1.16.2010

A Way To Choose Your Style-Men's Watches

When buying a men's watch, there are many things to consider. Honestly, most men should probably own at least three watches, which we will go over, but the truth is, most men prefer one watch and will wear it regardless of what they're doing.

I am a professional that works in a corporate office building. I own a watch that is thin and blends into my outfit for the day. When I take my wife out to dinner, I put on a flashier watch that says something about my personality. On the weekend, I wear a throw-around kind of watch. One that doesn't matter if I bang it against the lawnmower or take it into a pool.

The choices you need to make:

1) What is my price point?
2) What materials do I prefer?
3) Is this an investment piece?
4) Am I looking for a universal watch, or several depending on the situation?
5) What is my style?

1) What is my price point?

Not to say you can't get a quality watch without breaking the bank, but it's important to realize before you buy a watch that for anything with some substance of quality, you're going to have to spend at least a few hundred dollars. Don't be fooled by "nice looking" watches that are $50. They are junk and will not last.

You can get a decent quality watch for well under $500, but that's up to you. Watches sell for every price imaginable - you just have to decide where you stand.

2) What materials do I prefer?

Do I like a leather band? How about a metal bracelet? Is gold my style, or stainless steel? Am I looking for a jeweled inner working 12 diamond face, or will a simple white dial do the job?
These are questions that one must ask before going shopping. The truth is to all these questions is - yes. Leather bands are great. They can be formal or informal. Jewels are going to be flashy and should be contained to watches that you want to show off - to flaunt yourself. White and blacks simple faces are conservative, while gold is traditional.

3) Is this an investment piece?

For most of us, the answer is no. Some watches however, do go up in value. For example, it's common that a well taken care of Rolex Daytona will hold it's own and increase in value over time. On the other hand, if you're watch isn't a collectible or rare, simply take care of it and know that it can last a lifetime. Perhaps it will be something you hand down to a family member, or use the rest of your life.

4) Am I looking for a universal watch, or several depending on the situation?

I talked about my personal situation above, but you must ask yourself this question. If you're looking for a single watch, I would recommend something conservative, yet fun. Perhaps a TAG Heuer. They are incredibly well built, timelessly styled, and are in the middle-of-the-road when it comes to price. I would choose a dial color that suits you and stick with stainless steel links. If that's not your style, but you still want a single watch, I would go for a nice brown leather banded watch. Anything else is so situationally specific that it's hard to wear it in any setting.

5) What is my style?

Are you flashy? Are you conservative? Outdoorsman? Cube Dweller?
Whatever your style, pick a watch that compliments it. There's no need for someone who spends most of their time in a cubicle to have a diamond crusted watch unless that style is specific towards them. Or a farmer to wear a Rolex. Watches should be practical. A nightclub owner wearing a calculator watch simple will not do. You get my drift.

Whatever your style, always comparison shop when choosing a watch. Personally, I'm a big amazon believer. There is almost any watch conceivable there, most backed by full warranties and returnable. What I like most is that there is no tax and shipping generally is free or cheap for a watch. Check my link below for a listing of the top selling watches through amazon and if you don't find what you like there, keep browsing until you do!

I hope this article helped you some in deciding on what kind of watch to buy. Watches are a wonderful addition to your life and you deserve the best!

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