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
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 Movements
Mechanical 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 Movements
Automatic 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.
WATCH 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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Make An Appointment
We can help you find out which are the best watch brands for you with a specialised watch appointment at one of our stores.
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.
INSPIRATION & ADVICE
More Watch Inspiration
Read more watch inspiration and advice here.