It's a Guy Thing

The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Watches: How to Find Your Perfect Timepiece

A watch is more than a device to tell time. It’s also a piece of art, a symbol of status, and a tool of expression. It can help you achieve your goals, impress your peers, and attract your mates. In this article, you’ll discover how to find your ideal timepiece and elevate your style game. You will explore the various types, features, styles, and watch qualities. Get ready to become a watch aficionado!

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Photographer: Tom Bailey

The Basics of Watches

Before you choose a watch, you need to understand the basics. Watches are not all the same. They have different types, features, and functions. They can also suit different purposes, occasions, and preferences. Here are some of the main categories of watches and their pros and cons:

Analog Watches

These are the most common and traditional watches. They have a dial with hands and markers that show the time. They can be elegant, classic, and versatile but also fragile. Analog timepieces with a classic touch are widely available on the market. For instance, Breitling watches have a long-standing history of offering luxurious analog watches. You can discover Breitling watches that align with your personality at dedicated online and physical stores that showcase the brand’s diverse range and exceptional style.

Digital watches

These are watches that display the time in numbers on a screen. They can be accurate, durable, and easy to read, yet they can also be boring, cheap-looking, and battery-dependent. If you are looking for a modern and functional digital watch you might want to check out some of the smartwatches available in the market.

Quartz watches

These are watches that use a quartz crystal and a battery to keep time. They are the most accurate and affordable type of watches. This might be one of the reasons why they can also lack character, plus they require battery changes, and can be affected by temperature changes.

Mechanical watches

These are watches that use a spring and gears to keep time. They are the most complex and sophisticated type of watches. Mechanical watches can be beautiful, durable, and valuable to list just a few positives, yet on the downside they can also be expensive, inaccurate, and definitely require regular maintenance.

The Style of Watches

Choosing a watch is not only about functionality, but also about style. A watch can complement your outfit, occasion, or personality. But how do you choose a watch that matches your style? Here are some of the main factors that influence the style of a watch and a few tricks on how to coordinate them with your clothing and accessories:

Size

The size of a watch refers to the diameter of the case and the thickness of the watch. The size of a watch should match the size of your wrist and your overall body type. A watch that is too big or too small can look awkward and uncomfortable. A general rule is to choose a watch that covers about two-thirds of your wrist width and does not extend beyond your wrist bone.

Shape

The shape of a watch refers to the outline of the case and the dial. The shape of a watch can affect the overall look and feel of the watch. The most common shapes are round, square, rectangular, and oval.

  • Round watches are classic and versatile
  • Square watches are modern and edgy
  • Rectangular watches are elegant and refined
  • Oval watches are feminine and graceful.

As a general rule, the shape of a watch should match the shape of your face and your personal preference.

Colour

The colour of a watch refers to the hue of the case, the dial, the hands, the markers, and the strap. It can create contrast or harmony with your clothing and accessories. The most common colours are silver, gold, black, white, and brown.

  • Silver watches are sleek and neutral
  • Gold watches are luxurious and warm
  • Black watches are bold and sophisticated
  • White watches are clean and minimalist
  • Brown watches are earthy and casual.

Choose a watch colour that matches the colour of your skin tone and your wardrobe.

Material

The material of a watch refers to the substance used for the case, the dial, the hands, the markers, and the strap. The material of a watch can affect the durability, performance, and value of the watch. The most common materials are stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, leather, rubber, nylon, and metal.

  • Stainless steel watches are strong and corrosion-resistant
  • Titanium watches are lightweight and hypoallergenic
  • Ceramic watches are scratch-resistant and smooth
  • Leather watches are comfortable and classic
  • Rubber watches are flexible and water-resistant
  • Nylon watches are breathable and colourful
  • Metal watches are shiny and attractive.

Strap

The strap of a watch refers to the band that attaches the case to your wrist. The strap of a watch can change the look and feel of the watch. The most common types of straps are bracelet, leather, rubber, nylon, and metal.

  • Bracelet straps are made of links that form a chain around your wrist. They are durable, adjustable, and elegant.
  • Leather straps are made of animal skin or synthetic leather. They are comfortable, breathable, and classic.
  • Rubber straps are made of synthetic rubber or silicone. They are flexible, water-resistant, and sporty.
  • Nylon straps are made of woven fabric or synthetic nylon. They are breathable, colourful, and casual.
  • Metal straps are made of metal or metal-plated material. They are shiny, attractive, and luxurious.

Generally, the strap of your watch should match the colour theme of your clothing and accessories.

The Function of Watches

Watches can do much more than just tell the time. They can also offer various additional features that are designed to make life easier for the wearer. Below are some of the most common watch functions you should know about when looking for a men’s watch.

Chronograph

A chronograph is a type of watch with a built-in stopwatch function. This feature is useful for timing events such as races or workouts.

Moon Phase

A moon phase watch shows the phases of the moon in relation to the current date. This feature is often found in dress watches and adds a touch of elegance to the timepiece.

GMT

A GMT watch displays two time zones simultaneously. It is perfect for frequent travellers who need to keep track of time in different parts of the world.

Conclusion

Buying the perfect men’s watch for yourself requires careful consideration of various factors such as style, features, and budget. To evaluate the durability, performance, and value of a watch, look out for features like water resistance, material quality, movement type, and brand reputation. Remember to choose a timepiece that reflects your personality and fits your lifestyle.