Watch Buying Guide
Deciding on the best watch to buy can be harder than you’d anticipated. Whatever style or functionality you’re looking for, our Watch Buying Guide will give you all the information you need to show you how to buy a watch that’s exactly right for you.
WATCH PARTS
1. Watch Bezel
This is part of the case that surrounds the dial and may be plain or decorated with crystals or diamonds. Functionality can be increased with a rotating bezel or a GMT bezel, allowing elapsed time and even second time-zones to be measured.
2. Watch Crystal
The watch crystal provides protection for the dial and hands. Sapphire or mineral crystal are the most common varieties and, if optimal readability is important to you, look for crystal with an anti-reflective treatment.
3. Hour Markers
Whilst minimalist style watches may have no hour markers at all, the style of these functional markings will influence the overall look of your watch. Retro style numerals will lend an on-trend vintage edge, whilst a glamorous dress watch calls for diamond dots or classic Roman numerals.
4. Watch Dial
Whether you call it a dial or a watch face, here is where the artistry of watchmaking can really be appreciated. Intricate patterns or designs may be applied to create an individual style, or they can add a vibrant pop of colour like our striking blue dial watches.
5. Case Back
The seal which protects your watch’s movement, the case back can sometimes be a work of art in its own right. If you’re fascinated by your watch’s inner workings, opt for an exhibition case back which allows a glimpse inside its beating heart.
6. Sub-dials
A smaller dial which is placed on the main watch face, sub-dials are designed to provide you with additional information. Most commonly found on chronographs and multi-function watches, they can display elapsed time, alarms or the date.
7. Watch Case
The very essence of your watch, the watch case is the material that encloses the inner workings. Normally made from stainless steel, you can also find a variety of finishes such as gold or rose gold to suit your style perfectly. Discover more about choosing the perfect case size with our Watch Size Guide.
8. Watch Crown
Used to set the watch hands to the correct time, your watch will either have a push-down or a screw-down crown. Diving watches will usually feature a screw-down crown as it helps to preserve their water resistance.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONS
For situations when you need to do more than just tell the time, additional functions and features will ensure you have all the information you need at your fingertips. Known as ‘complications’ in watchmaking circles, simple complications include chronographs and alarms, which more advanced complications include perpetual calendars and worldtimers.
Alarm
Chronograph
Chronometer
Countdown Timer
GMT Function
Moonphase
Perpetual Calendar
Power Reserve
Rotating Bezel
Tachymeter
Water Resistant
Worldtimer
Find out more in our Watch Glossary.
MOVEMENTS
The beating heart of your watch, the movement is the mechanism that keeps track of time. There are essentially two options here; mechanical or quartz, each of which has their own distinctive characteristics.
Crystal Clear
An extremely precise movement, most quartz movements keep accurate time to within a few seconds per month. Powered by a battery which will need to be replaced periodically, these watches are regulated by a quartz crystal.
Shop All Quartz MovementsMechanical Animals
Driven by the power of a coiled spring, you must wind your mechanical watch regularly in order to keep it ticking. Wonderfully traditional, mechanical movements are not as accurate as quartz movements and can gain or lose a few minutes over a month.
Shop All Hand Wound MovementsAutomatic Pilot
The aspiration of any serious watch lover, an automatic watch keeps the romance of watchmaking alive. A mechanical movement which winds itself using kinetic energy, an automatic watch is a collection of hundreds of tiny, moving parts, painstakingly assembled by highly-skilled craftsmen.
Shop All Automatic MovementsWATER RESISTANCE
- What Does Water Resistance Mean?
What Does Water Resistance Mean?
Water resistance is the ability of a watch to withstand water pressure. The level of water resistance is measured in meters (m) and atmospheres (ATM).
To confuse matters, whilst a watch with a water resistance of 30m may be able to resist the pressure equivalent to a depth of 30m, it’s important to note that a watch’s water resistance is tested when static. In reality, when you wear your watch for swimming or diving, your movement will create pressures higher than 30m, even whilst swimming at the surface.
- Is My Watch Water Resistant?
Is My Watch Water Resistant?
The water resistance of your watch can normally be found in a couple of places. Sometimes it will be displayed on the dial but, if not, it can be found on or around the case back. The level of water resistance can be marked in either meters or atmospheres, or sometimes both.
30 50 100 300 1000 2000 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔
WATCH STRAPS
An often overlooked consideration when choosing a watch, the type of watch strap will have a huge effect on your aesthetic. If cool, urban style is what you’re after then a metal bracelet is the way to go but, if your look is more smart-casual perhaps a leather strap is the best option for you.
1. Metal Bracelet
Giving a satisfying weight to your watch, whether you go for stainless steel, gold or a mixture of the two, a metal bracelet creates a statement style. Read our watch size guide for more information.
Shop Metal2. Leather
Available in calfskin, alligator or crocodile as well as a range of colours and finishes, leather straps offer the ultimate in versatile style.
Shop Leather3. Nato
Given its heritage, the NATO watch strap a sense of authenticity to military and aviation styles; it’s also the ultimate accessory for those who like to switch up their look in an instant.
Shop Nato4. Rubber
The strap of choice for those who need their watch to be rugged, a rubber strap is made from high-performance materials that works best with diving or sailing watches.
Shop Rubber5. Milanese
Combining the best of leather and metal styles, a Milanese mesh watch strap is the perfect accent for a minimalist or retro-inspired dial.
Shop Milanese6. Ceramic
High-tech and ultra-lightweight, a ceramic strap is a stylish and comfortable choice. Ceramic straps have extremely high scratch resistance, however it’s much less resistant to shattering so care needs to be taken to not drop your watch on a hard floor.
Shop CeramicWATCH MATERIALS
Advances in technology, coupled with inspiration from industries such as aviation and motorsports, means that choosing what your watch is made from is now more exciting than ever.
- Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
The most popular metal for a watch, stainless steel is tough, durable and able to cope with most of your challenges. Creating a sleek and contemporary style, a stainless steel watch will look as good in the boardroom as it will in the great outdoors.
Shop All Stainless Steel Watches - Gold
Gold
Perfect for making a glamorous style statement, gold and rose gold plated finishes are especially sought after from the big name fashion brands.
Shop All Gold Watches - Bi-metal
- Titanium
Titanium
Borrowed from the aviation industry, titanium is extremely hard-wearing, resilient and light-weight, whilst its characteristic matt grey lustre gives every style a cool, urban edge.
Shop All Titanium Watches - Ceramic
Ceramic
One of the latest high-tech materials, ceramic is surprisingly cool to the touch and has a light-weight, polished finish which is great for sporty styles.
Shop All Ceramic Watches
BUDGET
How Much Do You Want To Spend?
Deciding your budget will largely depend on what kind of watch you’re looking for. For example, a Swiss Made, automatic watch is a precisely engineered mechanical object and is extraordinarily labour-intensive to make. This level of craftsmanship will be reflected in the price tag which can stretch to many thousands.
- Under £200
Watches Under £200
Just because you’re not spending thousands on a watch, doesn’t mean you won’t get a decent piece of wristwear. Some of the best watches under £200 include pieces from the big fashion brands which will ensure you’re always at the cutting-edge of style.
Shop All Watches Under £200 - Under £1000
Watches Under £1000
With this amount to spend you’ll be able to choose from luxury watch brands and even some Swiss automatic movements. Watches from TAG Heuer, Gucci and Longines stand out as some of the best watches under £1000.
Shop All Watches Under £1000 - Under £3000
Watches Under £3000
If you’re making your first serious horological investment, choosing a watch in this price category will enable you to get your hands on some of the most respected names in Swiss watchmaking. The choice of style and function is vast here, so narrow down your choice by deciding what features you can’t live without.
Shop All Watches Under £3000 - Over £3000
Watches Over £3000
Now we’re really in the watch of a lifetime territory. Sometimes taking months of time-honoured Swiss craftsmanship to create just one watch, these timepieces are an investment in the traditional art of watchmaking. Choose from exclusive movements, Limited Editions and must-have collectors pieces.
Shop All Watches Over £3000
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Book An AppointmentSHOP BY PURPOSE
Watch Your Purpose
Deciding what functions you can’t live without is a great way to start narrowing down your choice.
Diving Watches
The main functions of a dive watch include:
- A unidirectional bezel which allows you to track your dive time.
- Easy-to-read luminous hour markers for optimal visibility under the water.
- High levels of waters resistance. At least 200m is required for scuba and recreational diving.
Pilot Watches
The main functions of an aviation watch include:
- A highly legible watch face with large, bold numerals.
- Resistance to losing time when exposed to changes in pressure and vibrations.
- Some pilots watches have additional complications which will allow to to make in-flight calculations such as air-speed and fuel usage
Military Watches
The main functions of a military watch include:
- A rugged construction which features some of the most ground-breaking materials in the world of watchmaking.
- A long battery life to keep pace with even your most arduous missions.
- Tactical military features such as a compass or even GPS.
Sailing Watches
The main functions of a sailing watch include:
- A countdown timer to keep track of the critical minutes before the start of a regatta.
- High levels of water resistance which help keep your watch running in even the most extreme sailing conditions.
- A GMT bezel to help you keep track of two different time-zones simultaneously.
Motorsport Watches
The main functions of a motorsport watch include:
- Plenty of gadgets such as a tachymetric bezel to ensure you’re never short of racing stats.
- Distinctive, high-contrast dials for ease of readability.
- Some of the Limited Edition racing watches feature partnerships with legendary racing teams such as Aston Martin Red Bull, Williams and Renault.
Dress Watches
The main functions of a dress watch include:
- Plenty of gadgets such as a tachymetric bezel to ensure you’re never short of racing stats.
- Distinctive, high-contrast dials for ease of readability.
- Some of the Limited Edition racing watches feature partnerships with legendary racing teams such as Aston Martin Red Bull, Williams and Renault.
Smart Watches
The main functions of a smart watch include:
- Plenty of gadgets such as a tachymetric bezel to ensure you’re never short of racing stats.
- Distinctive, high-contrast dials for ease of readability.
- Some of the Limited Edition racing watches feature partnerships with legendary racing teams such as Aston Martin Red Bull, Williams and Renault.
INSPIRATION & ADVICE
More Watch Inspiration
Read more watch inspiration and advice here.