A watch, especially a well-made one, is a long-term investment. In the 18th and 19th-century women typically wore wristwatches for fashion rather than punctuality. Manufacturers started making watches for men when soldiers complained that it was cumbersome to operate a pocket watch on the battlefield. These types of wristwatches were named “trench watches.”
Benefits of a Watch
Wearing a watch has many benefits; the most important are convenience, function, and style/fashion. A watch is convenient because it ensures that you know the time, especially when there are no clocks and phones around. It is functional because it does what it was made to do very well, which is to tell the time. Watches are a reflection of your style. It is a fashion accessory that allows you to express a bit of yourself on your wrist.
Time is Important
Time is valuable and plays a significant role in our daily lives. Everything from humans to plants is affected by time. Unlike a cell phone that can be distracting, a watch allows you to keep track of time and be punctual. Time that is wasted or lost cannot be gained back. That is why having a wristwatch is so essential.
Characteristics of a Good Watch
Before purchasing a watch, you have to determine the watch movement or caliber you want. Wristwatches can be manufactured to operate via mechanical or quartz movement. Mechanical movement can either be manual or automatic and are more popular with high-end watches as it requires precision engineering and craftsmanship. Quartz watches are accurate and low cost because they are battery operated.
Here are five characteristics of a good watch:
- Weight
A light-weight watch or one that has a plastic feel to it is more than likely made from cheap materials. These types of watches are non-luxury and usually quartz movement. Quality watches are heavier because of the many components or parts that go into making them.
- Material
The most expensive watches are made from titanium or ceramic. Wristwatches made with stainless steel are of good quality because they are hypoallergenic and water-resistant.
- Watch Glass
A watch glass made with sapphire crystals is a sure sign of good quality (see maserati watch, for example). Sapphire glass is durable, scratch-resistant, and exclusively used by luxury brands.
- Accuracy
A good watch should be accurate and tell time consistently. The most precise watches are tested and certified by chronometers. Swiss watches are tested by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute and are accurate within ten seconds a day.
- Brand Reliability
When purchasing a watch, choose a brand that is known for being reliable and credible. Swiss-made watches are known for being high quality and well respected in the world of watchmaking.
