The global market for watches is worth over 40 billion. With that huge market, it’s no wonder there’s a ton of info to learn about today’s watches.
Let’s go through a few things you should know about modern watches before you shop for your next piece.
1. Types of Watches
Modern watches come in various types, including quartz, mechanical, and smartwatches. Quartz watches use a battery and quartz crystal to keep time, while mechanical watches use a winding mechanism. Smartwatches combine technology with traditional watchmaking.
2. Kinds of Watches
There are many different kinds of watches available, and they can be categorized based on various factors, such as their intended use, features, and design.
Analog watches have hour and minute hands that rotate around a numbered dial, displaying the time in a 12-hour format.
If you spend a lot of time underwater, you’ll want to look into diving watches. These are designed for underwater use and are water-resistant to a high degree. They typically have features such as a rotating bezel for tracking elapsed time and luminous hands and markers for visibility in low light.
Dress watches are designed to be elegant and understated, with simple dials and leather or metal bands. They are often worn with formal attire.
Military watches are designed to be rugged and durable, with features such as shock resistance, water resistance, and a compass.
Pilot watches are designed for pilots and have features such as a chronograph function for timing flights and a slide rule for performing calculations.
Luxury watches are usually created from high-quality materials like platinum and may feature diamonds or other precious stones. They are often worn as status symbols.
People who love working out should invest in sports watches. You can wear them during physical activity, and may have features such as stopwatch functions, heart rate monitors, and GPS tracking.
3. Materials Used
Modern watches can be made from various materials, depending on what you’re looking for.
Stainless steel is a durable and corrosion-resistant metal commonly used in watchmaking. It is affordable and versatile, making it a popular choice for both luxury and affordable watches.
Titanium is often used in high-end sports watches. It is resistant to corrosion and scratches, so it’s helpful for watches that are exposed to extreme conditions.
Carbon fiber is often used in sports watches. It is resistant to scratches and impact, making it ideal for watches designed for outdoor activities.
Ceramic is a scratch-resistant and lightweight material that is commonly used in high-end watches. It is hypoallergenic and has a unique look and feel.
Luxury watch brands often use precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver in their watches. These materials add a sense of luxury and prestige to the watch but also increase the price.
Some watch brands use synthetic materials like rubber, silicone, or nylon in their watches. These materials are lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear.
4. Features
Modern watches can have various features to make your life easier. Smartwatches can also have additional features like fitness tracking, phone notifications, and music playback.
A chronograph is a stopwatch function that allows you to time events, laps, or intervals. It typically has additional sub-dials and pushers on the watch face.
Many modern watches have a built-in calendar function that displays the date and often the day of the week.
Some watches have a built-in alarm function that can be set to sound at a specific time.
Some modern watches have GPS technology built-in, allowing you to track your location, distance traveled, and speed.
Many modern watches have built-in sensors that can track your activity level, heart rate, and other fitness metrics. Some watches even have specific workout modes for running, cycling, or swimming.
Some smartwatches have built-in storage or can connect to your phone’s music library, allowing you to listen to music on the go.
They may also have voice recognition technology that allows you to use voice commands to control the watch or perform tasks.
Watches can even be powered in other ways today. For example, you might be interested in solar watches.
5. Water Resistance
Many modern watches are water-resistant, but the level of water resistance can vary. Some watches are only splash-resistant, while others can withstand swimming or diving.
6. Brand and Price
The brand and price of a watch can vary significantly. Luxury watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet can cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, while more affordable brands like Seiko and Timex offer watches for a few hundred dollars or less.
7. Watch Maintenance
To keep a modern watch running accurately, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance, including changing the battery (for quartz watches), servicing (for mechanical watches), and keeping the watch clean and dry.
Regularly clean your watch using a soft cloth and water or a mild soap solution. Avoid using cleaners that can scratch the watch. If your watch is powered by a battery, it will need to be replaced every few years. Take it to a professional for a battery replacement.
Mechanical watches require regular servicing to keep them running accurately. Take your watch to a professional watchmaker every three to five years for a full service.
Store your watch in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields. If you’re not wearing your watch for an extended period, wind it regularly to prevent the lubricants from drying out.
If your watch has a leather or fabric strap, avoid getting it wet and clean it with a damp cloth when needed. Metal bracelets can be cleaned with a soft brush and water or a mild soap solution.
Modern Watches: Start Shopping Today
Overall, modern watches come in various types, materials, and price ranges and offer a range of features and functionalities. Choosing the right watch depends on your preferences, needs, and budget.
Do you want more shopping advice? Look at some of our other posts to help you finish your list.
