Everything You MUST Know Before Buying A Watch - Essential Beginner's Buying Guide

Summary

This video offers an in-depth guide to purchasing a watch, focusing on movement types—quartz, mechanical, and automatic—and their advantages. It discusses materials, with an emphasis on 316L stainless steel, and crystal types, favoring sapphire for durability. The script addresses water resistance, finishing quality, sizing, and style preferences. It advises on brands to trust and where to buy, warning against overpriced or fake products. The video concludes with budget recommendations, suggesting £60 for a quartz watch and £100 for an automatic, highlighting the sweet spot of £150-£250 for quality without excessive brand markup.

Takeaways

• 🕰️ The movement is the most crucial aspect of a watch, with quartz, mechanical, and automatic being the main types.
• ⚙️ Quartz movements are common in entry-level watches, are battery-powered, and require less maintenance.
• 🔩 Mechanical movements are classic, hand-wound, and provide power through a clockwork mechanism.
• ⚙️🔄 Automatic movements are a type of mechanical movement that winds with the natural motion of the wearer's wrist.
• 💼 For practicality and low maintenance, quartz watches are recommended, especially for manual jobs or where accuracy is necessary.
• 👔 For a classy look or special occasions, mechanical watches, particularly automatic, are a good choice due to their smooth second hand movement.
• 🛡️ Watch materials are significant; 316L stainless steel is the industry standard for durability, while resin is lightweight and impact-resistant.
• 🔎 Crystals can be acrylic, mineral, or sapphire, with sapphire being the most scratch-resistant and premium choice.
• 🏊‍♂️ Water resistance is vital and should be considered based on the wearer's activities; a minimum of 10 bar is recommended for swimming.
• 🛠️ Finishing is essential for quality, including accurate brushing or polishing, and craftsmanship in finer details.
• 📏 Sizing is subjective but has guidelines; case diameter and lug-to-lug size are crucial measurements for a proportional fit.

Q & A

What are the three main types of watch movements?

The three main types of watch movements are quartz, mechanical, and automatic.

How does a quartz movement work?

A quartz movement uses a mini electrical circuit powered by a battery and a tiny piece of quartz that vibrates at a specific rate when a current is passed through it. This vibration is converted into a single pulse per second.

What is the difference between a mechanical and an automatic movement?

A mechanical movement requires manual winding by the user, while an automatic movement winds itself using the natural motion of the wearer's wrist throughout the day.

Why might someone choose a quartz watch over a mechanical one?

Quartz watches are more accurate, require less maintenance, and are less susceptible to impacts, making them a practical choice for those who need accurate timekeeping or are involved in manual jobs.

What materials are commonly used for watch cases?

Watch cases are commonly made from resin (plastic), brass, zinc alloy, or 316L stainless steel.

Why is sapphire crystal considered the most desirable for watch crystals?

Sapphire crystal offers the best scratch resistance and is only damaged by diamonds or huge impacts, making it highly durable.

How is water resistance measured on a watch?

Water resistance is measured in ATM, bar, or meters, which are pressure units that indicate how well sealed a watch is against water.

What is the minimum water resistance rating recommended for swimming?

For swimming, a minimum of 10 bar or 1080m or 100 meters of water resistance is recommended.

What factors contribute to the overall fit and finish of a watch?

The fit and finish of a watch includes the accuracy and precision of brushing or polishing, craftsmanship in finer details, and the quality of custom shapes and parts.

What are the two important measurements to consider when choosing a watch size?

The two important measurements are case diameter, which is the width of the watch, and lug-to-lug size, which is the measurement from one set of lugs to the opposite side.

What are some popular and versatile watch styles that are generally well-received as gifts?

Retro digitals, dive watches, and chronographs are popular and versatile watch styles that are often well-received as gifts.

What is the recommended minimum amount to spend on a steel quartz watch and a steel automatic watch?

It is generally recommended to spend no less than about £60 on a steel quartz watch and £100 on a steel automatic watch.