Hence, you are considering to buy an automatic watch? Great choice! It can be said that those tiny masterpieces on our wrists are rather cool. I’d like to discuss what you can do to seek one that suits you to the ground.
What’s the Big Deal with Automatic Watches?
First things first – what makes these watches tick? Well, they’re like tiny machines that you wear. They use your arm’s movement to wind themselves up. No batteries needed!
Here’s the pros:
- You move your arm
- A weight inside the watch spins
- This spinning winds up a spring
- The spring slowly unwinds, making the watch go
Pretty neat, huh?
Why You Might Want One
You might be wondering, “Why should I bother?” Fair question! Here are a few reasons:
- They’re well-made: Each one is like a little piece of art
- They last a long time: Take care of it, and it could be around for your grandkids
- No battery hassle: Your arm does all the work
- Smooth moves: The second hand glides instead of ticking
- They look fancy: People often think they’re pretty special
Let’s Talk About the Guts
The “movement” is what makes your watch go. It’s like the engine in a car. There are a few types:
- Some brands make their own: These are called “in-house”
- Some use Swiss-made ones: Often called “ETA”
- Others use Japanese ones: “Miyota” is a common name
If you’re really into watches, you might care about this. If not, don’t sweat it too much.
How Long Will It Keep Going?
Ever wonder how long your watch will keep ticking if you take it off? That’s called the “power reserve.” Most will keep going for about 38 to 80 hours. If you like to switch up your watches, you might want one with a longer power reserve.
Can You Get It Wet?
Planning on swimming with your watch? Make sure it can handle it:
- 30m: A bit of rain is okay
- 50m: You can shower with it
- 100m: Swimming is fine
- 200m+: Go ahead and dive!
Just remember, these numbers are for still water. Moving around in water can change things.
What’s It Made Of?
The case is like the body of your watch. It protects all the little bits inside. You’ll usually see:
- Stainless steel: Tough and not too pricey
- Titanium: Light and good for sensitive skin
- Gold: Fancy but expensive
- Ceramic: Hard to scratch but can break if you drop it
The Clear Part on Top
The clear cover over the watch face is called the crystal. You’ll usually find:
- Mineral crystal: Pretty tough and not too expensive
- Sapphire crystal: Really hard to scratch but costs more
Extra Features
Some watches do more than just tell time. These extra bits are called “complications.” Some common ones:
- Date display
- Stopwatch (they call it a chronograph)
- Moon phase
- Shows multiple time zones (GMT)
Pick ones that you’ll actually use. No point in having features you’ll never touch, right?
Brands You Might Like
There are tons of brands out there. Here are a few to get you started:
If You Don’t Want to Spend Too Much ($500-$1000)
- Seiko
- Hamilton
- Tissot
If You Can Spend a Bit More ($1000-$5000)
- Oris
- Longines
- TAG Heuer
If Money’s No Object ($5000+)
- Omega
- Rolex
- Patek Philippe
Taking Care of Your New Watch
Once you’ve got your watch, you’ll want to keep it in good shape. Here’s how:
- Wear it often: This keeps everything moving and lubricated
- Use a watch winder if you have more than one: It keeps them running when you’re not wearing them
- Get it checked out every few years: A pro can make sure everything’s working right
- Keep it away from magnets: They can mess with the inside bits
- Be careful not to drop it: The insides are delicate
Where to Buy
When you’re ready to get your watch, you’ve got a few options:
- Official shops: They’ll give you a warranty, but might be pricier
- Online markets: Can be cheaper like Timewise.
- Vintage shops: For old watches, but you need to know what you’re looking for
Always buy from places you trust. You don’t want to end up with a fake!
Wrapping It Up
Automatic watches remain a personal decision when making a purchase in the market. It does more than simply indicating the time; it also provides that sleek, compact gadget on the wrist. In case you are into the traditional types of watches or the highly complex ones, you are certainly going to find what you desire.
Looking at the watches around us, you will realize that they are not only functional. They can be used to flaunt your style, pass on to the next generation, or just become an awesome representation of just how cool machines are.
Looking for that special watch ? The fun starts now. Enjoy the hunt!