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A Comprehensive Guide to Men’s Watches

by Off The Cuff
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April 22, 2022
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6 min read

For men, a stylish watch is the gold standard of accessories.

A watch allows you to add as much flair as you want. You can go bold, or you can add a subtle nuance to your outfit for the day. It’s up to you. A watch also provides convenient functionality.

However, whether you’re a first-time buyer, or a woman looking to buy an unforgettable gift, men’s watches can be complicated. There are so many styles, materials, and bands to choose from.

We’ll help you narrow down your search. Here’s what you need to know about men’s watches.

Why Should You Wear a Watch?

Sure, your phone does a great job of telling the time. Plus you’ve always got it on you.

Here’s the thing: A watch is so much more than a device used for keeping the time.

It’s true that smartphones act as watches. But what you might not think about is how distracting it can be to check your phone for the time. Once you notice social media notifications or text messages while checking the time, it’s easy to get lost in your phone for the next 20 minutes.

A timepiece helps convey the message to others that you care about punctuality and that you make an effort to be on time. This is an attractive quality to your peers and also to potential employers, should you be attending a job interview or meeting.

Lastly, the right watch can take any outfit to the next level. Whether you’re in casual clothing or dressed to the nines with a bespoke suit, a luxurious watch is a perfect accessory to add flair to your outfit. Men often get fewer opportunities than women to accessorize, making a watch collection all the more important.

Choosing Men’s Watches

What goes into choosing your next (or first) timepiece?

Men’s watches come in all different styles, materials, and even have varying features depending on the watch. Here’s what you’ll need to consider.

Watch movements

Watch movement refers to how the watch actually moves the hands. Think of it as an engine—it powers the watch to move the hands around the face of the watch and tell the time.

For some watch collectors, the watch movement type is the most important part. There are three primary types of watch movements:

Mechanical - Mechanical watches are the most traditional watch movement type. They’re hand-wound, meaning that the user will need to wind the watch every day for it to function properly. Mechanical watches are highly exclusive and sought after due to their exquisite craftsmanship. Many of the mechanical watches out there are vintage as well. However, they’re not always the most accurate, since they can lose a few seconds every day, even with regular winding. They typically carry a higher price tag as well.

Automatic - Automatic watches are similar to mechanical watches in the way that they function. They also use a series of gears and intricate parts to move the hands of the watch. The main difference between the two is that an automatic watch doesn’t require manual winding. It instead uses the kinetic energy of the user moving their wrist. They offer the best of both worlds—they’re self-winding, but they also have all of the same intricacies and fascinating features as a mechanical watch.

Quartz - Quartz watches, unlike mechanical and automatic ones, rely on a small battery for power. It gets its name from the small piece of quartz which acts as a conductor to regulate the current between the electrical circuit and the battery. Because of their functionality, quartz watches tend to be more durable, require less maintenance, and they’re also more cost-friendly. However, they don’t always have the luxurious feel of a mechanical watch.

The bottom line is that mechanical watches tend to be the type that are sought after by collectors. Meanwhile, quartz watches are more on the entry-level side of the spectrum and are more affordable for everyone.

However, there are many quartz watches out there that have a luxury feel to them and provide you with everything you’ll want out of a watch.

Case materials

Men’s watches have cases that range from high-end precious metals to ceramics. There’s really no right or wrong case material to choose for your next watch, but each material does have some pros and cons.

Stainless steel - Stainless steel tends to be one of the most durable watch materials. It’s highly resistant to corrosion, lightweight, and it’s also one of the most affordable metals. Stainless steel is often used in more affordable models of watches, but it’s also found in luxury watches as well. Stainless steel can also replicate the look of more luxury metals, such as silver or gold.

The Black & Silver Transparent Dial Strap Watch shows exactly how well stainless steel can replicate a more luxury look. This unique watch has a silver-tone dial that exudes style and class—all at an affordable price point.

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Gold - The classic luxury watch material, gold watches exude class and elegance. Wearing a gold watch is all about making a statement with your accessories. However, gold watches are certainly not cheap. It’s also more susceptible to scratches and damage, meaning that you may want to save your gold watch for special occasions and not everyday use.

Silver - With the evolution of stainless steel, silver watches have all but disappeared in the world of men’s watches. One reason for this is that silver is easily tarnished. Stainless steel is also much more affordable while doing a remarkable job of replicating the look of a silver watch.

Ceramic - Ceramic watches are desirable for their durability and simple style. While they might not be a common watch type for collectors, there are still stylish ceramic watches that can suit more casual outfits. They’re also great for men with metal allergies.

Case material is a matter of personal preference. While gold is one of the most sought-after watch materials, it’s not going to be affordable for everyone out there. You can find stylish watches to suit your sense of fashion in any material.

What’s most important is that you choose a watch case that suits the size of your wrist. On one hand, you don’t want a watch face that is completely oversized and bulky. Meanwhile, a tiny case on a bigger wrist will also look out of place. A case size between 35mm and 50mm should fit most men. Men with smaller wrists should look for a face smaller than 40mm.

Bands and straps

The case isn’t the only important part of your watch. Straps give you another opportunity to either show some flair or play it safe with a subtle look.

There are three common strap types:

Metal - Metal watch bands are similar to the case materials. They often come in stainless steel, gold, or any other metal that watches are made with. Metal bands are either made of mesh or a series of links. While they have a luxurious feel to them and are durable, they scratch easily and tend to be more expensive to replace, depending on the metal.

This Gold Date Mesh Bracelet Watch is smoothly styled and features a timeless analog face. The gold-tone metal bracelet and watch face make this a stylish timepiece that is sure to turn heads.

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Leather - Leather straps are the most common type of watch band. They’re usually the most comfortable type of band while also adding a touch of class or a vintage feel to your watch. Leather bands can be plain, colored, rigid, or even embossed, depending on your preference.

This Grey Multi-Function Croco-Grain Strap Watch from Joseph Abboud is the perfect example of a classy leather band watch. Whether you’re looking for a casual addition to your wardrobe or an accessory for your brand new suit, this watch delivers.

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Fabric - Fabric straps are most commonly made of nylon, which is a low-maintenance strap. These are highly durable and water-resistant, making them a great choice for sports watches.

Generally, leather straps are the most versatile. They work best for dressy occasions, but can also be worn with casual outfits. Don’t get them wet, though. If you’re looking for something that can withstand moisture from sweat, fabric is your best option.

Metal bands are going to add the most flair to an outfit. This is an option for those who want something more eye-popping.

Complications

Watch complications are features inside the watch face that give you information aside from the time. Complications can range anywhere from giving you the date to showing you the moon phases.

The date is one of the more common complications. This is typically shown in a small window on the right side of the watch face. Depending on the watch, it can show the day of the week, the month, or even an annual calendar.

Travelers may appreciate a watch that displays different time zones. These are usually displayed underneath the main time with smaller clocks.

Other watch complications include alarms, minute repeaters, and power reserve indicators.

Get Your Next Luxury Watch from Joseph Abboud

Are you ready to buy your dream timepiece? Joseph Abboud watches include a diverse collection styles to elevate your outfit. Shop our collection today!

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