Watches Guide

The first thing to consider when buying a watch is, what is its purpose? Will you use it to time your lap speed, or your lunch hour? The wide availability of watch styles and features allows you to pick the watch that fits your needs, style, and taste perfectly.

Form & Function

This list below will help you choose the right features for your purposes:

Watch Anatomy

Every watch has different watch tools and features. To choose the right watch, it's important to learn about watch which ones are right for you.

Band

The strap, band, or bracelet that holds your watch to your wrist. Watches are typically sized to fit wrists from 8 to 10 inches. Most watches are easy to size to fit. If you have a leather band, simply cinch the band to fit the buckle hole that is most comfortable for your wrist. If you have a stainless steel bracelet band and you need additional links, contact the watch manufacturer directly using the phone number or e-mail address listed on your watch brand page.

Band Length

This is the length of the watch from tip to tip. On a watch with a stainless steel bracelet band, this measurement is the circumference of the inside of the band, or the area that would fit around the wrist. This measurement on most watches with metal bracelets is roughly 10 inches, and is designed to be shortened. When you buy this type of watch look to the owner's guide for instruction on how to remove links so that your watch will fit properly.


Bezel

The area outside the face, which secures the crystal to the watch. Many watches have a uni- or multi-directional bezel that can twist one or both ways around the watch face. This type of bezel can be used to twist around to the minute hand to measure elapsed time. For divers who need to measure elapsed time underwater, a unidirectional bezel is useful because it is less likely to be accidentally hit and moved.

Case

The metal encasing the bezel and face. Watch cases are usually made of stainless steel. For a durable, ultra-light case, choose a watch with a titanium case.

Case Length

In inches, the approximate measurement of the case from one edge of the band to the other band edge.

Case Thickness

In inches, the approximate measurement of the case depth measured from the back to the front along the side of the watch.

Case Width

In inches, the approximate measurement from the tip of the crown horizontally across the watch to the other side.

Chronograph

A watch with timing functions that are displayed in subdials on the face of the watch. Most chronographs are comprised of three subdials, and measure fractions of seconds, minutes in increments other than 60, and hours in other than one-hour increments. Chronograph should not be confused with chronometer, which is a device which has accuracy so exact that it has met special time standards set by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (C.O.S.C.).

Clasp

The latching mechanism that closes to secure the watch band to your wrist. View the different types of watch clasps: Buckle, Deployment buckle, Bracelet clasp, Folding clasp, Hook buckle, Hidden watch clasp, Push-button hidden clasp.

Crown

A knob that is usually found on the middle right side of a watch. Pull the knob to set the watch time, then push it back in for the watch to begin keeping time again. Some watch knobs also allow you to control other special watch functions.

Date Window

A window on the watch face that displays the day of the month, and sometimes the day of the week as well.

Face

This refers to the area within the watch bezel, usually underneath the watch hands.

Markers

Visual marks on the watch that indicate minutes or hours. Many times these are illuminated, making it easier to tell the time in dim light.

Second Hand

This is the thinnest hand anchored in the center of the watch face. On quartz watches, this hand moves every second. On an automatic watch, this hand moves smoothly, sweeping by each second marker in second increments.

Subdial

A small dial on the watch face that displays elapsed durations of time. Subdials usually display the functions of the chronograph. Chronographs usually have three subdials on a watch face.

Tachymeter

A function of a watch chronograph similar to a stop watch feature that can measure the rate of speed traveled over a measured distance in a particular length of time. This is usually used to measure high rates of speed. For example, the user can start a timer, drive or fly a mile, and then stop the timer and the timer hand will point to the MPH traveled.

Water Resistance

This is the ability of a watch to resist penetration by water. On most watches, you can find the water resistance level on the back of the watch case listed in ATM, or atmostpheres. One ATM is equivalent to 33 feet. Most watches are water resistant, meaning that they resist but are not impenetrable by water when washing your hands.

Some watches are resistant to higher pressures experienced at underwater depths. No watch is water proof.

Luxury Timepieces

• If you're looking for one watch that will keep excellent time and remain in style for years to come, the classic design and renowned craftsmanship of Baume & Mercier watches for men and women are unparalleled. TAG Heuer men's and women's watches also offer the perfect hybrid of style and performance.

Diamond Watches

• For a watch so beautiful it becomes a piece of jewelry, view our watches with diamonds. Diamonds are durable so they create a timepiece that's as useful as it is beautiful. You'll find watches with diamond hour markers, diamond bezels, or diamond cases in our women's Michele, Citizen, Bulova, and Seiko collections.

Working

• If you want a watch that will help keep you punctual, look for a watch with a second hand and clear markers. You can even find watches with easy-to-set timers that can remind you when you need to move on to the next meeting. For watches with alarms and clear markers, view our Seiko Kinetic watches for men, that are powered by the motion of your own wrist, or our Citizen Eco-Drive watches for men or women that are powered by light. If you travel regularly, you should consider our TX Technoluxury watches that are specifically designed for accuracy in multiple time zones.

Casual

• Look for casual features that ensure you can keep your mind on taking it easy. Choose a watch with a comfortable band and higher water resistance so you don't have to worry about your watch when you're reaching in the cooler for a drink or slipping in for a swim. View our casual Bulova watches for men and women.

Dressy

• For a more formal look, choose a watch that matches your attire. A stainless steel bracelet band and a black face perfectly match a black sweater and gray pants. Men's Bulova watches come in stainless steel, black, or brown leather bands to match any suit. Michele and Bulova watches for women feature luxury touches like diamond and gemstone bezels.

Sport

• If you are looking for a watch that can meet the demands of your active lifestyle, look to our sporting watches. Seiko diving watches feature screw down crowns and casebacks, as well as water resistance up to 600 ft.

Hip & Stylish

• For watches with cutting edge style, look for features like unique case shapes, face colors, and band materials. You're guaranteed to find these features if you look to established fashion brands, like Kenneth Cole for men and women.

Understanding Fit

When you receive your watch, if it has a leather band, you'll find that you can most likely tighten it to a perfect fit. If your watch has a stainless steel band, it may not fit perfectly when you first put it on. Check the owner's manual for tips on how to remove links, and if you need to add links, you can contact the watch manufacturer directly to receive additional links.