Buying an Automatic Watch – 8 Things to Look For

If you’re looking to pick up a watch, an automatic one is a fabulous choice. The devices don’t look like ordinary watches due to the multitude of gears they come with. They also work differently from normal timepieces as the movement from your arm powers them. Purchasing one requires that you keep a couple of things in mind. These ensure that you get a watch that works well and looks good with your outfit. We’ve run through 8 things that will help with this.

Size

You’ll notice that an automatic watch is bigger than a quartz piece. Remember that the watch components in them are more numerous. Depending on the manufacturer you’re working with, the size of the timepiece could be really big. Smaller watches are generally seen as ones below 40 mm. If you have a big wrist, something over 43 mm would do. If you’re familiar with fashion, you know that large and thin wearables affect your look. In case you have a thin wrist, a chunky automatic watch may go with what you’re wearing better.

Strap

Speaking of size, the strap a timepiece has effects how hefty it is. Automatic ones don’t come in specific bands. However, the clasp they have is influenced by the bracelet in place. If you’re someone who dresses in business suits, a stainless-steel bracelet with a deployant clasp is ideal. A deep leather band is great too. However, the leather should be genuine, or sweat will ruin it.

Minimalism

Ever heard of Bauhaus watches? They are uber minimalistic timepieces. They are inspired by the Bauhaus school of architecture. The devices have wide, black, or white dials with thin, metallic markers. Their minimalism makes them chic. Bauhaus designs are widely available on quartz pieces but automatic ones have them too – they are a stark contrast to regular automatic timepieces.

If you can’t splurge on a Swiss brand, getting a Bauhaus-inspired piece is a good move. Watchmakers from the region are known to design them the best, so you’ll look like you own a high-end device. Of course, watches that come in the style aren’t the only minimalistic ones around. You’ll find a couple of automatic timepieces that have bare displays.

Skeleton Dials

Automatic watches are famous for their skeleton dials. If you’re not a watch enthusiast, you probably don’t know what these are – they are cut outs in the display. This lets you peek into its insides. As mentioned, automatic watches have more parts than quartz ones. They especially have more gears, so being able to watch them move is mesmerizing.

Depending on the brand you’re purchasing from, the extent of the cutouts would differ. Many luxury manufacturers skimp on the extent of skeleton dials as it makes them look cheap – fashion brands are known to do them well.

If you’re looking to make a statement, go for a timepiece that also has a skeleton back. These timepieces usually have clear rears. They are a hard glass or plastic.

Colour

Automatic devices are unique; they move their gears through the motion in your arm. They essentially become a part of you, which some watch manufacturers emphasize by making their timepieces mute-toned. They don’t grab attention away from the automatic mechanism, but they might not go with your outfit. This is true for dive watches as they have automatic movements that are almost always black/grey and silver.

Jewels

Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or not, you’ve probably heard about “jewels” being used in automatic watches. Before you get too excited, know that they’re not real. They are synthetic versions that are placed between gears. The more there are, the smoother your device will run. What is the standard? Around 17-20. Watches that have a lot of jewels in them usually have skeleton backs, so you get to watch them at work. You’ll get an especially great view if you look through an exposed rear.

Although the majority of timepieces use pieces of glass, some utilize real jewels. This includes sapphire and rubies – rubies for the most part. If you’re going to splurge, know that these automatic devices cost an arm and a leg. Emeralds are used too. However, they aren’t placed between gears. Instead, they are ornamental and are on a timepiece’s dial.

Brand

Getting a watch from a luxury brand, regardless of its type would let people gawk at what you’re wearing. If you’re someone who cares about how they look, having an Omega, Rolex, or Audemars Piguet piece on your wrist would let everyone know that you have places to go. The logo they carry elevate the simplest of outfits as well.

Buy automatic watches from a good brand. There are countless parts in them, so buying them from a manufacturer that doesn’t make them well will result in your device not lasting very long. You don’t have to purchase from a high-end watchmaker to get a good quality automatic piece. Mid-range names like Seiko and Citizen are worth your while. Seiko is known as the leading name for automatic timepieces in Japan.

Mechanism

There are a myriad of automatic movements out there. Truly, the sky is the limit. Each mechanism influences how well your watch would work. This includes the jewels, power reserve, and hacking abilities in place. At the end of the day, Swiss automatic movements are best. They are made with in-house parts through handcrafted processes. A lot of swiss movements undergo traditions that are centuries old. As they’re made with great craftsmanship, they look the part too.

Final Thoughts

Automatic timepieces are worth the purchase. They work with you, so they’re truly like no other watch type. When getting hold of one, keep in mind a couple of things. These will ensure that you get a device that works the best and looks great with what you’re wearing. Pay attention to the size of your watch. Make note of the strap and jewels it comes with. If you’re looking to splurge, you’ll get a quality automatic device. However, brands like Seiko and Citizen do a good job too.