the watch was made in that country?

Shopping Criteria

Before deciding which watch to purchase, there are different aspects you should take into consideration in order to make a successful decision. Following our criteria will ensure that you assess the most important aspects of a watch and make a long-lasting decision. A watch, particularly a mechanical watch, can be a significant investment, so it is important to take your time and follow a structured buying process. We highly recommend that you closely look at the following criteria:

Crystal material

The crystal or glass is responsible for protecting and covering the face of the watch. It can be made of different materials, which will make it more or less resistant. The different types of materials each have different characteristics, details, and qualities that we have summarized in the following table.

Material Details and qualities
Plexiglass glass Also defined as organic glass, acrylic or polycarbonate. It is a transparent plastic that is easy to mold and polish. It is also very strong.
Mineral crystal Also known as ordinary glass. It has greater flexibility than other crystal used for wristwatches, which makes it stronger.
Hesalite It is a synthetic crystal. Due to its strength, it is usually found in sports watches and stands out as it is very easy to remove any scratches from this material.
Sapphire or Diamond crystal These are the two hardest crystal styles that exist. These materials are almost impossible to scratch.

Strap material

A watch strap can be of:

  • Stainless steel: This stands out because contact with water does not damage the strap and this material does not produce any type of skin allergies.
  • Titanium: This material is very resistant to blows and is lighter than stainless steel.
  • Leather: This material gives an elegant look to watches. Unfortunately, this material is not suitable for water activities so it must be removed when swimming and showering.
  • Silicone, rubber, resin or plastic: All of these materials are common straps for the watches used for sports since they better support scratches and impacts.
  • Textile or nylon: Popular for young people as they are washable and come in many different colors.

Water resistance

Although many of the watches on the market claim to be water-resistant, not all are.  Many have the ability to endure a shower but not submersion in the ocean or a swimming pool. If the watch has a water-resistant or waterproof label, it has been tested for water resistance.

There are several categories of water resistance (WR):

  • WR 30 m / 3 atm: designed to withstand accidental splashes and sweat.
  • WR 50 m / 5 atm: able to be worn in the shower but cannot be submerged to depths.
  • WR 100 m / 10 atm: can be used for diving to shallow depths.
  • WR 200 m / 20 atm: allows the watch to be used for scuba diving.

Possible allergies

If a watch produces a negative reaction on your skin, it is necessary to go to the doctor to find out which element you are allergic to. If you have an allergy to metals, it is better to choose a leather or synthetic watch strap.

One of the most common allergies is to nickel, which results in itchy or red skin that appears when the skin touches a material that contains nickel. The visible reaction usually begins hours to days after the nickel exposure.


The watch market is enormous. A watch can be a small, simple device that is created in a very basic way and is very inexpensive but functional. Meanwhile, a watch can also be a complex, intricate machine that is very expensive and provides the owner with a sense of accomplishment. There are also specialty watches that can even be bought as an investment and be sold at higher prices over time.

A watch shows a man as an organized and punctual person. You can choose a different watch to wear depending on the time of day, the activity you are performing, your general style or the clothes you are going to wear. Sporty or classic, plain or extravagant. A watch can, whilst telling you the time, serve as an accessory to the identity of the person who wears it.

(Source of featured image: Samathong: 26991432/

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