How to choose a watch

Quartz, automatic or smart

Quartz watches run on a battery, keep very accurate time and need little care beyond a battery change every few years.

Automatic (mechanical) watches are powered by a spring wound by your wrist's movement. They're valued for craftsmanship but gain or lose a few seconds a day and benefit from periodic servicing.

Smartwatches add notifications, fitness tracking and apps, but need charging, often daily or every few days, and work best with a matching phone.

Size and fit

Case diameter is listed in millimeters. Around 36–40mm suits smaller wrists and dressier styles; 40–44mm is a common everyday size; larger cases wear big. The lug-to-lug length matters too: if it overhangs your wrist, it will feel too large.

Check the strap or bracelet width and whether it's easy to swap or resize.

Water resistance

Ratings in meters are pressure tests, not real diving depths. 30m (3 ATM) handles splashes and rain; 100m (10 ATM) is suitable for swimming; 200m or an ISO 6425 dive rating is for diving.

Water resistance can weaken with age, so pre-owned watches should be pressure-tested before swimming.

Buying pre-owned

Look for clear photos of the actual watch, the original box and papers when available, a stated return policy and, for higher-value pieces, an authenticity guarantee.

Ask when it was last serviced, especially for automatic watches.

Quick checklist

• Quartz, automatic or smartwatch?
• Does the case size suit your wrist?
• Is the water resistance right for how you'll wear it?
• If pre-owned, is it authenticated, with a return policy?

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