Expertise


Here are a few tips to help you find the right watch

Perhaps you have already been considering buying a new watch for some time now, but, like many other people, you are finding it difficult to decide which model is ‘just right’ for you? To help you in your search for ‘the’ watch that will best match your personality and lifestyle, we have set out some of the main considerations in three steps. Naturally, you can also discuss your ideas with our advisors whenever you visit a Bucherer store. They are friendly and will enjoy helping you find just the perfect model for you.

We should, however, consider one important thing in advance: a relationship with a new watch has characteristics similar to a new personal relationship. It is during the day-to-day interactions that you come to recognise and cherish many positive features, but then again, this is also when less positive features and duties sometimes come to light. Luckily, as far as good quality watches are concerned, dissatisfactions can mostly be avoided by making a good initial choice, and positive experiences are always far more abundant.

  • Consider the fundamental question: Mechanical or Quartz?

    Mechanical watches are expensive, quartz cheap, right? – Sorry, Wrong!
    Mechanical watches are available at prices as low as one hundred Swiss Franks and quartz watches can cost upwards of ten thousand when they have special timekeeping features or are richly decorated. The decision between ‘mechanical’ and ‘quartz’ should not, therefore, be made on the basis of price, but rather on the question of what sort of relationship you want to have with your watch. To figure this out it helps to know a few things about living with the different watch ‘personalities’. For instance:

    In contrast to the comparatively ‘low-maintenance’ quartz watch, the mechanical models require significantly more care and attention. Since they must be regularly serviced and adjusted, they also demand generosity and devotion. Even a first class – extremely expensive – mechanical watch will not be quite as accurate as a quartz watch. This, however, is never considered to be a fault. A mechanical watch is forgiven for gaining or losing up to a couple of seconds in a day. This idiosyncrasy tends to add to the owner’s pride and wonder at the art of the watchmaker and the intricate inner world of his or her timepiece.

  • If you decide on a mechanical watch, the question is: Automatic or Manual-Winding?

    An automatic watch makes few demands. If it is worn every day, it will run without additional winding. In an automatic watch, the movements of the wearer combine with the force of gravity to cause a weight in the watch to swing around and turn a shaft that tightens the main spring.

    If, however, the watch is not worn for a few days, the spring will run down and, naturally, it will then need to be wound and re-set.
    A manually-wound watch, on the other hand, is a perfect ‘diva’ demanding that the owner pays her attention every day. A real watch lover will seldom consider this service to be a burden, however, the attention serves to deepen the relationship between himself, time and his watch.

  • Watches with complications – fun or frustration? Best ask for advice!

    Complications are the source of pride and fun for the declared watch fanatic.
    A real connoisseur always encounters the art and handwork of the watchmaker with respect and wonder because he knows that almost all the components of the watch are finished and assembled by hand.

    In order to grasp the true art of the complication and to really enjoy it, it is a good idea to have it explained. Beginners and newcomers should, however, be forewarned, that watchmaking masterpieces like ‘minute repetitions’ and ‘eternal calendars’ bring certain obligations with them.

    The operation of some of these extra-functions is seldom child’s-play, and the maintenance of an eternal calendar is best left to a qualified watchmaker. For beginners who would like to venture a step into this world, it is advisable to allow time to discuss the requirements and use of a chosen watch with our experts. It should also be apparent that such valuable timepieces should be purchased in trusted and specialised dealerships – Bucherer fits this description.