Nice branded watch. The best men's watches: which company to choose? External watch components

It would seem that now, when everyone has a mobile phone, watches should go by the wayside. However, their popularity does not fall. Watches are worn by popular movie characters like James Bond and royalty. After all, besides being a stylish and beautiful accessory, watches have an undeniable advantage: they are always at hand (more precisely, on the hand). But wrist watches, especially mechanical ones, are not the cheapest pleasure. The TAM.BY team together with Vladimir Molodkin, manager of the Wind of Time online watch store, found out how to choose the right ones and not miscalculate.

The first wristwatch appeared in the 16th century. And then they were worn exclusively by women, and then only because the watch looked very beautiful on fragile female wrists. More than a century passed before they were appreciated by men: the convenience of wrist watches over pocket ones played a role.

Although in modern fashion there are unisex models that will suit both sexes, the tradition of dividing watches into men's and women's watches has survived to this day,” says Vladimir. - It is believed that a large dial and a wide strap look bulky on a thin lady's hand, and, conversely, an elegant narrow bracelet can look ridiculous on a man's wrist. Therefore, when choosing a watch, be sure to try them on.

The most important and the first question to be asked to a specialist is: “what kind of mechanism does a wristwatch have?” We will not take into account watches with an electronic dial, but consider two main types: mechanical and quartz. The main difference is what is used as an energy source. For quartz watches it is a battery, for mechanical watches it is a coil spring. Of course, both of them have their pros and cons, although outwardly they can be difficult to distinguish.

Quartz

pros: Low cost, light weight, shock resistance, they start only when the battery is changed, they show more accurate time (deviation in accuracy up to 20 seconds per month).

Minuses: completely dependent on the battery, can go astray at temperatures below 6 and above 40 degrees, repair depends on the availability of spare parts (if they are no longer produced, you will have to change the entire mechanism).

Mechanics

Pros: Battery-independent, reliable, less susceptible to temperature fluctuations, status indicator, high maintainability.

Minuses: high cost, regular care (every 3-5 years the mechanism needs to be cleaned and lubricated), it needs to be wound manually, a rather high accuracy error (from +40 to -20 seconds per day).

When choosing mechanics, you need to pay attention to the presence of automatic winding. It reduces the error in the accuracy of the watch, but at the same time makes the case heavier, and it is more difficult to repair it. In general, with proper handling, mechanical watches can last so long that they become a family heirloom, - smiling manager.

In order not to have to guess on a camomile, you need to think in advance what kind of “frame” you want to wear on your hand. Of course, bracelets made of metals, especially precious ones, look more prestigious, and we can not talk about durability. However, some may find them difficult. Then straps from various materials come to replace: leather, plastic, silicone. If the last two are more suitable for young people, then the leather strap is a classic. However, it must be remembered that the skin, like all natural, is subject to environmental influences, so it should not be wetted, stains should be avoided, etc. Even despite all the precautions, the leather strap will have to be changed in a year or two.

When choosing between a strap and a bracelet, consider how often you will wear your watch. A metal bracelet can weigh more than 100 grams, and given the weight of the case, it can be very hard on the wrist. If you stopped at the strap, then remember that when replacing, you need to take into account the width. If you cannot find exactly the same, then choose one that is wider by a maximum of 1 mm. But you should not buy a narrower one, otherwise the watch may hang on your hand, - specialist warns.

First you need to determine what functions in the watch are vital: do you need a calendar, a backlight, or maybe an alarm clock? These requests can be based on the selection.

For a mechanical watch, one of the mandatory functions is a power reserve indicator. It shows how much time is left before the watch stops and when it needs to be restarted. In general, watches are most often chosen according to the nature of a hobby or profession. Travelers always look to see if there is a world time indicator: it allows you to switch to the time of other time zones. Athletes prefer chronographs, that is, watches with a stopwatch, and businessmen ask about the "perpetual calendar".

Glass acts as "armor" for the watch dial. Three types are now considered the most popular: plastic (plexiglass), mineral glass and artificial sapphire. Sapphire glass is considered the highest quality and, accordingly, expensive. It is almost impossible to break and very difficult to scratch, and it does not become cloudy. Mineral glass, which is also called artificial crystal, is the most commonly used material. It is inferior to sapphire in terms of quality and durability, but it is many times superior to plastic in the same parameters. It is easy to replace, and therefore the demand for watches with such a “screen” is quite high. Well, plastic, of course, is the cheapest material, but with its own advantages. For example, it is difficult to break, which is why plexiglass is often chosen by children and athletes.

Tip 6. Waterproof or waterproof - be careful!

Today, almost any watch is made with protection against moisture. But the degree of tightness is different, so if you are sold a “waterproof” watch, ask how many atmospheres they can withstand. The minimum degree of water resistance implies accidental exposure to moisture (for example, rain or water when washing hands). The maximum can withstand scuba diving - however, no more than two hours.

A watch is an accessory that will please the eye and cause a sense of pride. But only if the owner likes them. If the soul lies in simple classic or designer fuchsia colors, and someone advises: “Choose a Rolex, it’s cool!”, you don’t need to listen to anyone. The main thing to remember is that any purchase should bring pleasure and a desire not to part with it.

Appearance is the first thing a person pays attention to when choosing a watch. And often it is the design of the watch that becomes the decisive criterion when buying. If the client cares about style, he will always choose an accessory that fits this or that image. That is why they often buy several watches to combine with different clothes.

A man of any age can afford to buy a wristwatch for men of a popular brand. After all, as you know, watches determine the status of the stronger sex and are the main attribute of a business and successful man. Currently, there is a huge abundance of wrist models: classic, strict, complex, sports, designer, luxury jewelry, chronometers, underwater, mechanical, etc.

How to choose a men's watch

When buying wrist products, you should pay attention to several criteria that are very important when choosing an accessory.

1. Functionality. It is necessary to understand which functions in the watch are more necessary. You might like it with backlight, alarm clock, stopwatch or calendar. Men who lead a sporty lifestyle prefer watches with a good range of functions. Sports are divided into several categories: fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, smart watches and bike computers. Watches for tourism will help the traveler to navigate in time, predict weather conditions, measure temperature. Such series are equipped with useful functions: barometer, compass, thermometer, altimeter, navigation, etc.

The leaders in sales of sports models are such famous brands as: Garmin (USA), Casio (Japan), Suunto (Finland).

2. Glass. When choosing a watch, you need to pay attention to the glass, which is an important part of the device and serves as protection for the dial. The most durable glasses are sapphire and mineral. Sapphire glass is the highest quality and most expensive. It is difficult to scratch and impossible to break. It holds up well and doesn't fade. Equipped with anti-reflective coating. Sapphire glasses are used in brands such as Orient, Swiss Military Hanowa, Frederic Constant, Epos, Grovana. The dial is marked SAPHIRE.

Sapphire crystal is inferior to mineral. Thanks to a special hard coating, glass has increased strength. It is damage resistant. It is in great demand and popular with buyers. The Seiko brand releases a huge number of models with mineral glasses every year.



The most inexpensive material is plexiglass (a type of plastic). Plastic glass is hard to break but easy to scratch. Over time, the plastic becomes cloudy. There are enough models with plastic glasses in the collections of branded brands Sacio, Tissot, Curren.

3. Strap and bracelet. Here everything is individual. Someone prefers a bracelet made of precious metals, because such a bracelet is both stronger and more prestigious. For someone, a simple bracelet is convenient without luxury and obvious notes of high cost. Most men choose watches with leather or silicone straps. Unlike bracelets, they are not heavy and are suitable for both the younger generation and older ones. Although it has its downsides. The leather strap wears out over time. Such a belt should not be soaked in water and exposed to the influence of nature. Avoid contact with paint, chemicals and other harmful substances.
4. Moisture protection. You should approach the choice of waterproof watches depending on your hobby and profession. Currently, almost all mechanisms are made with a waterproof function. It all depends on the exposure of the atmosphere. This factor must be taken into account when choosing a watch and purchase accessories with the maximum degree of protection. A stylish men's watch with a leather strap from Kappa is suitable for swimming. Convenient model is equipped with a stopwatch and tachymeter.
5. Design. Men, like women, are capricious in choosing things and various accessories. When choosing a watch, the first thing the buyer pays attention to is the appearance. Among the huge abundance of watches, a business man will opt for a simple classic. Shopping should be fun, so choose accessories that will please not only the eye, but also the soul. But remember that small items look ridiculous on a large hand, just like large items look ridiculous on a thin hand.

How to care for men's watches

Do not forget that watches require additional care. The longer a man wears them, the more attached to them. In case of insufficient care, your watch mechanism may fail or even become unusable.

In order to extend the service life, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. Do not subject the product to shock;
2. Do not leave near equipment that is a source of magnetic radiation;
3. Do not change the battery yourself. Take advantage of the service. If for some reason you no longer want to wear your watch, it is best to remove the battery, but not yourself. If the battery leaks, the mechanism may be damaged;
4. Do not wear the watch in places where there is high temperature and high humidity (bath, sauna). The ingress of water into the mechanism will lead to clouding of the glass and malfunction of the accessory;
5. Remove the accessory before going to bed;
6. Wind up your hand-wound watch every day;
7. Once every three or four years, you should show the watch to a specialist in the workshop. He will check the accessory for strength and clean the parts from dust.

Price policy

When going to the store, probably, everyone encountered such a feeling as bewilderment at the sight of prices. Models similar to each other differ significantly in price. With what it can be connected? First of all, you pay for the brand, image, advertising, brand, prestige and history, and not for the quality of the product. Expensive does not mean quality, and a quality thing can be quite inexpensive. You can buy original high quality branded watches at a reasonable price. The so-called budget models are represented by the most popular brands from well-known manufacturers of Swiss, Japanese, Italian, Korean, French, American companies: Breda USA, Braun, Apella, Aplessi, Candino, Daniel Wellington, Fossil, Adriatica, Haas, Garmin, Mondaine, Romanson , Sector, ODM, Timex.

The brands of expensive and prestigious accessories are the following brands: Claude Bernard, Tissot, Kolber, Longiness, Rado, Baume @ Mercier, Hamilton.

Fans of very expensive brands should pay attention to global companies: Epos, Maurice Lacroix, Tag Heuer, Frederigue Constant, Seiko.
The leaders in sales of exclusive watches are: Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, Cartier.

Rating of the best men's watches in 2018

In the ranking of the best watches for men, one of the first places is occupied by the Casio brand. The Japanese brand Casio is the most famous company for the production of high quality watches. Casio offers a huge selection of durable modern accessories for every color and taste. Prices range from modest to flying, as, indeed, in any company that has proven itself from the best side. Inexpensive Casio G-Shock watches made of high-strength material are very popular. Strong and powerful waterproof glass reliably protects the dial and mechanism from impact. Casio products are very versatile. Thermometer, world time, calendar, stopwatch, digital compass, bright backlight, shockproof case are the main components of the movement. The strap is made of soft leather, does not cause allergies and does not rub the skin of the wrist. Casio G-Shock is a great choice for an active man.

Swiss Mititary Hanowa. One of the best watch options with a relatively inexpensive price. The approximate cost is 18000-26000 rubles. Thanks to the tachymeter function, you can accurately calculate the distance traveled to a fraction of a second. The glass contains sapphire, which is resistant to scratches and impacts. With models of this brand, you can dive into water and not be afraid to damage the quartz movement and stainless steel case. Products are equipped with illuminated hands, chronograph, stopwatch, date display. Swiss Mititary Hanowa is an excellent choice for climbers, athletes and scuba divers. The strap fits snugly to the wrist, without causing irritation and allergies. The rating of this watch is growing every day.

Atlantic Swiss men's accessories with a winding function will undoubtedly please a successful and self-confident man. Representatives of the stronger sex prefer this brand more and more often, despite the expensive cost, about 70,000 rubles. Body made of stainless steel. The glass is very durable with an anti-reflective coating. The sapphire dial and leather strap fit beautifully on a man's wrist.

Orient. Quality, stylish appearance and affordable price - all this is inherent in the company, which occupies one of the leading places in the Japanese industry. Orient manufactures all sorts of models with a variety of features. This elegant watch is made of stainless steel and durable mineral glass. The quality based on Swiss technology and the design of the accessories are recognized as a masterpiece by outstanding manufacturers. According to brand lovers, Orient has no flaws, the mechanism is reliable and accurate. The case is made of various materials: gold, brass, ceramics, non-ferrous metal alloys. Products can be purchased for a fairly small amount, which is one of the advantages of the accessory. Orient is a symbol of a real man. The cost of the goods is from 2000 to 70000 rubles.

Products from the Romanson company will be able to satisfy the most capricious man. In the manufacture of mechanical South Korean accessories, Swiss components are used. Japanese parts are used to operate quartz watches. Due to this mix, the company launches mechanisms on the market at affordable prices. Models of the Romanson brand correspond to quality and hold firm positions in the world market. Every year the company presents new exclusive models: a limited edition of Marigold gold items, a collection of ultra-thin watches with a precious Eleve mechanism, classic Phil.

For many of us, a watch is not only a device that shows the time, but also a status accessory. Firstly, the watch itself, namely: the brand, case material, and most importantly the price - demonstrate your taste, status and financial condition. Secondly, beautiful men's watches give men solidity, and women's watches give elegance to women. Agree, if you have a Maurice Lacroix watch on your hand, then the first impression of you will be built by the person itself and quite good. In this article, we will try to give you useful tips on how to choose a wrist watch.
Next, we will consider the following questions:

How to choose the right watch

In order to choose the right watch, you need to focus not only on the watch company, but also on their price. Yes, no doubt, an expensive watch cannot be a wrong choice, but, nevertheless, the watch has a lot of technical features that you need to pay attention to when choosing a model so that it not only emphasizes the status, but also suits you according to its main characteristics. .
So, let's go directly to the watch parameters that you need to consider when buying.
Mechanism
The first thing you need to start your choice with is the type of watch mechanism. Watches are mechanical and quartz. Let's look at their features in more detail.
Mechanical watches
A mechanical watch is a watch that has a very complex movement mechanism that was invented many centuries ago, but is still in great demand. The design of a mechanical watch consists of springs and wheel gears, which, when interacting with each other, produce the movement of the watch. The service life of high-quality mechanical watches is about 20 years. Mechanical watches work without a power source, which is very convenient - you only need to wind them up every 3-4 days. However, they do have their drawbacks.
Probably, the most important disadvantage of mechanical watches is their rate error, which is from 10 seconds per day. The accuracy of the movement is affected not only by the serviceability of the mechanism, but also by the position of the watch and the ambient temperature. Mechanical watches require more complex repairs, which can affect the price.
Quartz watch
Quartz watches are based on a quartz oscillator, due to which electrical vibrations are created, which ensure the movement of the watch. Such a mechanism provides a more accurate clock, the error of which is no more than 20 seconds per month. Quartz watches do not need to be wound periodically, which will be very convenient for many. Thanks to this design, quartz watches can include other additional features, which we will discuss below.
Time display
To date, there are 3 ways to display time: pointer, electronic and combined.
Strelochny
Arrow way of displaying time - when time is displayed using arrows. Depending on the model, the arrow can be either two - hour and minute, or three - hour, minute and second. The second hand can be placed both on the main dial and on a separate one. The pointer way of displaying time is the only way to display time on a mechanical watch, and as one of the display options on quartz ones.
Electronic
Electronic way of displaying time - when time is displayed using numbers. For some, this way of displaying time is more convenient. This method of displaying time is used only in quartz watches. Thanks to this, in addition to displaying the time, informers of other watch functions can be placed on the dial.
Combined
As you may have guessed from the name, the combined time display uses both arrow and digital time display methods. This time display is used exclusively in quartz watches.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the existence of a new time display system "Twelv", which displays each hour in a separate color, and minutes - in a kind of space filling, something similar to the moon. But there are very few models of such watches and they have not gained such wide popularity, maybe because they were recently created, or maybe because of their unusualness or inconvenience.

Digit type
If you prefer the arrow display of time on the clock, then determine for yourself what type of numbers on the dial you would like. The numbers on the dial can be either Roman or Arabic. Each of the options has its own advantages, which we will talk about when giving advice on choosing a watch.
Also, it is necessary to determine the number of digits on the dial. The dial can be: 12 hours, 4 hours and 24 hours. Most often you can find watch models with a 12-hour time format, this type is called classic. That is, the display shows numbers from 1 to 12, which is actually very convenient and familiar. In order to unload the watch display, the creators sometimes place 4 digits on the dial: 12, 3, 6 and 9. Such watches are convenient for their minimalism, but as they say, for an amateur. In addition, very rarely, but you can also find watch models with 24 digits on the dial, but not everyone will be comfortable with such an arrangement of numbers. It is also worth mentioning those watches, the dial of which does not have numbers at all, but consists of 12 divisions - for lovers of minimalism.
Time Format
The time format is how the time is displayed on the digital display. There are three time display formats: 12-hour, 24-hour and combined.
With a 12-hour time format, the day is divided into 2 intervals of 12 hours: before noon and after noon, denoted by "AM" and "PM", respectively. This is very convenient, since we are used to perceiving time according to such a system, for example: “three in the morning” or “two in the afternoon”.
The 24-hour format displays the time of day in normal mode, starting at 0000 hours and ending at 23 hours 59 minutes. This format is most common in European countries.
The most convenient are watches with a combined time format, when the user can independently choose in which format the clock displays the time.
Second hand
As a rule, the vast majority of wristwatches have a second hand on the main dial. But there are also watch models in which this hand can be transferred to a separate dial, or even absent altogether. The presence of a second hand in the watch is determined based on its need.
Energy source
Clock power sources may vary.
As mentioned above, in a mechanical watch, the source of energy is a spring mechanism, which, due to its pressure, drives the entire watch mechanism. When the winding of the spring weakens, the watch stops and must be wound again, or to prevent this from happening, rewind. One plant is usually enough for 48 hours. In addition, there are models of mechanical watches with automatic winding. Thanks to the self-winding feature, the watch will automatically wind up without you having to worry about it. Automatic winding occurs through vibrations when a person moves, so if your activity exceeds 8 hours a day, then automatic winding will be effective for you.
The power source in a quartz watch is a battery, its charge lasts for several years. This option is convenient for those who forget to wind their mechanical watch or who need additional functions in the watch.
Another source of power for the watch is a solar battery. That is, the rays of the sun falling on the watch pass through the translucent dial and fall on the photocell, which converts them into energy and accumulates, which actually feeds the watch mechanism. But such a source of energy is very inefficient, since it is necessary that the sun's rays periodically fall on the clock, and this is difficult if you work in a room where there is no sunlight and in winter, when solar activity is very low.
Clock shape
Hours come in the following forms:

• Barrel-shaped;


• Square;


• round;


• oval;


• Rectangular;


• Rhombic;



• Non-standard form.

The choice of watch form depends solely on personal preferences.
Watch type
There are four types of watches:

• Baby;


• Women's;


• Men's;


• Unisex.

Here, in principle, everything is clear, the only thing that can be explained is about unisex watches. Unisex is a type of watch that is suitable for both women and men.

Housing material
There are a lot of materials from which the cases are made. It makes no sense to list them all, so we will list only those that, in our opinion, are the best and are very popular.
Gold
Of course, the very first thing to note is the watch cases made of gold. The gold case is one of the most prestigious and beautiful. Despite the softness of this metal and the very high price, it is still one of the best.
Platinum
The most expensive metal for a watch case is platinum. Compared to gold, platinum is a harder metal, but also heavy. As a rule, platinum watch cases are made to order.
Palladium
Palladium is also often used as a material for watch cases. Surely you know about this metal, it is often called "white gold". Palladium looks similar to platinum, but is lighter. The metal itself is very good, as it does not oxidize and there are no signs of corrosion on it, and most importantly, its surface lends itself perfectly to polishing.
Titanium
Titanium is a good material for a watch case: it is quite light, very durable, and also quite beautiful in appearance. Such watches, as a rule, have a fairly reasonable price compared to previous materials.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel watch cases are quite common. The body of this metal is very strong and durable. The disadvantage is that scratches form on the surface of the case, which can later be removed by polishing. Ideal value for money.
Plastic
The most budget watch case material is plastic. Its only advantages are practicality and cheapness.
Bracelet or strap
Wristwatches are fixed on the hand with a strap or bracelet.
Straps are: leather, textile, plastic and silicone. As for leather straps, they are more comfortable due to their softness and look very nice on the hand. Textile straps are an alternative to leather straps, they are cheaper, but naturally not as durable and strong. Straps made of plastic and silicone are used in cheap and children's watch models.
As for bracelets, they are made from various metals: gold, stainless steel, titanium and other materials. The watch bracelet is also an indicator of its price and your status. Sometimes the bracelet plays an important role in the beauty of the watch, no less than their case. If you choose a watch for status, then this is a watch with a gold bracelet, but if you want something simpler, then this is a stainless steel bracelet.
Skeleton
Skeleton is a watch with a transparent case through which the clockwork can be seen. Such a watch is very beautiful, just imagine that you can constantly see this wonderful mechanism, consisting of constantly moving gears, springs and wheel gears.
Glass
The last parameter that you need to focus on when buying a watch is the type of glass that covers the dial. There are 4 types of glasses to protect the dial:

• plastic glass;


• Mineral glass;


• Sapphire crystal;


• Combined glass.

Plastic glass is used in cheap types of watches, so such glass does not have a special quality, and besides, it is prone to scratches. Mineral glass also scratches and can be easily broken. Sapphire glass is fairly scratch resistant, but also breakable easily. The best option is a combination of mineral and sapphire glass, which combines strength and scratch resistance.

How to choose a men's watch

First of all, men's watches must be chosen based on what their purpose is. If their goal is to show time, then these are watches made of steel or titanium. If you want your watch to emphasize your status, then this is a watch, the case of which is made of: palladium, gold, and in the best case, platinum. If you prefer a watch with a strap, then give preference, of course, to a leather strap. Regarding the bracelet, the best option for status is a watch with a gold bracelet, and more practical ones with a stainless steel bracelet. For status, it is better to choose a watch with an arrow time display and a 12-hour dial with Roman numerals.
Also, in addition to time, watches can include: a calendar, an alarm clock, a chronometer, a chronograph, a compass, a stopwatch, a backlight, the time of several time zones, etc.
It is worth mentioning such useful features of the watch as shock resistance and water resistance. If the watch is shockproof, then the mechanism will be protected, but please note that this does not protect the case and protective glass from damage. A waterproof watch prevents moisture from getting inside, so depending on the watch's water resistance rating, you can take a shower or dive into the water to a set depth.

How to choose a women's watch

For the fair sex, the analog clock is best suited. Watch case material: stainless steel or gold. As for the numbers on the dial, it is best to give preference to minimalism. For status, it is better to give preference to a watch with a bracelet, a more practical watch with a leather strap.
Women's watches, as a rule, do not include such wide additional features as men's, and they are actually useless. The only thing we can note is: shockproof and calendar.

Which watch brand to choose

The most popular watch brands are:

• Appella;


• Casio;


• Citizen;


• essence;


• Fossil;


• haas;


• Jacques Lemans;


• Jowissa;


• ORIENT;


• Romanson;


• Skagen;


• timex.

Which Swiss watch to choose
From Swiss watches, we recommend choosing the following brands: Appella, Patek Philippe, Jaguar, Nina Ricci, Philip Laurence.
Which gold watch to choose
If you want to buy watches made of gold, we recommend brands: Romanson, Dolce & Gabbana, Appella, Breguet, Jaguar and OMAX.

Choosing a watch is not as easy as it seems at first glance. Of course, you want your watch to serve for a long time and please you for more than a year, therefore, if you have doubts about the choice, we advise you to read this article. Following some simple tips, your watch shopping will turn into an exciting adventure.

Choose your style

First, decide under what circumstances you will wear a wrist accessory. After all, a watch is not just a thing that helps to be punctual, but also an element of style. They can tell a lot about the owner, his habits, hobbies and character. It is a reflection of individuality, just like a car or clothes.

Of course, you should pay attention to the functions that will be useful to you. For example, if you are looking for a sports model, then it is better to choose a shockproof watch, and if you are looking for an option for every day or as a detail of the image, then you should carefully consider whether you need a high level of water resistance.

Another important selection criterion is the price of the product and the amount you are willing to spend. We would like to note that only high-quality products of world brands are presented on the site, the reliability of which does not depend on their cost. It consists of the materials used, the presence of complications such as a chronograph, a perpetual calendar and others. Also, the price depends on the number of copies released within the collection. The cost is also affected by the name of the brand, its popularity, history, image and, of course, reputation.

Watches in casual style

When choosing models for everyday wear, be guided by the colors and shades that you usually use in clothes. And, of course, it is important that the watch fully reflects your personality.

It is worth paying attention to the readability and convenience of the dial, as well as its main elements: the date and day of the week window, the presence of a second hand. An important role is played by the material of the strap or bracelet. Leather is a comfortable and lightweight material, but not moisture resistant. Stainless steel bracelets, on the other hand, are heavy, although they easily tolerate water. If you choose rubber or rubber, then you should consider their sporty appearance. You can also choose a bracelet made of titanium, it is light, durable and, moreover, hypoallergenic.

If you are going to wear a watch every day, then you should try to choose a medium-sized case, without sharp corners and protruding buttons, so that nothing causes discomfort.

Watch "under the suit" or "under the dress"

Men's classic models can be found among brands such as Maurice Lacroix, Frederique Constant, Tissot and others. All of them are made in restrained colors without bright details and look very elegant. Such models are called "under the suit", as they are made in a strict style.

The dial is usually presented in white, black or blue and is enclosed in a round, barrel-shaped or rectangular case. So that the watch does not interfere and does not touch the cuffs of the sleeves, the height of the case is usually kept to a minimum.

Women's classic wrist watches are ideal for every day or evening, they will add an accent and elegant notes to the image. Ladies with a thin wrist are ideally suited for small models that emphasize their femininity and fragility, but you can also play on contrasts by choosing a larger watch.

As a rule, for formal events, both men and women often prefer wristwatches with diamonds or other precious stones.

Sports watch

Models of sports watches, as a rule, come in a large case, because on the dial you need to fit so much useful data, for example, a timer or a chronograph. In addition, when buying, it is important to choose the right level of water protection. If you are into water sports, then it is better to take a watch from 200WR. For runners and cyclists, a digital watch should have a wide range of functions so that the athlete has the opportunity to record the maximum number of indicators during training.

If we talk about straps and bracelets for sports watches, then they must be chosen individually, starting from convenience. The most popular are rubber, rubber or plastic.

Fashion watches

If you are looking for an accessory that, first of all, will reveal your individuality and become an integral part of a fashionable image, then you should pay attention to the fashion segment of the watch market. Do not be afraid to experiment with shades and sizes, it is only important how you feel.

luxury watches

Take a closer look at watches from Patek Philippe, Zenith, Ulysse Nardin and Breguet. They are made of quality materials, have a uniqueness and character of their own, which will allow them to become a real family heirloom.

Watches with mechanical calibers or skeleton watches with stunning appearance will be a winning investment. Swiss movements have earned themselves a high reputation thanks to more than a century of experience and high reliability of products. The stamp "Swiss made" on the watch indicates that the entire production and assembly process took place in Switzerland. The inscription “Swiss movement” is also found, it means that the mechanism itself was made in Switzerland, and the rest of the parts and assembly were made in another country.

Aviation watch

It is known that the first wrist watch was created specifically for the pilot. Thus, aviation models still occupy an impressive segment of the market today, many brands, including Russian ones, continue to produce collections for pilots. They have a large, well-read contrasting dial, a massive crown and control buttons, because the pilots often had to use the watch with gloves on.

External watch components

Glass

As you know, the main protection of the dial is glass. There are three types of glass in watches. Plastic glass is the most inexpensive, small scratches easily remain on it, and it becomes cloudy over time. Mineral glass is the most commonly found watch glass and is strong and flexible enough to withstand bumps and scratches. Sapphire glass is the most reliable and expensive glass, it is durable and almost scratch-resistant, but it is more vulnerable to impacts.

Bezel

The bezel is the top outer ring on the case that surrounds the glass and holds it in place. In sports models there is a rotating bezel, it is used to measure time intervals.

Crown (crown)

The round head is designed to wind the clock and move the hands, as well as set the date. Among waterproof watches, there are those that are tightly screwed, thereby providing better protection of the case from water.

Clock face

The first thing a person looks at when looking at a watch is the dial, which is a panel with marks, indices, divisions, and decorative elements placed on it.

To demonstrate the beauty of clockwork, there are watches without a dial, they are called skeletons. There are also models with additional dials, which are located on the main one and are designed to display indicators of additional functions.

Frame

The metal shell of a watch is called a case, it is designed to protect the mechanism from damage. The life of the watch depends on the quality and strength of the case. When choosing a watch, pay attention to the material from which it is made. The most popular is stainless steel, it looks elegant and does not require additional coatings. Luxury models are made of gold, silver, titanium or platinum. And for middle-class watches, copper or brass is used, with gold or silver plating.

A bracelet

Bracelets usually match the color scheme, style and case material, which can be any: gold, silver, steel, platinum, titanium. There are also combined bracelets, consisting of several metals at once. To be able to change the size, the links are made removable.

Strap

Straps are also made from various materials and colors. The leather strap is considered classic, natural material is pleasant to the touch and comfortable to use. Also quite common are materials such as fabric, nylon, rubber, silicone, rubber and plastic.

Arrows

The hands serve as the main indicators of time. The design of the arrows is the most diverse. The “Alpha” shape arrow tapers at the tip, the “Baton” is narrow and long, and the “Dauphine” has a wide, wedge-shaped shape. Unusual hands are "Skeleton", which have only an outline, and "Luminous" hands, the outline of which is decorated with luminous filler.

Coatings on cases and bracelets

The coating of the watch has two main functions: protective and decorative. For example, watches made of aluminum alloy and brass are coated to make them look more attractive and also protect them from environmental influences.

Watch internals

It's no secret that the "heart" of a watch is its mechanism, on which the accuracy of the watch depends, so pay close attention to the build quality and reliability of the mechanism. There are two categories of modern movements: mechanical and quartz. Mechanical ones require periodic winding. Some models are equipped with an automatic winding function, thanks to which every movement of the hand “charges” the watch. Quartz movements are powered by a battery, its charge ensures the operation of the mechanism for 2-3 years.

Balance

Balance is a device that regulates the movement of a watch mechanism. The regulating part consists of a pendulum and its spring. By lengthening and shortening the balance spring, the pendulum moves faster or slower. And this movement from side to side is called oscillation.

Wheel system

The movement has its own small mechanisms, or transmissions, which set the watch in motion with gentle pushes. They transfer energy to the controller, which counts the passage of time with the help of pulses.

Trigger mechanism

This device controls both mechanical and electrical impulses, measuring and dividing the stroke into equal parts.

Engine

The mechanism that receives energy from the wheel system and the escapement is called the engine, it distributes the energy and makes the arrows rotate.

mainspring

The mainspring is the main driving force, the source of energy for mechanical watches, which serves to power the movement. The spring is wound either manually (using the crown) or automatically (self-winding) by hand movement. When the watch is wound, the spring is twisted, all the energy is concentrated in it. When unwinding, the energy is released, pushes the spring, which sets the drum in motion; it, in turn, starts the regulator and the clock motor, which moves the hand on the dial.

Summing up

The time on the watch is displayed through the interaction of three important elements - the dial, the movement and the energy source. The power supply can be either electronic or mechanical. Modern watches can have two types of movement: mechanical and quartz. Below is a description of the operation of both mechanisms.

Automatic mechanical watch

Mechanical watches have absorbed a large number of details. The passage of time is counted thanks to the shocks of the wheel system, which is driven by a spring. The clock mechanism winds up automatically when the hand moves. Then the wheel system transfers energy to the speed controller and the pendulum begins to oscillate. The balance is responsible for ordering the movement of the mechanism, and the expansion and compression of the spiral spring ensures its oscillation. The mechanism that receives and converts energy is called the engine, it is he who makes the arrows rotate.

Quartz watch

A quartz watch is a series of interacting parts that are on a tiny diagram. Unlike mechanical watches, quartz watches are battery operated. The battery provides the transfer of electrical energy to the rotor to generate electrical current. Accurate time measurement is ensured by the current that passes through the magnetic coils and the quartz crystal, which vibrates at high frequencies (32,768 times per second). Such impulses pass through a "motor" that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, which is necessary for the movement of the hands on the dial.

To date, most of the watches produced are quartz. The possible error of the course is 1 minute per year, the battery must be changed no more than 1 time in two or three years. The dial can be electronic, analog or combined.

Solar watch

Some watches are able to store solar energy through a special area on the dial. Such a device can work without batteries, so you can forget about the need to change them after a certain period of time. Similar models can be found at Citizen and Casio.

Eco drive

The Eco-Drive mechanism was invented by Citizen. The peculiarity of such watches is that they can continuously work from any source of light, whether natural or artificial, throughout the entire period of operation. The crystals embedded in the dial absorb the light, and then the solar panel turns it into energy, which is necessary for the movement.

Seiko's Kinetic collection creates quartz timepieces that, thanks to their innovative technology, do not require batteries. The movement of the hand is enough to energize the capacitor, which in turn transfers energy to the mechanism.

Nuclear

Atomic clocks measure their progress daily via a radio signal against a reference clock. The measurement of time in a standard clock is based on the vibrations of atoms in isotopes of a metal that resembles mercury in properties. Thanks to this process, we get absolutely accurate time. In Russia, unfortunately, the signal is not received. Atomic clocks can still be used by residents of Europe, America and Asian countries.

shockproof watch

In mechanical watches, there may be additional protection, for example, the balance axis, which can prevent damage when falling from a meter height. If we talk about the impact resistance of quartz watches, then they are much more secure. Casio was especially successful in this with the G-SHOCK collection, which, according to advertising, can withstand a fall from 10 meters.

Watch Water Resistant (Water Resistant)

The waterproof function of the watch indicates that all connections and parts are protected by special seals that prevent moisture from penetrating inside. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the number on the back cover or dial indicates the static water pressure, and when the hand moves in the water, the watch is affected by dynamic pressure, which is many times greater.

But there are times when water protection does not work at all. These include a sudden change in temperature, when, for example, after a hot sauna, you dive into a cold pool.

Backlight in the watch

This feature makes it easy to read the time in the dark. In modern watches, the backlight is implemented using semiconductor technology, luminescence and tritium flasks.

Wristwatch Functions

Calendar (Perpetual calendar)

This is one of the most popular features. As a rule, the date window is located on the dial next to the three o'clock position. Sometimes there are models that have an additional day of the week window. In general, most watch calendars have a 31-day count, requiring the wearer to manually reset the date to short months.

But if you own a watch with a perpetual calendar, then you're in luck - the calendar is programmed to adjust to each month and take into account leap years.

Chronograph

Another function of modern watches is the chronograph. It allows you to fix certain periods of time and can be used as a stopwatch. To start the countdown, you must press one of the buttons on the case. Chronographs, as a rule, in addition to the main one, have an additional two or three small dials showing seconds, minutes and hours. Quartz chronographs are up to 1/10th of a second, while mechanical ones are 1/5th of a second. A chronograph can be used not only to measure time, but can also be combined with a tachymeter to calculate your average speed over a distance.

It is worth noting that "chronometer" and "chronograph" are not the same thing. A chronograph is part of a movement, while a chronometer is a watch that has passed special tests and is recognized as particularly accurate by the COSC.

Moon phase indicator

The indication of the phases of the moon is classified as a decorative function. Wristwatches with this function show the illuminated part of the Moon, which is visible from the Earth at the moment. The indicator makes a full circle every 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes.

Second time zone and world time

For those who travel often, the second time zone display function will be very convenient, which shows the local time wherever you are. This function is carried out using an additional hand, a double small dial or a 24-hour time scale located on the large dial.

Forms

Wristwatches come in different shapes: round, rectangular, square and barrel-shaped, which is a tall rectangle with protruding sides and a flattened top and bottom. Today, the round shape is very popular, as it is easiest to make it with a high degree of water protection. A square case is often found on designer watches, as this shape allows more space on the dial to be used for design. The most strict form is considered to be rectangular; such watches are easier to hide under the cuff of a shirt. The barrel shape is reminiscent of retro style and looks very elegant due to its elongated shape.

Dimensions

To determine the size, there are generally accepted notations that should be followed, while remembering that the same size can look completely different on different wrists.

When choosing a watch by size, you should pay attention to the design of the dial itself, because due to the color scheme and decorative elements, it can visually increase the size or, conversely, reduce it.

There is another parameter that cannot be ignored - the weight of the watch. For example, a metal bracelet will add extra grams to the accessory. If it is important for you that the watch is not very heavy, then consider options for bracelets made of titanium alloy, it is much lighter than stainless steel.

Clock face

Digital

Time is displayed not by arrows, but by numbers, which are located on the LCD screen. The time can be displayed permanently or by pressing a button.

analog

An analog display is a traditional dial that everyone is used to. Wristwatches with analog display have hour, minute and second hands.

Analog-digital (dual indication)

Wristwatches with an analog-to-digital display indicate the time using hands and numbers. Such dials are most often found on sports watches.

Watch Care

Setting up a watch with a chronograph or other additional features can be tricky. In such a situation, the first thing to do is to look at the manual that came with the watch. In addition to general information about the model, a warranty card and service details are usually attached to the manual. For owners of self-winding watches, the frequency of maintenance is indicated. You can also find a manual in PDF format on the manufacturer's website in case the original is lost.

cleaning

In order for the surface of the watch to remain smooth and look good, you should systematically pay attention to cleaning and caring for your watch.

watch case

The watch case should be wiped with a soft, lint-free cloth, and a toothpick can be used to remove small dirt. If you have a waterproof watch, you can wash it with warm water, but then remember to wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth to prevent corrosion.

Glass

To avoid small scratches on the glass, the watch should be stored wrapped in a soft cloth or in a special case. Scratched or broken glass should be immediately replaced with a new one, since even the smallest crack can cause moisture or dust to enter the watch, which will subsequently lead to a breakdown of the entire mechanism.

Metal bracelets

Metal bracelets can be washed with soap and warm water, and for deep-seated dirt, use a toothbrush. Then wipe with a soft dry cloth.

Leather straps

In order for the leather strap to retain its original appearance longer, its interaction with water should be avoided. When wet, never dry it with a hair dryer or next to a heating system, instead wipe it off with a cloth and let it dry naturally in the shade. In summer, do not tighten the wrist strap too tight so that sweat is absorbed into it as little as possible.

Automatic watch

More careful care due to the complex structure of the mechanism requires self-winding watches. It constantly needs to be calibrated to prevent the lubricants from thickening. And if you are a happy owner of several pairs of self-winding models, then you should think about purchasing a special box that has devices that hold the watch and move it in a circle, like a hand movement.

Before buying, you need to make sure that the watch has a “turn and rest” program, which translates as “turn and stop”. This program stops the motor after a certain number of rotations. An alternative to such a program and special boxes can be an independent watch winding twice a week.

Maintaining water resistance

You should not expose your watch to high temperatures (hot showers, sauna), even if it has the highest degree of water resistance, because when interacting with hot air or water, the metal parts of the watch expand and the rubber gaskets do not already adhere to the surfaces of the parts so tightly.

Before water procedures, check the screw-down crown, if any, it must be screwed up to the stop in order to avoid water getting inside.

After contact with salt water, rinse the watch in fresh water by rotating the bezel to prevent corrosion and salt buildup. If suddenly you still notice that the glass has begun to fog up, immediately take the watch to the workshop.

Trust your watch to professionals

Undoubtedly, you can fix some things in the watch yourself. For example, removing links from a bracelet can be done at home using a special tool, but we would recommend contacting professionals to more accurately determine the size of the bracelet. We recommend entrusting all other types of work to professionals.

Choose your watch