Watch-Buying Guide - Part 2

By: Alex Muniz

* This is the 2nd part of the article. Read the 1st part here.

Case

This is the watch's frame. When it comes to analog watches, the case can be round, rectangular, square, and sometimes even polygonal. The case finish can be shiny, matte, patterned, or inlaid with jewels and other crystals (although I can't recommend such a look -- unless pimpin' is your thing).

For analog watches, the case is usually made of a metal -- steel, titanium, gold, silver, and platinum being the most common. Getting a watch with a case (and band) made from the latter three precious metals is going to cost you a pretty penny, but many watchmakers mix the precious metal with less valuable alloys for a more affordable timepiece.

Here are some common watch "Gold Marks" according to The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes:

18K or 750 means the piece is about 75% pure gold.
14K or 585 means it's about 58% gold.
10K signifies it's about 42% gold.

Watch crystal

This transparent cover protects the watch face. It can be made from plexiglass, mineral (traditional) glass or synthetic sapphire -- an ultra-hard, clear, man-made crystal.

Plexiglass is the cheapest of watch "crystals." It's the least likely to shatter, but the most likely to scratch.

Mineral glass, on the other hand, is more likely to shatter, but less likely to scratch.

Synthetic sapphire costs the most, but it's the most scratch-resistant. Of course, there's a catch: Synthetic sapphire breaks quite easily.

Band type

If you have an analog timepiece (whether quartz-powered or hand-wound), your watchband will either be made of leather (usually black or brown) or the same kind of metal used on the case.

Digital watches, such as sports models and gadget watches, usually have plastic bands.

Nontraditional watch types

Sports

Sports watches are very sleek, very durable and made from high-quality plastic composites. The most common sports watch is the classic water-resistant diving watch. Nowadays, the market is packed to the gills with such timepieces. Sports watches can incorporate odometers, altimeters, compasses, GPS technology, blood pressure and pulse monitors, and a range of other gadgets for the guy leading an active lifestyle.

Two good brands to look at are Nike and Timex. Both companies produce diverse, feature-laden lines that are relatively affordable and quite durable.

Gadget

Gadget watches are highly functional for the student, techie or engineer. They contain even more tech goodies (such as calculators, digital cameras or e-mail applications) than their loaded sports model cousins. Keep in mind, however, that gadget watches are conversation pieces that usually only attract the interest of other tech-savvy guys. They're usually not a good bet for picking up women.

The proper fit and match

Whatever its type, your watch should fit snugly (and not move up and down when you move your arms), without leaving an imprint on your wrist.

Silver watches match best with blacks, grays, silvers, and blues, and ideally, you should wear them at night. Gold watches go with browns, beiges, tans, and other earth tones. They are best worn during the day.

And, of course, digital watches (no matter how cool) go better with casual clothes or workout attire than with business suits or formal wear.

A glossary of all the important watch terms in Part 3.

Article Source: AskMen.com

Watch-Buying Guide - Part 1

By: Alex Muniz

Even the best-dressed men can get tripped up when it comes to buying the right watch. Men's watches are complex, can be expensive and there are a lot of them out there. So just what should you know when shopping for one? Well, you can start by looking at your wardrobe and your budget, and asking yourself a few questions.

General Questions:

• When will you be wearing it?
• What will you use it for -- work, going out, lounging around, playing sports?
• How do you feel about high-tech gadget watches?
• How much money do you want to spend? While you can conceivably get any style of watch for little money, certain watchmakers and brands command very high prices.

WATCH TYPES AND OPTIONS

So you've decided on the situations in which you'll wear your watch and you've figured out the style you want for your wardrobe. Before heading out, take a look at the main types of wristwatches and some of their parts.

Analog, digital or analog/digital

An analog watch has a face that holds hour and minute hands, and either numbers, markers or Roman numerals that display a 12-hour day. It is considered the more formal, classic watch type, and is perfect for business, dates and formal events.

Digital watches either have an LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light emitting diode) face that displays the time in numeric form (for example, 2:50). They're considered very casual.

Analog/digital watches have both an analog and a digital face. They're utilitarian and can be worn to work and during your daily routine (though they're probably not a good bet for formal events).

Battery, quartz or mechanical (hand-wound)

Digital watches are powered by an ultra-small watch battery (the kind you usually see by the checkout counter in electronic stores).

Quartz watches are analog timepieces that run on a tiny, vibrating, electrified quartz crystal. They keep extremely accurate time (within a minute each year).

Mechanical watches are powered by a complex array of gears and springs. These watches can command a hefty price as a result of their superior craftsmanship. Unfortunately, the ancient art of hand-wound watchmaking remains imperfect. Mechanical watches lose about an hour a year and must be wound regularly.

Find out about watch cases, crystals, band types, sports, and gadget watches, and more in Part 2.

Article Source: AskMen.com

How To Choose A Men's Watch

By: Michelle Bery

Image Source: dgreetings.com

When it comes to choosing the perfect watch – for you or someone you love – it can be difficult to narrow down the choices from all the available styles on the market. For women, who have already chosen several pieces of jewelry throughout their lives, choosing a watch may be easier for them than their male counterparts. Choosing a men's watch can be a bit more of a challenge. For many men, aside from their wedding ring, a watch may be the only piece of jewelry that they wear. And while the watch can be worn for functional reasons, it can also fill a role as a stylish accessory - even for men. Finding the perfect men's watch is about balancing these two functions in a way that's comfortable for the man wearing the watch.

For an athletic man who enjoys both indoor and outdoor sports, a men's watch that is streamlined, compact, and sporty may be the best choice. A men's watch of this variety may also include accessories beneficial for athletes - such as a stopwatch capacity, and heart rate monitor. For a career man who is in the public eye, a luxury men's watch that has glitz as well as functionality could be an appropriate selection. This particular men's watch can be a bit of an investment; but more often than not, its quality workmanship would match the price. This could be a classic timepiece that he can enjoy for many, many years.

The more casual man may prefer a trendier men's watch that depicts the latest styles and compliments a variety of looks. Many younger men gravitate towards the hottest men's watch on the market at the time, and while it can make quite a splash now, it may not be something he's interested in wearing as he gets older.

For those men who enjoy the value of a great antique, an antique men's watch could be something he will cherish. Or perhaps an older family member has a men's watch that can be cleaned and polished for a bright new future.

Ultimately, the best men's watch is the watch that its owner feels comfortable and confident wearing for many years!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Why Every Man Should Own A High Quality Fine Watch

By: Gregg Hall

Generally men are not typically concerned about fashion. Although there are always exceptions to the rule, men usually let women pick their clothing. Even though you may not care much for fashion, there are some things you can do to demonstrate a sense of fashion.

A great item such as a fine watch should be a part of every man's wardrobe. A watch for a man can be a fashion statement in and of itself. A high end watch that is in good taste will add some tasteful flair to your wardrobe. Recently watches have returned as the new fashion statement for men. Men can express their personality through a choice of a good watch.

To find the right watch for you it is important to shop around a little. Searching online for a watch will help you to avoid the mall. By looking online you can also look for watches that allow you to express yourself without judgment.

Many men have owned a variety of cheaper watches throughout their lifetime, but until you find a high end watch you are merely toting a watch out of necessity. Timex is not necessarily a high end watch nor is Casio or any other watch with a plastic or cheap metal band. These are generally for everyday wear and sports activities. That is fine since they are intended for that.
If you are ready for a nice watch that will last and be a family heirloom someday then there are some names you may want to consider.

Some watch names to look for are TAG Heuer or even Rolex. Both are made of superb quality and style. Either watches brand is high end and bound to become a treasured family heirloom.
TAG Heuer has the Aqua racer collection. They are quart crystal watches which are very accurate and dependable. There are several to choose from and all equally beautiful timepieces.
Another popular and classic brand of watches is Rolex. They have been around for a long time and are often referred to as the king of all the watches. They are watches to pass down from generation to generation. The Cellini watch is simple in design but classy as ever.

Regardless of your idea on fashion, there is no reason you can't make a statement with a classy high end watch. The difference once you have one on your wrist may surprise you. Once you wear a beautiful watch you may never pull out the others again. The confidence you may feel from owning such a timepiece will help you feel more successful. A fine watch will be a timeless heirloom to pass on for generations to come.

Article Source: Ezine Articles