Came across this article on Fratello. I primarily consider watches as jewellery and for me the look of the watch is priority. I have been underwhelmed by a lot of watches that are talked about a lot when I see them in person. And many videos with best watch collections usually refer to the crystal, water resistance, other specs to recommend a watch. Just wanted to check with folks here, specially with multiple watches, do you consider looks secondary when looking for a watch?
If it’s a mechanical watch then the look and “feel” of the watch are the number one priority. When I buy a mechanical watch I’m already making a decision to buy a timekeeping device that is less accurate, less durable and requires more maintenance than its quartz equivalent. Even a top specced mechanical is going to be less practical and functional than a decent quartz. The aesthetics, charm and clever design of a mechanical movement is needed to make up for that.
The difference between losing 15 seconds a day and 5 seconds a day isn’t a big deal to me as I’ll need to reset the time regularly either way. If I need accuracy I’ll grab my atomic g shock that hasn’t lost a second in 15 years.
Water resistance is also good to have. But if I’m going swimming I’ll wear my Seiko solar diver.
Power reserve is pretty irrelevant to me once you get beyond the 36 hour mark or so. If I need a grab and go I’ll opt for the Seiko solar with 10 months power reserve.
I do always like to opt for sapphire crystal, as scratches can happen any time. But even that is less important with mechanical. Any situation with a high risk of impact I’ll be wearing the g shock or the solar Seiko again.
I think in any situation where specs actually matter, quartz is the way to go. So for me, there’s no point obsessing over mechanical specs.
Liking watches, first and foremost, is an expression of style. It’s a way for people to express themselves and come off as stylish as a result. What movement it has also contributes to it’s aesthetic appeal.
The only thing after looks is what materials the watch is made of. In general, people want their valuables to be made from valuable materials. It should not be cheap (breakable) and having it made out of rare materials is a great way for a consumer to express their own pride in their accomplishments- because they prove they capable of affording such a valuable and rare item.