Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Finding The Right Watch For You

By Ferda Shinsky

In our capital driven society, many people look to express their affluence in the accessories they choose. One of the easiest ways for men and women to enjoy the fine things in life is to purchase a wrist watch. There are many different styles and price ranges of watches, but one must be certain to look for quality over brand name or flashy appearances.

A few of us are fortunate enough to inherit exquisite time pieces from members of our family, but for the majority of us that is not the case. It's not a bad thing though; choosing a new watch is part of the fun!

Before you decide on buying a watch for yourself or loved ones, look out for the certification of quality. This certification quality label is called chronometer design, given to a watch that has the highest standard of precision. Any luxury watches that carry the chronometer certification with them means that they have passed vigorous tests demanded by Switzerland's official rating bureau for chronometers (COSC).

A buyer should also consider if you will need a quartz or an automated watch. They both work differently. The automatic watches work through activation of your own movement, for example the shake of your hand or the signing of a letter. While a quartz watch will need to have its battery replaced. Interestingly, in the world of men's luxury watches, automatics are more common in the world of men's luxury watches than on the women's side of wrist wear, because 90 percent of watches are quartz. Automatic watches are usually more expensive as it takes a lot of engineering and precision work for its proper functionality.

If you are looking for a watch that performs under extreme conditions, you would be advised to look into a sector watch. These are usually waterproof up to 100 meters, and are designed for rugged outdoor use. Some also include things such as a compass or small light.

If properly cared for, a luxury wrist watch can be passed down between generations, creating a valuable investment, as well as treasured memories. One must consider their current lifestyle and future plans before buying a wrist watch they intend to pass down, though.

It is imperative that you purchase the right type of watch for your intended uses. You don't want to buy a $10,000 watch and then have it break while you are camping in the woods. If you are looking for a sportier watch, you would be advised to go with a sector watch. For a more traditional watch, go with a quartz or automatic time piece.

For those who enjoy gold watches or diamond watches and the bling that comes along with it, should look into getting a fancier watch. Many luxury watch stores carry the perfect, expensive gift, for you and your loved ones. It can really impress, if that is your style. - 16755

About the Author: