My assignment for this article was to provide advice and tips on how to buy a watch for the watch lover in your life. As I started writing the first draft, I found myself describing my own wish list and some of the subtle and not-so-subtle hints I’ve given my wife to let her know what my sad and lonely wrist desperately needs. The more I wrote, the more specific my words became, maybe because watches are so personal. 

Watches trigger a deep emotional connection. They feel alive with a steady heartbeat and a personality that’s right there with you every day. A favorite watch is a partner that keeps you on track and marks the passing of time, all while reflecting your personal style and attitude. When the right watch finds you, there’s an immediate bond. It melds to your wrist like it’s supposed to be there. It brings comfort at a glance. You trust it in a way that inspires confidence and makes you feel authentic.

Buying a watch for someone special can be intimidating, especially if you’re not a watch person yourself. There are lots of things to consider and the whole language of watchspeak can seem overwhelming. With the added pressure of wanting to pick the right watch – the one that is going to really connect – I thought that a little guidance from someone who has bought a lot of watches over the years might help. Here are some ideas to make shopping a little easier.

Look for the Signals

You may have noticed that your watch lover likes to talk about watches. Maybe a lot. Maybe enough that you’re hoping that buying a watch will quiet the narrative (it won’t). And if there is a particular watch he or she has been eyeing, chances are pretty good that you’ve heard the brand and model name spoken somewhere between 1 and 50,000 times, and that you’ve been shown pictures and videos along the way. Follow the breadcrumbs if they are laid out in front of you! In case my wife is reading this, mine points directly to a Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight with a blue dial and blue strap but there’s another path that leads to the brand new 39.5mm Zenith Chronomaster El Primero.

 

TUDOR BLACK BAY FIFTY-EIGHT – $3,745

Trust the Experts

There is a ton of information about watches on the internet. You’ll find reviews, technical discussions, new product launches, historical surveys, videos, podcasts, and on and on. But there is no substitute for holding a watch in your hand, strapping it around your wrist, and seeing how it looks in person. That’s when everything starts making sense and it’s the perfect time to learn about the watches you’re considering. Talk to the experts behind the counter at King Jewelers. They are all legit watch enthusiasts who can explain the nuances and translate watch speak into a language you’ll understand. 

Have a Budget in Mind

Watches can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few hundred thousand. There are a lot of factors that drive prices – materials, complications, type of movement, brand name, exclusivity – but you will find that there are great watches for any budget. You’ll find incredible workmanship and value in the under $1,000 category with brands like Longines, Mido, Zodiac, Zeroo Time, Hamilton, Raymond Weil, and Seiko. If your max is $5,000, you’ll open up great Swiss brands like Tudor, Tag Heuer, Zenith, IWC, Bell & Ross, and Oris. Beyond that are prestige brands including Girard Perregaux, H. Moser, JLC, Glashütte Original, Blancpain, and Breguet.

Watches Under $1,000

ZEROO TIME C2 – $299

RAYMOND WEIL TANGO 300 “PEPSI” – On sale for $937.50

 

MIDO OCEAN STAR TRIBUTE – $950

A Mechanical Approach

Most of the watches you find at King Jewelers are mechanical, which means they do not require a battery to operate. Some are wound by hand turning the crown to generate power while others wind themselves with every swing of the wrist. Those are called automatic watches. You can also choose from a range of quartz watches. They’re generally highly accurate, often quite thin, and may be priced lower than their mechanical cousins.

Consider the Complications

Complications is the term used to describe the functions that go beyond simple timekeeping. They include things like chronographs, dive watches, and watches that display multiple time zones. Think about your watch lover’s favorite activities and interests then look at watches built to support them.

A Matter of Style

For a lot of men, watches and maybe a ring or bracelet are the only pieces of jewelry they wear so it’s important to find a watch that complements their style. You’ll find classic, elegant timepieces from most manufacturers along with sporty and more casual options, too. Depending on your budget, you will be able to choose from watches made out of steel, yellow or rose gold, titanium, ceramic, and other exotic materials. You’ll also find watches embellished with diamonds and gemstones, and with highly decorated movements that are visible through exhibition case backs. Think about whether the watch will be worn every day or just for special occasions then narrow it down from there.

My last piece of advice is that you shouldn’t hesitate to give a watch as a gift. It’s something your watch lover will appreciate every time they look their gift watch in the face. Come visit the store or contact the watch experts at King Jewelers to help you find the perfect watch.

About the Author

Bobby Frank is a freelance writer and musician based in Nashville. He’s been an avid watch collector since discovering a sample case full of early digital watches at his father’s office in the late 1970s. Current favorites include the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight and Zenith Chronomaster. A timekeeper to his core, Bobby plays the drums in several bands that perform across the Southeast including Tennessee Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute band.