Cartier Watchmaking Prize 2025 | Talents

Introduction

This comprehensive Watch Buying Guide answers the most common questions about timepieces.
Whether you’re purchasing your first watch or adding to your collection, these expert insights help you make informed decisions.
From understanding movement types to choosing the right size for your wrist, you’ll find everything needed before making a purchase.

What Types of Watches Should You Consider? – Watch Buying Guide Insights

Understanding the five main categories helps narrow your options:

• Mechanical watches – Use springs and gears. No battery needed.
• Quartz watches – Battery-powered; most accurate.
• Automatic watches – Wind themselves from wrist movement.
• Digital watches – Display time numerically on a screen.
• Smartwatches – Connect to your phone and track fitness data.

Accuracy Expectations – Watch Buying Guide Tips

• Quartz watches – Lose about 15 seconds per month.
• Mechanical watches – Lose 20–40 seconds per day.
• Atomic watches – Lose 1 second every 100 million years.
• Your phone’s clock stays perfectly accurate.

Water Resistance Considerations

Water resistance ratings affect usage scenarios:

• 30m – Handles rain and handwashing
• 50m – Safe for swimming
• 100m – Suitable for snorkeling
• 200m+ – Scuba diving
  Replace gaskets every 2–3 years to maintain resistance.

Maintenance Schedule – Watch Buying Guide Advice

• Quartz watches – Battery replacement every 1–3 years.
• Mechanical watches – Full service every 3–5 years.
• Service costs: $200–800 depending on the brand.
  Watch for stopping, running fast/slow, or condensation under the crystal.

Pricing Strategy

• Budget watches – Plastic cases, basic movements
• Mid-range watches – Steel cases, reliable mechanisms
• Luxury watches – Precious metals, hand-finished details
  Remember: craftsmanship, materials, and brand prestige drive prices.

Sizing Advice

• 6–7 inch wrists – 38–42mm
• 7–8 inch wrists – 40–44mm
• 8+ inch wrists – 42–46mm
  Ensure lugs don’t overhang wrist edges.

Complications to Prioritize

• Date display – Useful daily
• GMT hand – Second time zone
• Chronograph – Stopwatch
• Moon phase – Decorative
• Annual calendar – Adjusts month lengths
  More complications = more things that can break.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean with a soft cloth
• Avoid extreme temperatures & magnets
• Wind manual watches daily
• Use watch winders for automatics
• Don’t adjust date between 9 PM–3 AM

Investment Potential

• Most watches lose value after purchase
• Only select Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet models appreciate
• Vintage watches from 1960s–70s show strong growth
• Buy watches you enjoy wearing, not solely for investment

Essential Tools

• Spring bar tool
• Case back opener
• Soft polishing cloth
• Watch cushion
• Demagnetizer

Where to Purchase

• Online – Better selection, often cheaper
• Physical stores – Try before buying
• Authorized dealers – Full warranties
• Grey market – Discounts, limited warranty
• Forums/eBay – Vintage pieces, verify authenticity

Learn More:

– Expert watch insights

– Watch reviews & buying guides

– Industry news and tips