How to select a watch

Watches serve a number of functions -- from being a fashion accessory, serving as diving equipment, to assisting as a workout aid. Before buying a new watch, here are some points to consider:

1. Determine what you will be using the watch for, and how many watches you will own. If you only want to have one watch, that watch must work in a variety of conditions depending on your lifestyle and intended usage. If you plan on buying many watches, you can consider specialty watches that are specific to the activities in which you participate.

2. Consider other features that may be of interest to you. Some models combine both digital and analog faces on one watch. A water-resistant watch is fine for swimming and general use. For diving, be sure to check the depth rating. If you are a running or take part in other timed activities, stopwatch (often referred to as a chronograph) will be highly desirable. If you travel frequently, an alarm is very handy, as is the ability to support multiple time zones. If you are selecting a watch as a fashion statement, gemstones are an elegant, although sometimes expensive, addition high-end watches.

3. Understand the mechanics of the watch you are interested in. Most modern watches use a battery-powered quartz crystal to keep very accurate time. Mechanical watches use gears and springs to keep the time. While mechanical watches are charming and beautiful, they require periodic servicing. The very best watch makers build their own mechanisms. Lesser watch makers buy their mechanism from third-parties.

4. Take a close look at the watch case. Most higher-end watches will have a screw-on back and screw-down crown (the winding knob); this provides the most protection from dirt and water. Some watches feature a display back that allows you to see the mechanism inside the watch. Common case materials used for watches include stainless steel, gold, silver, platinum and titanium. If you are looking for a durable material for your watch, avoid gold. While it looks classy, it is the softest case material used.

5. Carefully check the crystal (the transparent face that covers the watch). Acrylic crystals are the cheaper, they offer good shatter resistance but may be more easily scratched than glass. Sapphire crystals are the best, and most expensive, option for watches. They offer excellent clarity, shatter resistance, and scratch resistance.

6. Be sure the band is comfortable and secure. Leather bands provide a timeless, understated look. Nylon bands are strong, secure, and quick drying. They are the best choice for sports watches, but you want be setting any fashion trends with one. Segmented steel bands have a clean look, a smooth feel, are quite popular. They can be hard to adjust though.

7. Many watches will list the number of jewels used in the mechanism. As with many things, bigger is not always better. Tiny low-cost jewels are frequently used in watch mechanisms as a way to reduce friction and provide longer wear. Overall workmanship is more important than the number of jewels used.

8. If you are considering a self-winding watch, consider how often the watch will be worn. Self-winding watches don't really wind themselves. They use the movement of your body to wind themselves. If your self-winding watch may often spend several days not being worn, you'll find that it will slow down and often need to be reset after sitting.