You’re aware that you need a new watch. Perhaps this is your first watch, so you want something special. Or perhaps you already have a growing collection of fine watches. Maybe you’re looking for an investment or something to pass down to future generations. Or perhaps you want to reward yourself. But purchasing a watch isn’t as easy as just reaching for your credit card and making the purchase. There are a plethora of options available and difficult terminology involved. When buying a luxury watch, you need to understand everything that goes into the watch and comprehend its functions before deciding on what you want. The movements. Materials and functions are important to take into consideration.

Here are some factors that go into deciding on a watch.

Understanding Watch Movements

The actual mechanism inside the watch that keeps it ticking is known as a watch movement. It can also be called as calibre and is a small engine that keeps the hands turning. There are three types of watch movements you should know about when looking for a luxury watch.. 

MechanicalAutomaticQuartz

Mechanical Watch Movements

In a mechanical watch, the “mainspring” is the centre start. It powers the gears involved in moving the hands. When you twist the crown of your watch, you are tightening this spring. As the spring unwinds, the watch’s second hand begins to move. The length of the mainspring determines how long you can wear the watch before having to wind it back up.

Many watch enthusiasts and guides will tell you that mechanical watches are superior, especially compared to quartz watches. It is important to understand that donning a luxury watch is not just about telling the time but being enthusiastic about all the craftsmanship that goes into the movements. This is why many watch lovers and collectors prefer mechanical watches. For example, Grand Seiko is a large premium watch brand known for its handmade mechanical movements and unique, innovative watch-making techniques. 

Mechanical movements are an age-old and exquisite work of engineering. Mechanical watches are stylish and intricate, while quartz ones are better known for their precision.

Automatic Watch Movements

Most expensive watches on the market today have automatic mechanical movements, also known as self-winding watches. They are pretty similar to mechanical watches on the inside. However, they wind the mainspring with the help of a rotor, a tiny weight that moves along with your wrist, which is powered by kinetic energy generated from your wrist. A slipping clutch device avoids overwinding.

This mechanism makes sure you don’t need to wind your watch by hand. However, not wearing it will result in you needing to wind it in a watch winder. A watch winder is a small gadget that rotates the watch in a circle to stay wounded. This is helpful to the wearer as it saves them the time that goes into winding the watch and setting the functions. 

Automatics created in-house by a watch company are typically better and more prestigious. The top men’s watch manufacturers, like Hublot., create the best automatic movements, either Swiss or Japanese-made.

Quartz Watch Movements

Quartz watches are among the best affordable timepieces. A tiny quartz crystal is put in place of all the springs and gears of a mechanical movement. This crystal acts as a conductor between the battery and electric circuit and controls the operation of the whole watch. In essence, the quartz crystal vibrates because of the electricity flowing through it from the battery. The second hand on the watch is then moved by converting this vibration into a pulse. These pulses are responsible for the ticking motion.

After the discovery of quartz as a conductor and its use in watch-making, the “Quartz Crisis” began. People and high-end expensive watch brands were not sure what would happen to mechanical watches. Mechanical watches are purchased for their technical prowess, while quartz is more famous for reasonable prices and accuracy.

But if accuracy is what you’re after, a quartz watch is incomparable. A quartz crystal vibrates at 235,929,600 times per hour compared to a mechanical watch balance wheel’s 18,000 to 36,000 beats per hour. Only a few seconds per month are lost.

Understanding Watch Complications

The best luxury watches often have extra features called complications in addition to telling the time. Any additional feature that serves a purpose other than keeping time is referred to as a watch complication. You’ll find that you are more interested in some complications than others, depending on what you want your watch to be able to do. Some complications primarily serve as status symbols and don’t add any extra benefits. Here are some of the most well-known watch complications you want to know about.

 

Date: It is usually shown as a small aperture near 3 o’clock in some watches, it is set on a larger display for it to be clearer and legible.Perpetual Calendar: It is one of the more challenging complications. It shows the date, day, month and year while considering leap years.Chronometer: It usually consists of three small dials on the main dial. This complication functions like a stopwatch. You can even chronograph two separate events in split-second increments. GMT Complication: Depending on the time difference between Greenwich Mean Time and the time you need to know, the GMT complication allows you to tell the time in three different time zones with a rotating bezel.Tourbillon: A tourbillon is a complex mechanism that spins the balance wheel on its axis to counteract gravity’s effects. Although it’s not necessary anymore, it can raise a watch’s value. 

 

Understanding Straps and Bracelets

The strap is an essential component of a luxury watch that brings it all together. It is the ideal complement to the timepiece, enhancing and elevating it stylistically or adding comfort or durability, even though all the mechanical ingenuity goes into the movement and the dial.

Metal Bracelets

A bracelet is a piece of metal. A metal clasp secures a traditional metal bracelet typically made of titanium, steel, or gold. Bracelets made of metal are strong and have a polished appearance. They are comfortable on the wrist and give the wearer a confident appearance. Several watch brands, such as Bvlgari, have metal bracelets on their watches. 

Leather Straps

This one is the most common watch strap, particularly for more formal occasions. Leather is a timeless material that is comfortable to wear and can age beautifully. People who are allergic to metals should consider it as well. Breitling have amazing watches that look even better with their leather straps bringing the whole look together. 

Rubber Straps

Rubber is a strong, durable material that can withstand saltwater and perspiration. They are breathable, lightweight, supple, UVA-resistant, non-allergenic, non-toxic, easy to clean, and comfortable. Rubber straps are found on some of the best affordable watches. Omega and other great brands have watches that come with rubber straps. Another good thing about these straps is that they are easy to switch up, so you can create multiple looks with the same watch.