The Ultimate Watch Buying Guide: Finding the Right Timepiece with Timex

For most people, buying a watch is more than just having a convenient way to tell the time. Much like buying an engagement ring or any other piece of jewelry with significant meaning, buying a watch requires careful consideration and a bit of research. So, finding the perfect one can take time. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new addition to your collection or interested in buying your first watch, let us guide you through the process of buying a watch. 

Why Buying the Right Watch Matters 

A watch is a reflection of you. The type of watch you choose can show off your personality or sense of style, and will also differ depending on your lifestyle and the role it plays in your hobbies or work. Because of these factors, the watch you choose matters – after all, you don’t want to take a non-waterproof watch diving or get lost on a hike without a compass complication. 

What’s Your Budget? 

One important factor to consider when buying a watch is your budget. It’s not like an engagement ring where tradition dictates that you should spend a certain amount. Instead, you’ll find that there are many watches at a variety of different price points to suit a range of budgets. 

• Affordable – Affordable watches are typically priced at around $200 and below. They focus on functionality and often have a fairly basic design (which isn’t to say they’re boring), with minimal complications.  
• Entry Level – Entry level watches are timepieces released by luxury watch brands that are on the lower end of their price range but still showcase their expertise. They can be priced from anywhere between $200 - $1,000 and work as an introduction to the brand’s quality and style.  
• Mid-Range – These watches are a good balance of quality and affordability. They’re more of a splurge than an entry level watch but are likely to have more technical complications and show off the maker’s flair and quality. Expect to pay $500 – $5000 for a mid-range watch, depending on the brand.  
• Luxury – These high-end watches are the epitome of craftsmanship and style. Luxury watches have an almost limitless price range but the most prestigious brands charge tens of thousands of dollars for their most expensive models. Expect superior quality, intricate complications, and precious materials when buying a luxury watch.  

List Out Your Preferences 

Once you’ve decided on a budget for your future watch, you’ll next want to list the preferences you have. Doing so will help you find exactly what you want and get a watch that perfectly suits your tastes and lifestyle. 

This list might include details such as size, color or material (metal, eco-ceramic, etc.), what type of strap you want (fabric, leather, or metal), and what types of complications you would find most helpful.  

Common Watch Styles 

Style is an important consideration when choosing a watch. It’s likely to affect the overall price of your watch, which can impact your budget and how far your money will go.  

• Dress watches – These are watches that are often sleeker and minimalist in design. They’re less likely to have any complications than other types of watches beyond a day and date complication and are more suited for formal occasions such as weddings. Men’s dress watches often have leather or metal straps while women’s dress watches might have more elegant metal bracelets.  
• Casual watches – Ideal for everyday wear with simple but versatile styles, casual watches often have fun pops of color, novelty designs, or interesting details. Whether you’re looking for a men’s casual watch or a women’s casual watch, you’re less likely to find lots of complications or technical details than other types of watches.  
• Sports watches – Built with durability and functionality in mind, sports watches often feature more rugged designs and are usually resistant to water and corrosion, especially when it comes to dive and racing watches. You’re likely to find a lot of complications on sports watches such as diving bezels, compasses, and chronographs. Shop our range of men’s sports watches and women’s sports watches.  

If you’re unsure which watch will best suit you unique lifestyle, check out our useful guides on choosing the right men’s watch and choosing the best women’s watch. 

Choosing the Right Watch Band 

There are a few different types of watch bands (the part of the watch that secures it to your wrist). These are usually known as straps, bracelets, or attachments- each offering a different look, feel, and function. 

Your choice of watch band can dramatically change how your watch feels and can also serve as a way to express your personal style. Some bands are made for durability and flexibility, while others lean more into elegance or everyday practicality. For example, fabric or silicone straps are ideal for outdoor adventures thanks to their rugged and lightweight nature, while a metal bracelet lends a more polished look suitable for daily wear or formal occasions. 

Finding the right watch complications 

Watch complications are additional features that do much more than tell the time. They can include chronographs and tachymeters which help you measure elapsed time and speed, diving bezels which help you track your time underwater, and day and date complications to help you stay on top of your work week.  

Understanding the right complication for you ensures your watch perfectly supports your lifestyle and hobbies- whether you’re tracking workouts, managing your schedule, or diving underwater. You can learn more about watch complications here! 

Watch sizes 

The size of the watch is another important thing to consider. The size of the case affects the overall appearance of the watch on your wrist – you don’t want to go too large or too small for the best balance. In general, watch sizes range from 26mm to 46mm diameter. The best way to find the perfect size is to try them on to see how you enjoy the fit.  

Learning When to Buy 

Everyone wants to make sure their money goes as far as possible, so knowing when to buy a watch is just as important as knowing where you’ll be making your purchase.  

The best time of year to buy a watch is when your bank account says ‘yes’. But if you’re looking to get the most value for your money, most watchmakers have seasonal sales a couple times a year. Usually, these sales happen in the summer and in the winter around Black Friday or just before Christmas, or over the New Year period. A great strategy in getting a good deal would be to set up sales alerts so you get notified when your chosen watch is gets a discount!  

Find Your Perfect Watch Today 

There are so many different watch designs out there that you’re bound to find a style that suits you and your needs. For more information and inspiration for your next addition to your watch collection, check out all of our tick-talk watch guides. We cover everything from technical watch details like complications to styling tips on wearing a watch.