A Guide to Watch Buying: How to Build the Perfect Collection
When it comes to deciding on a watch, it can be hard to truly know what you want. Similar to shoes and clothing, timepieces have the ability to express style and function simultaneously. In this blog, we will narrow down your hunt for the collection you've always wanted, while highlighting important factors to aid you in your decision along the way.
When creating any well-rounded collection, there are three main types of watches you should consider and some examples to go along with them:
1. Dress Watches- Dress watches are the epitome of timeless elegance, whether for school, work, or a special occasion. When looking for the right dress watch, understatement is your best friend. Great dress watches often consist of, but are not limited to, simple dial colours such as black, navy, white and silver. As for choosing your band, both leather straps and bracelets work perfectly together, ultimately boiling down to personal preference. It is important to remember dress watches are often worn on formal occasions, and that a bright and warm dial with a flashy bracelet could clash with your outfit. Remember, dress watches don’t have to come at the expense of excitement. For hundreds of years, dress watches have been a staple in every collector’s rotation, and continue to serve as the pinnacle of simplicity within the watchmaking world.
2. Everyday Watches- Everyday watches are by far the most versatile out of the three. They encompass a casual look, yet allow for added functionality. As a buyer, you’re looking for a watch that ultimately represents you. If you are a fan of quirks, tool watches are definitely something you should consider. Tool watches are timepieces that feature an added functionality beyond telling the time. Travelling lots? Consider a GMT (Greenhich Mean time) to track a second time zone at once. Avid diver or swimmer? a sturdy dive watch may just do the trick for you. When looking for an everyday watch, consider that added functionality usually comes with an additional price point. If peculiarities aren’t your thing, opting for a standard watch with a low-key design and build is perfect. The market for easy-going options has never looked better than it does right now, especially with brands such as Tissot, Timex and Casio. All three brands offer a multitude of variation, surely having something in store for you!
The Tissot PRX in a Variety of Colors
3. Flashy Watches- Making a statement doesn't require words, but it does require something that stands out. As the world of fashion moves towards creative and expressive design, watch makers are constantly testing the boundaries when it comes to challenging traditional aesthetics by blending innovative technology with an artistic approach. In 2023, Rolex released a new Day-Date, featuring a dial made up of multicolored puzzle pieces and a day window featuring human emotions. The watch was deemed controversial by many, saying the jigsaw logo represented autism awareness, with others saying it was simply “distasteful”. Regardless of opinion, the watch was objectively innovative, clearly defying the traditional standards of design. If you don’t have the $35,000 to spend on wearable puzzle, do not fret. Finding fun designs and bright colours don’t have to come at eye-watering prices. Brands such as Oris and Nomos have taken over the entry-level luxury market with their captivating dial colors, ensuring you get the best of both craftsmanship and artistic design.
The "Cotton Candy" Collection from Oris, Featuring 3 Bold Dials on a Bronze Bracelet
Key Takeaways- Building the perfect collection doesn’t come overnight, in fact, many will spend their whole lives trying to do so. Getting caught up in the latest trends and specific brands often leads to the accumulation of unwanted and ill-fitting choices, just as the most expensive and newest clothing is not always the right choice. It is crucial we remember that watches are ultimately a representation of who we are, and that no timepiece is perceived the same by different people. Instead, look at watches as traits, hobbies and quirks that are distinctive to you.