Designer Mens Watches—More Than Just Looks

For those that are devoted watch-wearers, or those that are contemplating purchasing their first watch, this article breaks down the most common types of designer mens watches, so that you can make an informed decision about your next watch purchase.

Movements:

When purchasing a watch, one of the first things that you’ll quickly discover is that the term “movement” is used a lot. But what exactly does “movement” refer to? Movement is more than just the sweep of the hands methodically moving around the watch face; it is also the inner mechanisms that produce that effect. The movement of the watch is essentially the “heart” of the watch. This is the component that allows a watch to work and keep time. There are three different types of watch movements: mechanical, automatic, and quartz. In this article, we are only going to focus on mechanical and quartz watches.

Mechanical Watches:

Mechanical watches use a mainspring—a coiled wire of metal, usually 9-13 inches long—that is wound by hand. The wound mainspring slowly and evenly unwinds, causing the second hand to seamlessly sweep around the face of the watch, keeping time. Not all mechanical movements are created equally. The amount of detail and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of each watch will determine the smoothness and accuracy of its mechanics.

For many watch enthusiasts, mechanical watches represent the best of the best of watches due to their traditional approach to time keeping, their intricate work, their engineering, and the details that go into creating each watch. For these watch connoisseurs, wearing a mechanical watch is more than just an attractive accessory to keep track of time, but also a way to express appreciation for the history, refinement, and craftsmanship that goes into the making of the watch.   

Pros of Mechanical Watches:

• No battery required. Mechanical watches are powered by a hand-wound mainspring, so there is no need for a battery.
• Smoother hand movements. The smooth sweeping movement of the hands is more aesthetically appealing for some, compared to the “tick, tick, tick” of a quartz watch.
• Character of the watch. A mechanical watch requires a great deal of engineering and craftsmanship to create. Inside each watchcase are tiny gears and springs, working together to keep time. Part of the charm and character of a mechanical watch is the hours upon hours spent by the watchmaker to perfect the inner workings of the watch.
• For some, the ritual of winding a watch every day is appealing and nostalgic.

 

Cons of Mechanical Watches:

• Regular winding required. In order for a mechanical watch to keep time, it requires regular winding of the mainspring.
• Because mechanical watches rely on a system of intricate springs and gears, its movement can be highly susceptible to the environment. Moisture, dust, shocks, and magnets are the four biggest downfalls of mechanical watches. Special care and attention should be given to avoid these elements to protect your watch.
• Not as accurate. The most well-crafted mechanical watches can keep time with a 99.999% accuracy rate, but this rate decreases over time. Mechanical watches require a tune-up every 5-10 years to maintain accuracy. Other factors that affect the accuracy of mechanical watches include the environment, and the fact that not all watches are created equal—some are naturally more accurate than others.
• Because of all of the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into creating a mechanical watch, it is understandably more expensive.

Quartz Watches:

The most common type of watch is a quartz watch. The reason that quartz watches are so popular and prevalent is that they are incredibly accurate and very affordable. Quartz watches are more accurate, because instead of relying on a wound mainspring, they are powered by a small battery that sends electricity through a tiny quartz crystal. This small amount of electricity causes the crystal to vibrate at a rate of 32,768 times per second. The vibrations are converted into a pulse, which moves the second hand. It is this electrical pulse that causes the “tick, tick, tick” movement of the watch.

Pros of Quartz Watches:

• Quartz watches are by far the most accurate type of watch. You’ll never lose seconds throughout the day.
• Low Maintenance. The only maintenance that a quartz watch requires is replacing the battery every year or so when it dies.
• Quartz watches are much friendlier to shock, moisture, dust, and magnets. If you have a job that requires a lot of rough and dirty work, a quartz watch is the way to go.
• Quartz watches are always going to be cheaper than mechanical watches. They range in price from the most basic at a few dollars, to a nicer one coming in at a few hundred dollars.

 

Cons of Quartz Watches:

• Not as smooth of movement. The second hand of a quartz watch isn’t as smooth as that of a mechanical watch, resulting in the iconic “tick, tick, tick” sound.
• Less romantic. The biggest downfall of quartz watches is that they lack the character, charm, and romance that a mechanical watch possesses. This is because they lack the history, technical craftsmanship, and engineering that mechanical watches known for.

 

When looking to purchase the perfect designer mens watches, Egard Watches has a wide selection of both mechanical and quartz watches guaranteed to excite even the newest of watch-owners. No matter if it’s mechanical or quartz, find a watch that not only tells the time, but speaks to you.