A wristwatch is more than simply a timekeeping machine, it’s a reflection of your personality and should be suited to your lifestyle. Over time, we’ve seen the watch industry make significant advancements to adapt to people’s routines, including those involved in sport and aviation.
Take the Omega Speedmaster that went to the moon or the Navitimer from Breitling that enabled pilots to read and perform calculations under pressure.
So, whether you’re a business professional, athlete, or fashion-forward individual, this guide will walk you through how to pick the perfect watch for your lifestyle.
Research the various types of watches
Watches come in a variety of styles, each catering to a different activity or occasion. It’s important to decide how you’ll be using the watch and what features will benefit you the most. We’ll take a look at some of the types of watches below:
- Dive Watches – Designed to withstand underwater pressure, they typically have a unidirectional rotating bezel and impressive water resistance.
- Sports Watches – Built with durability and functionality in mind, these watches are suited towards the active individual, often including features like water resistance and robust materials.
- Aviation Watches – With large, legible dials and slide rules, these watches are equipped to deal with flight calculations and withstand air pressure without shattering.
- Dress Watches – The standard watch for those formal occasions, they feature a minimalist and stylish design in addition to a slim profile.
- Smartwatches – A modern take on the trusty timepiece, these watches combine technology with timekeeping and style. They also offer health tracking, connectivity, and customisation.
Prioritise features and functionality
When selecting one of the above watches, it’s important to consider what features will benefit you and your lifestyle most. If you’re often involved in water-based sports or prefer being outside, water resistance would be useful. Think about the depth and usage required, particularly for sports like swimming.
A chronograph is also essential in the field of sport, functioning as a dedicated stopwatch and allowing you to measure elapsed time. If you want to go that step further, a chronometer will provide you with the most accurate time measurement.
If fitness is your main focus, you’ll need a watch that is both lightweight and durable. The Endurance Pro collection by luxury watchmaker Breitling is expertly crafted to meet both these needs. With a special case crafted from Breitlight®, these watches are lightweight and highly resistant to traction, scratches, and corrosion.
Alternatively, you can opt for a smartwatch if monitoring your heart rate and health during workouts is important to you. Be mindful that these must be charged often as the battery life is nowhere near as efficient as those of traditional watches.
Explore materials and strap options
The materials of the watch and its strap play a significant role in both its appearance and functionality. When it comes to materials, stainless steel is a classic yet durable choice, while titanium stands out for its corrosion resistance and lightweight nature.
For those who appreciate the grandeur of a luxury watch, precious metals are a highly attractive choice, alongside sapphire crystal glass. This type of glass has unbeatable resistance against scratches and makes the watch more durable.
The choice of strap for your watch should ultimately come down to how you intend to use the watch. A leather strap exudes the most elegance and is fitting for both casual and formal occasions. Similarly, a metal strap is also relatively versatile and can apply to a variety of settings.
Rubber straps are capable of withstanding physical activity due to their flexibility and water resistance, while fabric straps should only really be worn in casual and relaxed situations.