1. Display: analog or digital watches
To begin your search for the perfect watch, you must first decide on the display. The first two display options include analog and digital watches.
Analog Watch: A common display for watches, analog watches display time through hands on the dial, including hour, minute, and second hands. Compared to digital watches, these watches are more traditional and elegant. These watches are designed to be versatile and durable, making them a great choice for any occasion.
Digital Watches: These watches display the time electronically using an LCD screen. It only works with quartz movements and displays time in minutes and hours, while some digital watches also display seconds. Digital watches may not be as polished or stylish as analog watches, but they are more economical. Some digital watches also offer additional functions such as calendars, timers, etc. However, they are subject to wear and not suitable for long-term use. Other watches for men include hybrid watches (combinations of the first two) and touchscreen watches (including touchscreens).
2. Watch Movement: Quartz and Mechanical
Next, you need to consider the watch movement, which is the mechanism that drives (or brings) the watch to life. Generally, they fall into two categories – quartz and mechanical.
Quartz: This is the type of mechanism commonly used in watches and is known for its precision and durability. Compared to mechanical watches, quartz watches are more affordable and practical, and are distinguished by the "jump" of the second hand as it moves from one second to the next.
Mechanical: The movements of these watches have rotors attached; operated by mechanical parts. They can be manually wound (self-winding) or automatic (the rotor rotates with the movement of the wrist). Compared to a quartz watch, the movement of the seconds hand is smooth and complete. However, mechanical watches are more expensive and less accurate than quartz watches.
3. Energy: Quartz or solar or smart watch
When considering different styles of watches, you should also check the energy that powers the watch. Quartz watches are powered by batteries while solar powered watches are powered by solar cells which absorb solar energy through photovoltaic solar cells to convert light into electricity. In contrast, smartwatches are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
4. Strap design and material
If you're buying a watch for everyday wear, opt for a lightweight, comfortable, and functional design. Traditional and retro designs are best for formal occasions due to their timeless appeal. However, if you have an active lifestyle, buy a functional watch with great durability.
Leather straps and stainless steel mesh straps are the most popular strap materials. High quality strap material will ensure long lasting use. When choosing a strap material, consider flexibility, high strength, durability, comfort, sweat and water resistance. In addition, other bracelet materials include mesh textured silicone bracelets, ceramic bracelets, titanium bracelets, etc.
