The ABCs of Buying Luxury Watches

Monday, November 5th, 2007

While a watchs main function is to tell time, more and more of todays timepieces offer extra benefits — some serve as two-way radios, have built-in computers, or even monitor your position on earth using GPS. But while watches as a whole have increased in their utility, some go beyond the trendy bells and whistles and offer something more — timepieces that are built for life. Better known as luxury watches, here are a few things you will want to know before running off to make the big purchase.

Automatic versus Quartz

Lesson number one is understanding what makes these things tick . . . literally. When shopping for a luxury watch, it is important to know the difference between an automatic watch (without batteries) and a quartz watch (with batteries). The automatic watch functions as a result of the physical movement of the wearers wrist. Thus, if an automatic watch is not worn and is stationary for a prolonged period of time, the watch will stop ticking. A simple shake of the watch will put time back in motion.

A quartz watch works off of battery power. Generally, automatic watches are more expensive than quartz watches because precise engineering is required to produce mechanical functionality. Another statistic — nine out of ten womens watches are quartz because women are generally less interested in the automatic movement of the watch and are more interested in the style.

Caliber Automatic versus Standard Automatic

To better understand a watchs movement, it is helpful to compare this function to the engine of cars. As a Porsches engine differs from a Buicks, a watchs movement can vary significantly as well. A watchs movement is measured by calibers — the higher the caliber, the better the movement. What this means is that although automatic movements function without batteries, after a certain time period, the watch will be slightly off time. A high calibernumber will generate greater precision. For example, after 30 days of wearing a standard automatic with a low caliber, the time will be off by approximately 12 minutes, while a caliber 36 (a high caliber movement) will only be off by 2 minutes. If the watch is placed on a nightstand and not being worn, a standard automatic will last approximately 36 days until it stops ticking while a caliber 36 movement will run for 50 days. Naturally, the higher the caliber number, the more expensive the watch will be.

Pick the Watch to Match your Personality

With the variety of different luxury brands out there, it may be overwhelming to figure out which brand will best coincide with your watch-wearing needs. Different brands tend to specialize in certain areas of timekeeping. For example, TAG Heuer is known for its precise timekeeping accuracy in the world of sports, particularly in golf and auto-racing. In fact, TAG Heuers newest brand ambassador, Tiger Woods, has actually helped to design his own signature piece for the golfer who prefers to wear something light while hes on the course: the Link Tiger Woods Limited Edition. Tiger even provided input on the design and making of the luxury watch — its sub-dial is burgundy, (Tigers lucky playing color) standing for power and victory. The automatic-movement timepiece also has a black face and is inscribed with Tiger Woods name.

There are several factors that come into play when considering the investment in a luxury watch. These are just some first steps that will get you started on your way.

If you are interested in more information on the Link Tiger Woods Limited Edition and the Link series, call (866) 260-0460 or visit TAG Heuers Web site at www.tagheuer.com.

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Courtesy of ARA Content

Written By: ARA

The Complete Guide To Buying Watches

Wednesday, December 13th, 2006

As a big fan of watches in general and luxury watches in particular, I have decided to write this short guide to help you buy new watches.

I am a fan of discount Seiko watches I have a Seiko sporture watch, a Seiko body movement watch and a Seiko kinetic relay watch. All purchased in the last six months or so. I know most of you are less compulsive about watches so I have written this five steps guide to normal people:

1. Why do you want a new watch? What are the uses of the watch?

Your answer will determine which kind of watch you should look for. For example, If you are diving, I would suggest you get a Seiko diving watch. If you are a businesswoman, I would suggest you get a ladies Seiko watch and so on. Yet, you must know that watches can do much more than telling the time nowadays. Modern watches may even have a GPS or a MP3 player embedded inside them. Some watches are actually mini computers.

2. How much money are you willing to spend on your new watch?

I would not suggest you to spend thousands of dollars buying a luxury watch (Rolex watches, TAG Heuer etc.). I do not think that luxury watches are a symbol of a persons success. I think one of the discount Seiko watches shouldfit everyones budget.

3. Are you looking for an automatic watch or a quartz watch?

The difference, by the way, is that an automatic watch does not have batteries it is getting charged by the physical movement of the wrist. I personally prefer automatic watches like the Seiko body movement watch and the Seiko kinetic relay watch.

4. Which firm should the watch belong to Seiko, Swatch, Rolex, Omega or maybe a Replica watch?

You may have noticed that I am a big fan of Seiko. Seiko watches are the most reliable and have the quality of expensive luxury watches.

5. Where should you buy your new watch?

Definitely, buying watches online is much more worthy. The only question is in which online store.

About the Author:

Our experts made a research to find the best online watches store. Find the results on the Seiko mens watches best source. Find more valuable web content on http://www.tigilet.com

Written By: Paton Jackson