The Watch Guide
Learn how to choose a watch, understand key features, and find your perfect daily companion
A watch can be many things. Sometimes it is simply the piece you glance at between meetings; other times, it marks a moment. Many remember their first watch, especially when choosing a men's watch as a milestone gift or selecting a ladies' watch that becomes an everyday favourite. Some lean towards classic pieces that feel timeless, others are drawn to quietly confident mechanical watches and heritage-inspired designs. Whichever way your taste leans, the right timepiece becomes part of your rhythm, not just something you wear.
This guide explores luxury watches, everyday styles, and the details that make a timepiece feel personal. From automatic and chronograph movements to deciding between a slim dress watch or a sporty dive watch, we break down design, function, and fit. Expect classic silhouettes, contemporary interpretations, and options for every wardrobe and moment, from refined womens watches to bold mens watches and elegant unisex styles.
Think of this as a guide to understanding style, craftsmanship, and what makes certain pieces stand out more than others.
Written By: Melisa Rustemova - Published: 05.11.25
What to Consider Before You Buy: Budget & Purpose
The best place to start is simple: how will the watch be worn day-to-day? A timepiece should slot into real life, not fight against it. Some people need something that feels smart enough for the working week yet relaxed enough for evenings out. Others want a piece that leans more casual, or one they can rely on during travel and busier days. Thinking about routine and setting first helps narrow the search, whether you're looking at men’s watches, ladies' watches, or styles designed to work across occasions.
When shopping for someone else, focus on what they already like. Metal or leather straps, bold dials or pared-back designs, silver tones or warm shades, these small signals point you in the right direction far more than guessing trends.
Once the purpose feels clear, decide on a budget that suits you. There are strong options at every tier, from simple everyday designs to luxury watches built with long-term wear in mind. A quartz model can offer practicality and ease, while an automatic watch brings mechanical character and tradition. Neither is “better” by default; the right choice is whatever feels natural on the wrist and suits how it will be worn. No one wants buyer's remorse, especially when it comes to watches.
What’s ticking inside – Movement Matters
Understanding the movement helps you make a confident choice without getting lost in technical talk. At its core, a movement is simply the engine that keeps a watch running. Most fall into two main camps: battery-powered quartz and mechanical builds, which include automatic watch options.
Quartz movements are reliable, low-maintenance, and accurate. They suit anyone who wants a watch they can set and wear without thinking about winding or power. Mechanical options bring a different kind of appeal. They run through gears and springs, and an automatic version winds itself through the motion of your wrist. The charm here is the engineering and the quiet sense of tradition, which is why many luxury watches lean mechanical.
Neither approach is a wrong one. Think about how involved you want to be. If convenience is key, quartz feels effortless. If you enjoy the idea of craft and movement, you can feel working; a mechanical piece will resonate. Whichever path you take, a good movement supports daily use and keeps time without fuss.
Some watches include added functions like a chronograph, a GMT hand, or a simple date window. These aren’t essential for everyone, but they can be useful depending on lifestyle and preference. The best choice is the one that matches how you plan to wear the watch, not the one with the longest spec sheet.
Case & Materials
A good watch should feel considered on the wrist, with materials that suit both routine and style. Stainless steel remains a dependable choice: solid, easy to live with, and suited to everything from casual outfits to office dressing. Gold and two-tone designs bring warmth and a more polished finish, while titanium gives strength without weight, ideal if you like a watch that feels barely there. Ceramic continues to grow in popularity for its smooth feel and impressive scratch resistance, especially across clean, modern silhouettes from the likes of Tissot and Seiko.
Crystal makes a difference too. Sapphire offers strong scratch protection and helps keep the dial clear over years of wear. Mineral glass appears more often in everyday pieces, such as classic Timex or colourful Swatch designs, and suits relaxed, daily styling.
Straps and bracelets can shift the whole mood. A slim bracelet brings sharp structure, leather creates a neat, tailored feel, and rubber or resin straps feel right for sport-led models. Think Casio or G-Shock for robust builds and everyday durability, while brands like Maserati lean dressier with metal finishes that complement smarter wardrobes.
Water resistance is worth paying attention to as well. A gentle splash rating is fine for daily life, while higher protection suits swimmers, holiday plans, and even proper dive sessions. If you run, train, or lead an active routine, solid resistance helps manage sweat and movement without worry. Always check guidance for each model, whether you are considering an automatic watch, a dress style, or something with more rugged energy.
Fit, style and the wrist you’ll wear it on
Fit shapes how a watch feels in real life. Case size is a good starting point. A smaller dial tends to feel refined and subtle, while a larger one brings confidence. Thickness matters too, especially if the wearer prefers something that slips neatly under a cuff rather than sitting bold on the wrist.
Lug-to-lug distance affects comfort as well. A shorter span feels neat; a longer one adds presence. When gifting, think about what they already wear. If they lean towards slim and classic styles, a refined shape will feel natural. If they enjoy bold accessories, a larger case may be the perfect surprise. Weight plays a role too. Steel feels reassuring, while titanium suits someone who likes a lighter, everyday feel.
Dial design changes the mood quickly. A clean, simple face works for someone who loves polished dressing, while subtle texture or colour feels right for those with a playful streak. Sport dials with clear markings suit active lifestyles and weekend plans. Pair with a strap that suits their routine: leather for classic elegance, a bracelet for everyday ease, or rubber for those who spend time outdoors or near the water.
Shape guides both look and function. Rounded cases feel timeless; squared ones lean modern and architectural. If they dress smartly, choose a slim piece that glides under a shirt. For swimmers, surfers, and adventurers, a dive watch brings durability and water resistance with a bold look.
The wrist is the best guide. A watch that feels balanced and comfortable becomes part of the everyday; one that doesn’t will stay in a drawer. Whether buying for yourself or gifting, think proportion, ease, and how the watch will live in their world. Comfort always beats sheer scale.
Budget & longevity
Once you know how the watch will be worn, set a budget that feels realistic. There’s strength at every level, from simple everyday options to pieces with more craft and detail. The key is choosing something that suits your routine and you’ll reach for often.
Price isn’t the only marker of quality. A good quartz model can be practical and reliable, while a mechanical watch offers charm for anyone who enjoys traditional engineering. Both serve different preferences, not different skill levels.
Think long-term rather than chasing trends. Solid materials, a clear dial, and a well-built movement help it last longer. Focus on comfort, durability, and design you won't tire of quickly.
A great watch should feel like it fits your life today and has room to stay with you as your style shifts. If you can imagine wearing it in a year, you’re already on the right track.
Watch Styles Explained
Understanding core styles makes choosing much easier. Each brings its own character and suits different ways of dressing and living.
Dress watches
Designed with simplicity in mind. Slim profiles, restrained dials, and a tidy finish make them easy to wear with tailoring or a smart shirt. A polished case or a neat leather strap keeps things refined without feeling formal for the sake of it. If you prefer something timeless, many minimalist watches sit comfortably in this space.
Diving watches
Diving watches are built for reliability and visibility, originally designed for underwater use. They usually feature strong water resistance, clear hands and markers that glow in low light, and a rotating bezel that helps track time spent in the water. Many follow recognised performance standards, including depth ratings that start from everyday splash-safe levels and move into true diving territory from around 100 metres and above.
Even if they never see the ocean, their sturdy build and easy-to-read dials make them a favourite for daily wear. They pair well with denim, relaxed knits, and easy weekends, offering a mix of function and quiet toughness that has made the dive watch a modern staple.
Pilot/aviation
Traditionally made for readability and travel. Larger dials, legible numerals, and sometimes a GMT hand for tracking an extra time zone. They bring a purposeful look without feeling heavy, and suit people who like function to lead design.
Sport/everyday
Comfortable, sturdy, and ready for whatever the day brings. These styles handle commutes, gym drop-ins, and evenings out without fuss. Think strong cases, clear dials, and straps that stand up to movement. Great if you want one watch to do most things. Models like waterproof watches for men or tech-leaning builds fit well here, depending on routine.
Minimal & contemporary
Clean surfaces, pared-back details, and modern lines. Ideal if you avoid clutter and like quiet confidence. Whether metal-bracelet sleek or soft-strap relaxed, these styles work for people who want something that blends in without disappearing.
Statement & bold
For those who enjoy a standout moment. Unexpected colours, sculptural cases, or eye-catching textures bring personality to the wrist. You’ll see this across unique dial shapes, bolder metals, or pieces inspired by fashion houses. Searches for unique watches for men and artistic dial designs reflect this growing space.
Complications & Features
Features on a watch do more than add detail; they shape how it works for your everyday life. These additions are called complications, and while the name sounds technical, most of them are simple to understand.
Chronograph
A chronograph works like a stopwatch built into the dial. You’ll see pushers at the side of the case and extra sub-dials for timing. It’s practical for sport and travel, but also chosen for its more technical look. When browsing a chronograph, think about whether you prefer clean dials or enjoy the busier, instrument-style layout.
GMT / Dual time
A GMT watch tracks a second time zone, originally made for pilots and long-haul travel. Whether you split time between offices or call family abroad, it’s a useful way to stay connected without checking your phone.
Date & day windows
A straightforward and popular feature. Some pieces show the date only, others include the day of the week. If you value simplicity, a small window blends in neatly, while larger displays suit those who like quick at-a-glance information.
Moonphase
A moon phase watch displays the lunar cycle in a small aperture on the dial. It’s a poetic detail more than a necessity, often found on dress-leaning pieces for those who enjoy classical horology.
Power reserve
This tells you how long a mechanical movement will run before needing wind or wrist movement. It’s a reassuring indicator if you rotate watches or don’t wear the same one daily.
Water-resistance
Water-resistance varies. Some watches handle splashes from washing hands, others stand up to swimming, sailing, or deeper activity. If you plan to wear yours around water, check the guidance rather than relying on the label alone.
Bezels, crowns & extra markings
Rotating bezels help track elapsed time, useful in both diving and day-to-day pacing. Screw-down crowns add security against moisture. On some sport-forward designs, you’ll also see features like tachymeter scales or pilot-style markings. Not essential for everyone, but they offer detail and character if you enjoy functional design language.
Care & Maintenance
Good care helps a watch stay reliable and look its best for years. Most routines are simple. Wipe the case and bracelet now and then with a soft cloth to remove everyday marks. If you wear a leather strap, let it dry naturally after use and avoid water where possible to keep it supple and clean. Metal bracelets can be gently rinsed and dried.
Mechanical models benefit from occasional servicing to keep the movement running smoothly. The timing varies by maker, but every few years is typical. If you rotate between pieces, a watch winder can help keep an automatic style running so you don’t need to reset it each time.
Store your watch safely when not in use. A small watch box or pouch prevents scratches, whether at home or in a travel bag. If you have a piece with higher water-resistance, it’s still worth checking seals over time; rubber gaskets can age and may need replacing eventually. For everyday pieces, especially quartz, a simple battery change is often all that’s needed.
Closing Thoughts
A watch becomes part of your routine, so the decision should feel considered rather than rushed. Look beyond the first shine and focus on wearability, how easily you read the dial, and whether the design suits the way you dress most days. Some people gravitate to the clean look of a minimalist watch, others prefer the presence of a sports watch or the charm of a model with visible mechanics.
Whether you're exploring men’s designer watches, finding a thoughtful pick or choosing a gift, trust how the piece feels as much as how it looks. Even practical models like a solar watch or a slim everyday piece can become the one you reach for most.