What to Look for in a Watch: Picking Out High A High Quality Watch

Finding the watch that matches your taste and personality is not easy, and choosing one that will last generations makes it even harder to find the perfect watch. Did you know that in the olden days, they used to see watches as a sign of wealth? They also passed down watches throughout their family tree to be kept as a momentum of their family history. Nowadays there are so many brands and types of watches, that it’s hard to know which ones are made with high-quality materials and which ones are made with cheaper ones. It doesn’t matter how expensive the watch is; any watch can be a scam; you have to know how to spot the real ones.  Here are some things you should watch out for when you are looking for a high-quality watch. 

1. Check the Watch Case Material

The watch case (the body that holds the movement and dial) says a lot about quality.

• Stainless Steel: Durable, corrosion-resistant, and commonly used in mid- to high-quality watches. A great all-around option.
  
  
• Gold or Silver: Solid gold and silver watches are rare and expensive. If you’re buying one, make sure it’s not just gold- or silver-plated.
  
  
• Plated Metal: Often less durable. Look for signs of wear—plated watches can lose value if the outer coating rubs off.
  
  
• Plastic: Lightweight and cheap, usually found in low-end fashion or digital watches.
  
  

Pro tip: Look for markings or stamps on the back of the case. Precious metal watches will often have hallmarks or engravings indicating purity.

2. Inspect the Crystal (Watch Glass)

The crystal protects the face of the watch. There are three main types:

• Sapphire Crystal: The most scratch-resistant and durable. Often found in higher-end watches.
  
  
• Mineral Glass: A hardened glass that’s decent for everyday wear. Less expensive than sapphire.
  
  
• Acrylic (Plexiglass): Used in budget watches. It scratches easily, but it can be buffed out.
  
  

Quick test: Touch the glass to your lips. Acrylic will feel warm, while sapphire and mineral glass feel cold. Or, place a drop of water on the surface—if it beads up clearly, it's likely sapphire.

3. Look at the Movement Type

A watch’s movement is the internal mechanism that keeps time. It affects both accuracy and longevity.

• Quartz (battery-powered): Accurate, affordable, and low-maintenance.
  
  
• Automatic (self-winding): No battery required, but needs regular wear to stay charged.
  
  
• Mechanical: Powered by manual winding. Popular with collectors for its craftsmanship, but requires more care.
  
  

For daily use, quartz is the easiest and most budget-friendly. If you're a fan of tradition or horology, mechanical or automatic might appeal more.

‍

4. Pay Attention to Where It’s Made

Country of origin can tell you a lot about quality:

• Switzerland: Known for precision and luxury. Brands like Rolex, Omega, and TAG Heuer are Swiss-made.
  
  
• Germany: High craftsmanship, especially in mechanical and dress watches.
  
  
• Japan: Reliable and innovative. Seiko, Citizen, and Casio make excellent watches at great prices.
  
  
• China: Often associated with lower-quality mass production. Some models are good, but many are not built to last.
  
  

Always check the dial or case back for the country of manufacture.

5. Evaluate the Band Quality

A watch band should feel sturdy and comfortable. Common types include:

• Stainless Steel: Durable and sleek. Look for solid links, not hollow ones.
  
  
• Leather: Classic and stylish. Quality leather will feel soft and smell natural. before going in you could know more about types of leather to better help you out.
  
  
• Silicone or Rubber: Great for sports watches. Easy to clean and waterproof.
  
  
• Nylon: Lightweight and affordable, but not very luxurious.

‍

Bonus Tips: Red Flags to Avoid

• Missing or generic branding
  
  
• Lightweight, flimsy feel
  
  
• No serial numbers or country-of-origin markings
  
  
• Overly flashy design with no reputable brand behind it

Watches are more than just timekeepers—they're a reflection of your style, personality, and attention to detail. Now that you know what to look for in a watch, you can shop with confidence and avoid low-quality options. Whether you're drawn to classic designs or modern features, choosing the right watch comes down to knowing what matters most to you. If your looking to sell you watch now thats a different story, we'll get into that in a different article/