If you’re in the market for a watch, there is no better choice than an automatic watch. Automatic watches are great when it comes to complementing your sense of style and representing yourself out there. Despite the ever-changing fashion of humanity, automatic watches have stood the test of time since their inception.
Automatic watches are powered by the kinetic energy produced by your body’s natural movements and require no winding or battery replacement. With such convenience and reliability, it is no wonder why automatic watches have become such a popular choice among watch enthusiasts. This is why, the value of automatic watches is skyrocketing.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Let’s take a look at what factors to consider when choosing an automatic watch.
Know how It works…
When it comes to an automatic watch, its formula is quite simple but requires a sophisticated set of mechanisms. It runs from its central part, so a user doesn’t need to continually tweak it.
Each automatic watch includes a rotor. This rotor is free-moving thanks to a semi-circular oscillating weight. The arm’s kinetic energy gets transformed into mechanical energy by the rotor afterward. The same procedure is followed by each internal cycle and as a result, the watch runs automatically.
So, what happens when you don’t wear it? How will it be able to run without external movement?
An automatic watch will continue to work if you keep it in a winding case while not being worn. And this applies for an extended period of time as well. So, it’s clear that an automatic watch never has to be wound back up while being worn after a prolonged period of non-usage.
Know Your Movement Types
The first step in choosing the right automatic watch is to understand the different movement types available. There are two main types of automatic movements—mechanical and quartz—and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Mechanical watches use a winding system that requires manual winding every few days or weeks, while quartz watches use battery power and require very little maintenance. Depending on your lifestyle, one type may be better suited for you than the other.
Casing Size & Thickness
The casing is an essential aspect in this regard. Factors like casing size, form, and material should be taken into account.
Since everyone has a different wrist size, it is important that you try on the watch first before purchasing, to ensure that the timepiece will be a good fit on your wrist. Take a measurement across your wrist and use it as your guide to see if the case is too large or too small for your wrist.
One thing to keep in mind is that the diameters of vintage watches are substantially smaller than those of modern watches. The diameter of the case impacts both its appearance on you and its wearability. Never acquire a watch that digs into your wrist because the crown is overly large! Also, check out the thickness. It’s best to give the thickness a try by yourself at the store before making the purchase.
Quality and Craftsmanship
When it comes to watches, quality is key. A good quality watch should last you years if not decades, so be sure to invest in a piece that is well-crafted with precision engineering and attention to detail. Look for watches made from high-grade materials such as stainless steel or titanium and check that they have reliable quartz or mechanical movements. Trustworthy brands are usually a safe bet; however, some lesser-known manufacturers produce exquisite pieces that look just as good but cost less than designer brands.
Know your Crystals
Many automatic watches have crystals such as minerals and sapphire. Moreover, they come with plexiglass (acrylic) as their glass material. Both relatively inexpensive and old classic models use plastic cases. Most inexpensive wristwatches use mineral crystals. On the other hand, sapphire crystals are seen on expensive watches as sapphire is considered the highest quality crystal. Please note that sapphire crystals are very transparent and resistant to scratches.
For a prime-grade automatic watch, you should always search for ones with sapphire glass. The exception to this rule is the watches that are under $500 or older classic timepieces.
Another important factor behind a high-quality automatic watch is its anti-reflective coating. We recommended that you should pick the ones that have at least 2 coatings on them (inside and outside).
Style & Design
When it comes to style and design, the possibilities are truly endless. From classic dress watches to sporty chronographs—and everything in between—you can find virtually any design style of the automatic watch on the market today. When selecting your ideal automatic watch, start by considering which type of design suits your lifestyle best. Do you prefer a sleek and sophisticated dress watch that will match virtually any ensemble? Or maybe you prefer something more rugged and sporty that can handle outdoor activities? Answering these questions will help narrow down your choices to only those designs that fit your needs.
Durability & Water Resistance
Durability and water resistance are two other important factors to consider when buying an automatic watch. Most modern watches feature at least basic water resistance (usually 3-5 ATM), but if you intend to use it while swimming or diving, then you should make sure that its water resistance rating meets your needs (up to 100 ATM). Durability-wise, try looking for materials such as stainless steel or sapphire crystal glass—as they tend to last much longer than other materials like leather or plastic.
Price Range
Finally, decide how much money you’re willing to spend on an automatic watch. As with most things in life, with watches “you get what you pay for” – higher prices generally mean higher quality materials and better craftsmanship; however, this doesn’t always mean they will be better suited to your needs or even last longer than cheaper alternatives. Set yourself a realistic budget before shopping so that you don’t end up overspending on something unnecessary.
Conclusion
Automatic watches are luxurious timepieces that have gained immense popularity over the years due to their convenience, reliability, and stylish designs. When selecting an automatic watch for yourself, be sure to consider all the factors mentioned above—from style & design to durability & water resistance—to make sure that you get one that is perfect for both your lifestyle and budget! With so many options available on today’s market, finding one that fits all of these criteria shouldn’t be too hard!
