As a dentist, you’ve worked hard to get where you are. So why not indulge yourself with a beautiful new watch?
We’re not talking about the kind you pick up from the nearest big box store. The watch that you want is the kind that will last forever.
But there are so many watches on the market, and many of them cost a fortune. It’s hard to know what kind of watch is best for you and your budget.
You’re looking for an investment piece that will stand the test of time. Check out our watch buying guide for ideas on how to start your search.
A Watch Buying Guide: 8 Things You Need to Know
Quality watches can be expensive. We could give you a list of watch recommendations like the one at Prowatches.
Instead, our watch buying guide will help you know what to look for. This way you can make an informed choice about the best watch for your lifestyle.
1. How a Watch Works
Let’s start with the basics. Wristwatches work with a mechanism called the movement, or caliber. The caliber is the “engine” that keeps your watch running.
There are two types of calibers used in watches today. The first type is the quartz. This caliber uses an oscillator that’s powered by a battery. A piece of quartz regulates the time in the watch.
The second type of caliber is automatic. This watch winds itself using the movement of the wearer’s wrist.
2. What Is the Difference Between Quartz Watches and Automatic Watches?
Quartz watches are cheaper to make. Most of the watches you see in high-end stores use this kind of caliber to power the watch. While these watches keep better time, they don’t match the quality of an automatic caliber.
The biggest names on watch buying guides like Rolex and Omega all use automatic calibers. Most companies make them in-house by expert watchmakers.
The second-hand doesn’t tick but glides. That way there won’t be any stressful noises when you’re trying to work. The automatic watches also have a pleasing heft to their weight. They’re preferred by most watch collectors.
3. How Does Pricing Work with Watches?
When it comes to watches, you’re paying for two things: materials and lineage.
Like we said, quartz watches are cheaper to make because the caliber is also cheap. Even the nice ones from Switzerland are inexpensive compared to automatic watches.
The reasons automatic watches cost so much more are the materials and the labor that goes into them. The people who craft automatic watches have been doing it for years. Because so much care goes into them, the watch itself is often made of more valuable materials.
All this to say, you get what you pay for in a watch.
4. How to Choose the Right Size
No matter what caliber you choose for your watch, it’s important that it looks good on you.
Most watch cases are 34-44mm in diameter, although some are even bigger. But unless you want to blind everyone at the company picnic, stick with the standard sizes.
If you have smaller wrists, then pick a watch with a 34-40mm case. Men with thick wrists can go for the larger sizes, up to 46mm.
Watches with 10mm thickness won’t get in the way of your sleeves and distract from work.
5. Choosing the Right Strap
While the watch face is an important part of a watch’s look, the strap is just as important.
It should match the size of the watch by not overwhelming it. If you like more delicate watches, you can get a strap that is thinner than the actual watch face.
Leather straps are great for every day and elegant events. Metal straps are masculine and look best with chunky watches. Rubber straps will protect against splashing that happens in the office.
Canvas straps are also very popular among professionals. Afterall, James Bond sports a NATO canvas strap. His professionalism is questionable, but that man can style a watch.
6. Know Your Watch Types
There are five typical types of watches.
Diving Watch– The diving watch can withstand the depths of the ocean. While you might not go deep sea diving anytime soon, it’s still a beautiful watch. The watch has a rugged style with luminous hands, and it looks good on pretty much everyone.
Dress Watch– These are the watches you wear as an accessory to nice events or meetings. They have simple faces and leather straps.
Aviation Watch– Aviation watches became popular before WWI. Watchmakers made them to display the vital information pilots needed. Today they’re classy timepieces with black faces and luminous hands.
Driving Watch– If diving and flying aren’t your things, then what about cars? Driving watches come with a stopwatch feature. That way, you can time car races or wheely chair races.
Minimalist Watches– If simple and timeless is your thing, then go for a minimalist watch. These watches come in a variety of minimalist styles for every buyer.
7. Should I Buy a Classic Watch or a Smart Watch?
Classic watches will never go out of style. But there are some of us who can’t resist a new piece of smart-tech.
If you’re torn between the two, ask yourself how you use your phone. Do you set schedules and respond to texts? Then a smartwatch is a good choice.
But if you use your phone for social media and games, then keep it in your pocket. Get a classic watch.
8. What’s the Deal with Swiss Watches?
Spend any time looking for watches, and you’ll hear about Swiss watches. That’s because the Swiss take their timepieces very seriously.
Swiss watches have to pass a strict set of regulations before they’re put on the market. They use the best metals, and they make all their calibers in-house. Even the crystal they use for the watch face is better than most other watches.
The country has actual laws about what passes as a Swiss watch. When a government spends that much time on their watches, you know they have to be good.
Looking for More Guides?
Our website caters to every part of a dentist’s life. That means we have everything you need to make your practice the best it can be. From watch buying guides to professional advice, you can find it on our blog.