Ever wished you had a watch, but didn't know which one to buy? Or is your old watch broken and now want to buy a new one? The ideal watch will vary from person to person, depending on the features, materials and components desired. Choosing a watch can be a tedious process, but once you know your preferences and follow the steps below, you can choose the ideal watch at any time.
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Method 1 of 2: Deciding which Watch to Buy
Step 1. Consider the type of watch
You should understand the different types of watches that can be purchased when choosing one. There are three types of watches: analog, digital, and analog/digital. Analog watches contain hour and minute indicators, with hours represented by numerals, signs, or roman numerals. Digital watches display the time in numeric form on an LCD or LED display. Analog/digital watches combine both types in one watch.
Analog watches are considered traditional in particular and are suitable for business, formal events as well as dating. Digital watches are very casual. Analog/digital watches are more practical because they can be worn every day and are suitable for use at work, but are not intended for formal events
Step 2. Know the materials of the watch
There are two elements to a watch that make the material important. The material of the watch frame and band varies depending on the brand, fashion, type and price. The watch frame, or the part that holds the dial, can usually be made of plastic, rubber, metal such as steel; brass; or titanium, as well as precious metals such as gold; silver; and platinum. Watch straps can be made using any of these frame materials, with the addition of other materials such as canvas, leather (real or imitation), and exotic animal skins.
The prices of these materials vary widely. Plastics are obviously the cheapest, on top of which are cheap synthetics, then exotic leathers and leathers, classic metals coming next, while precious metal watches are the most expensive. The price will vary depending on the quality of the precious metal used. For example, the cheaper price range is metal with a purity level of 10 carats and 18 carats for the more expensive ones
Step 3. Know the types of movement
The type of movement is the power source of the watch. The watch uses three standard types of movement: battery, quartz and mechanical. Battery movement uses the battery as the only source of power. The quartz movement is executed when battery power is applied through the quartz in the interior of the watch. Mechanical movement depends on how the watch wearer rotates the elements, whether manually or automatically.
- The watch battery is the cheapest and simplest part. Digital watches and clocks purchased at convenience stores or clothing stores are usually battery-powered.
- Quartz watches are slightly more expensive than traditional battery watches, but are among the most accurate of all watch types. Quartz watches require little more maintenance than the occasional battery change. In addition, this watch is not appreciated by collectors because of its simple model.
- Mechanical watches are moved by hand (manual) or through the movement of the wearer's body throughout the day (automatic, self-rotating). This timepiece is the most expensive, most luxurious, and highly appreciated by many collectors because it has a complex design.
Step 4. Define the watch mode
You can purchase watch modes that are specifically designed for sports, work, formal events, travel and casual wear. The main factor in deciding which fashion to buy should be what occasion the watch will be worn for. If you use it for running, swimming, and want extra features to measure your heart rate, buy a sports watch. If you need a watch to wear to work, formal events, or a date, the best option is a dress watch. If you only need a watch for everyday use, buy a casual watch. If you need it for a variety of occasions, from work to everyday use, buy a stylish watch. Wearing casual clothes with a stylish watch will look better than wearing a casual watch with work clothes.
- The gadget watch is a new style that continues to grow in popularity every year, although its popularity is due to technological prowess. Gadget watches have features including calendars, digital cameras, email programs, and many others.
- Different styles can range from simple to luxurious watches, depending on the brand, designer, price and function.
Step 5. Choose a watch brand
Think about the budget you have, look at the different watch brands and decide which one you like best. There are many long-established watch manufacturers so choosing a particular brand can be confusing. Research the history of the watch manufacturer to find out what the style is and how long they have been producing it. Ask family and friends, who have owned watches before, what brand they like the most and has the best functionality. You can even do research on the internet and read reviews of certain watch manufacturers, as well as their watch models. Make sure that the brand you choose is what you want.
Step 6. Consider the features of the watch
You need to know the features needed to choose the ideal watch. All watches have standard models as well as more complex ones. Buy anything from a stylish watch that only shows the time, to a casual watch that has a computer in it, to a sports watch that can measure heart rate, distance run, calories burned, and more. The more impressive the gadget on a watch, the more expensive it will be. It all really depends on the function of the watch. For example, if you frequently travel overseas for business, consider buying a stylish watch that can show multiple time zones at once. The possibilities are many and varied.
One feature that might be considered is the degree of water resistance of the watch. The level of resistance required depends on the amount of water present when the watch is worn. Common waterproof watches can withstand water spills and rainstorms. Higher levels range from resistance at depths of 50 to 1000 meters, being able to protect the watch while washing dishes to scuba diving in the deep sea, and anything in between
Step 7. Customize yourself
When you've found all the elements you like on your watch, take this final step, which is to make sure it fits you. The watch strap should be tight enough not to slip from the wrist, but also loose enough so as not to interfere with blood circulation. The watch frame should be large or small enough to look proportionate to your arm, but don't overdo it either.
- A good way to test the size of a watch is to try sliding it up and down the arm. The watch size is too small if it can't be moved. If it doesn't and leaves marks on the wrist when removed, it's a sign that the watch is too big. The watch size is just right if it leaves no marks and can be slid on your arm.
- For tall or manly proportions of men, be sure not to use straps and dials that are too small. If you have a small, slender wrist, go for a watch with a smaller strap and face.
Method 2 of 2: Selecting the Watch Price Range
Step 1. Set a budget
Some people don't hesitate to spend more money on watches than others. When you start looking for a watch, set a price range that you can afford. Ask yourself what is required of the watch, then decide how much you can afford to pay for it. The price range of a watch can be only hundreds of thousands of rupiah at a department store, to hundreds of millions of rupiah if it is produced by a well-known watch manufacturer. Prices vary depending on fashion, material and movement.
Keep in mind that the type of watch you want will have an effect on the price. If you can, budget a little more just in case you want or need features at a high price
Step 2. Use a budget of four million rupiah or less
There are many types of watches that can be purchased on a not-too-high budget. Materials that may be available for the watch frame and strap include fabric, leather, and stainless steel. The watch features a solar powered quartz and battery movement, and low to moderate water resistance. There are plenty of sports watches in this price range, although there are some with more advanced technology options that cost more. If you buy a watch from a major retailer, it will be very cheap, but you won't find high-end features or durable materials unless it's more expensive. Most department stores sell watches in various price ranges, but there are watches of good brands and quality in this price range.
- If you're looking for a watch at a major retailer like Makro and Lotte Mart, buy brands like Timex and Casio. The price of the watch is usually under Rp. 1,300,000. For example, the Timex Expedition Dive Style Chronograph watch has a stainless steel strap and frame, quartz battery movement, analog display, and water resistance to a depth of 200 meters. Plus, there's a bonus night mode feature, which can illuminate the watch screen even in the absence of natural light.
- Department stores such as Debenhams offer watch brands including Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, and Fossil. The price ranges from three to four million rupiah. For example, the Seiko SKS407 has a stainless steel frame and strap, analog display, quartz movement, and water resistance to a depth of 100 meters. In addition, the watch has three additional dials to show the minutes, seconds and milliseconds as well as a date counter.
Step 3. Buy a watch for 4-10 million rupiah
You can still get features like rubber, fabric, and leather straps; stainless steel frame, and quartz movement in that price range, but with more popular brands such as Bulova, Hugo Boss and Armani, and better materials and features at this level. Major retailers generally don't sell watches this expensive, but there are shops and department stores for certain brands that do.
Bulova is one of the best brands at this level. Bulova watches look like luxury watches, but at an affordable price range. Apart from that, this watch is also suitable if you want a material that is sturdier than stainless steel. Look for a watch like the Bulova 96B133, which has a titanium strap and frame, quartz movement, and is water resistant to a depth of 300 meters
Step 4. Buy a watch for 10-25 million rupiah
After earning more than 10 million rupiah, you can start buying watches at more luxurious department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette. Apart from that, you can also buy well-known watch brands such as Shinola and Movado. The watch features leather, stainless steel, titanium, varying degrees of water resistance, and has an analogous appearance to the movement of quartz.
- The two main features that can make the watch more expensive in its range are the Swiss frame and PVD coating. Switzerland is famous for its watchmaking skills, this makes Swiss timepieces more luxurious than others. The PVD coating is wear and stain resistant.
- Look for a watch like the Movado Sapphire Synergy, which has a scratch-resistant surface, Swiss quartz movement, and a rust-resistant PVD coating.
Step 5. Buy a watch for 25-70 million rupiah
At this level, you can buy watches decorated with diamonds with manual movement. In addition, you can also buy watches made by high-end designers such as Gucci and Givenchy. The quality of the watch has also improved, with good build materials and a durable frame.
Look for a watch like the Gucci G Chrono collection. The watch has a stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant surface, and is encrusted with 54 diamonds, almost the size of a carrot, all around the face
Step 6. Buy a watch worth 70 million rupiah or more
Once within this range, there is a wide variety of watches depending on the material and the designer. Watch designers such as Rolex, Cartier, Glashütte, Patek Philippe, and A. Lange & Söhne produce timepieces that can range from 70 million to 1 billion rupiah, even more expensive. The material of this watch includes all precious metals, although some of them still use stainless steel. The movement of the watch is almost entirely manual. Rolex releases collections at lower prices such as the Air Kings, which retail for under 80 million rupiah.
If you want a very royal watch, try the Audemars Grand Royal Oak Offshore Complications. This timepiece is self-rotating, scratch-resistant, water-resistant to a depth of 20 meters, analog, has four additional plates, and is made of 18 ct pink and white gold. The price is more than 10 billion rupiah
Tips
- Almost all watch options are available in their respective price ranges. This generally depends on the quality of the material and the prestige of the brand.
- Avoid buying a watch on the internet unless it's directly from the manufacturer that made it. Counterfeit or low-quality counterfeit watches are often sold for the original price, so be careful when buying them online. Going to a reputed watch store or directly to the manufacturer will never end with a disappointing purchase.
- The watch face should match personal taste and style. Most watches last a long time, so be sure to buy a watch that will last for years.
