Are you looking to buy wristwatch? Are you confused about the numerous options available? If yes, we will today share with you the different types of wristwatches and also help you understand what you should look for while buying one.
All in all, our guide will help you make your buying decision when it comes to wristwatches.
Different types of wrist watches:
When you look at the types of wrist watches, they can mainly be divided into two types, which are mechanical watches and quartz watches. The oscillator movement determines the category of the watch. Again, in both of these categories, you will find different type of wrist watches which we will go into the details of below.
1.Mechanical watches:
A mechanical watch uses an assembly of gears and other moving parts to keep track of time. It is driven by a mainspring which can be wound in multiple ways. Since the gears intertwine with one an another and move the needle, it is known by the name of the mechanical watch. In this category as well, you will come across different type of watches depending on the exact assembly and mode of operation.
Manual watches:
The manual mechanical watches are the one in which the mainspring needs to be hand-wound. You need to do so from time to time. The energy of the spring forces the gears to turn around, which keeps track of the time by moving the needles accordingly. The gears and the assembly inside the manual mechanical watch are pretty intricate, and that is why these watches are highly valued.
Automatic watches:
An automatic mechanical watch has a self-winding mechanism. You will not have to hand wind the spring again and again. It does so with the help of a battery or another source of energy. In spite of the intricate designing of such a watch, there is no need to hand wind it, and that is why these are in high demand.
Thus, if you’re looking for mechanical watches, these are the two categories between which you need to consider. The inner construction of both of these types of watches is the same, and the only difference is how the mainspring is wound.
2.Quartz watches:
The quartz watches do not rely on the mainspring. These consist of a quartz crystal which is often powered by a power source. The vibration of the quartz crystal moves the needles and keeps track of the time. Since the quartz crystal can last for years together, you need not worry about the reliability of the watch. Generally speaking, these watches are mass produced, and that is why they are much more affordable as compared to mechanical watches. We will now go into the details of the types of different quartz watches to help you understand more.
Digital electronic watches:
In these types of wristwatches, the vibration of the quartz crystal is facilitated with the help of an electric charge. The time is displayed, which means that you can know the exact time at any instant. Moreover, it has digital chronographs and also alarm features, which is what make these watches so popular.
Pointer quartz electronic watches:
These types of watches consist of quartz pointers rather than the normal quartz crystals. The advantage of these pointers is that they can easily amplify the energy. Owing to this very reason, they can move the needles accurately. There are even more precise than mechanical watches. Since they increase the energy, the vibration of the crystal which is required is on the lesser side. Owing to this reason, these are highly accurate, durable, and do not require frequent recalibration.
Automatic quartz watches:
The automatic quartz watches have a self-winding rotor mechanism. It is powered through the piezoelectric charge from the quartz crystal. The quartz crystal works as the timing element since the charge generated by it is dependent on its vibration, which is constant. These watches do not require any human intervention to operate accurately.
Optical Kinetic energy watches:
The Optical Kinetic energy watch derives its power from 2 different sources. It consists of a button battery as a backup. However, it can easily convert solar energy to kinetic motion to move the needles. Owing to this very reason, you need not replace the button battery in this watch that frequently. As long as the watch is exposed to sunlight, it can easily use the solar energy for moving the needles and in turn, conserve the battery. That is why it is such a good option.
So, when you’re looking to choose the different types of wrist watches depending on the working mechanism, these are the options which you have. Now, we will highlight some of the different styles of wrist watches, which will help you pick the right one.
Different styles of wristwatches:
Dress Watches:
Dress watches are perfect for formal and business well. The function of that dress watch is to complement your entire look. While choosing a dress watch, it is essential to select the one which is according to the size of your wrist. It will ensure that it will complement your look rather than attracting attention.
Field Watches:
Field watches are much more rugby. They aim to last for a long duration. Owing to this very reason, you might find that they consist of stainless steel cases along with titanium construction. If you move around a lot, the field watches are the perfect option for you. They are not only durable but highly accurate, which is a definite advantage.
Aviator Watches:
Aviator watches have become quite popular over the years. They do not just constitute a single style but is a collection of different styles. Some of the aviator watches can also consist of chronographs. Men in the aviation industry first used the aviator watches; that is where; they have got their name from. However, over the years they have become quite famous all over the world.
Dive Watches:
Dive watches as the name itself suggests, are suitable for diving. They can work underwater and under a tremendous amount of pressure as well. Dive watches have a depth rating until which they can work completely fine. They are water resistant as well and are often highly accurate, which is one of the most basic requirements of a dive watch.
Racing Watches:
If you’re looking for more stylish watches, racing watches are the ones which you should go with. They not only are stylish but feature exotic colors. You need to, however, keep in mind that only when they complement your look, you should choose the same. They consist of chronographs, tachymeter with a push button to start and stop the counter as well. These are not only stylish but pretty feature rich and help you in measuring the time and distance as well, which is what makes them stand out.
Chronograph Watches:
Chronograph watches have been around for quite some time. They consist of a second and third dial which you can use as a stopwatch. Also, they have a date display on offer as well. These feature extra buttons with the help of which you can control the other dials. Usually, in a chronograph watch, there are three dials as well. You can use these inner dials for a wide variety of different functions. The multipurpose watch has caught the fancy of men and women alike for decades.
What Makes a Good WristWatch?
Now that you are aware of the different type of wristwatches let us look at the things which constitute a good wristwatch. Once you know these factors, it is easy to choose the best wristwatch among the many different options available.
Material:
The material of the wristwatch is the first thing which you should look for. Ideally, it should use stainless steel. If you want a more durable one, you can opt for a titanium watch as well. Stainless steel can resist moisture and sweat, which means that it can last for a long time. If it has a different finish than stainless steel, you should choose one which is a PVD coating. It means that the watch can retain the color for a long time. That is why; you have to pay close attention to the material of the watch before making a buying decision.
Watch Glass:
The glass of the watch will also have a significant impact on its durability. It should be such that it is scratch resistant and can handle the average impact. When that is the case, you will not suffer from corrective glasses anytime soon. The best option which you have got is to go with a watch which offers mineral glass, crystal glass or sapphire Glass. These types of glasses are scratch resistant and are highly durable and can handle impact as well, which means that you can use them daily.
Watch Movement:
The watch can have a mechanical movement, or it can have the quartz movement. The quartz movement is much more accurate. Also, the quartz crystal can keep the watch running for years together. Mechanical watches are rare these days, but they are often available among the luxury brands. These are handmade. If you’re looking for luxury and a unique watch, you can go with the mechanical ones.
On the other hand, you can buying the watches which use the quartz crystal, depends on the budget which you have. Both of these are good options.
Water resistance:
When you’re looking for a watch, it should at least have 10 ATM water resistance. The 10 ATM rating means that it is water resistant up to 100 meters or 10 bars of pressure. It means that you can use it while showering as well as while washing your hands. You will not have to worry about the watch due to exposure to water. So, it is advisable to buy a waterproof wrist watch.
The strap of the watch:
The strap of the watch will determine how comfortable you are while wearing it. The belt can use leather, metal, or any other synthetic material. The material of the strap depends on the exact watch which you choose. Typically speaking, when you’re going for a formal watch or a dress watch, you will find that the strap consists of leather. On the other hand, when you’re going for a stylish option or racing watch, the belt will often be made from metal. Hence; it is essential for you to first decide about the watch type, and accordingly, you will get options.
Aesthetics:
Lastly, a good watch is the one which offers you proper aesthetics. Only when you like the look of the watch, you can go ahead and think about purchasing it.
So, if you are confused regarding what makes a good wristwatch, you can use our guide above to find one for you. You have to decide the type of watch you want, and after that, you have to take into account the factors which constitute a good watch and choose accordingly. Once you follow our guide, you can be sure that among the numerous options, you can select the best watch quite easily.
