Time For a New Wristwatch?

You might think you don’t need one, but the right timepiece can make a statement.

What is it that makes men choose a wristwatch? Is it the desire to be on time? Or is it about making a style statement?

What is it for you? A more mature individual still uses it specifically to tell time, but the younger generation uses it more as a fashion accessory.

Although cell phones and PDAs might make watches seem antiquated, the mechanisms in men’s wristwatches these days are lasting relics of human ingenuity.

Today, men have choices. There are classic designs with simple, no-frills dials and hyper-modern designs with multiple features. There are watches for everyday wear, sporty watches designed to withstand the elements and luxury watches made of precious metals and encrusted with jewels. And although some sought-after brands can run for thousands of dollars, you don’t have to break the bank to own something beautiful and long-lasting.

When searching for a new wristwatch, look for a strong glass covering. Sapphire crystals are the hardest crystals available, and they’re more scratch- and break-resistant than others.

You also want to consider the movement. Mechanical movement tends to be more precise, but it’s also more expensive. Rolex and Cartier are known for their mechanical movement watches.

Quartz movement is battery-operated. Seiko and Citizen make reliable quartz movement watches and Bulova is known for reliability and bold design.

The material used also is important. Surgical stainless steel will not rust and pit like base metals. Although gold plating can flake and peel, a method known as ion fusing is a way to chemically bond metals to prevent this problem.

Finally, consider how the watch will fit into your lifestyle. If you’re a suit-and-tie man, look for something more formal. If you enjoy sports and outdoor activities, durability is important. But no matter what, you should like the way it looks.

After all, you’re going to be looking at it.

Source: “The Watch” by Gene Stone men’s wristwatch.com

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