How to choose a wristwatch
This guide helps you understand which criteria to compare before you buy a product. We do not claim to have tested any product, and the guide contains no price or stock information.
Checklist
- Choose the movement: quartz is accurate and low-maintenance, automatic needs no battery but needs servicing.
- Measure your wrist and compare case diameter and lug-to-lug length, not only the diameter.
- Check the crystal: sapphire resists scratches far better than mineral glass.
- Read the water resistance correctly: 30 m means splash-proof, 100 m or more is for swimming.
- Look at the strap or bracelet material and whether it is easy to change.
- Check the warranty length, who honours it in your country and what a battery change or service costs.
- For Swiss watches, look for the "Swiss Made" marking and buy from the brand or an authorised retailer.
Before you head to the store
Confirm the exact model number, whether it can be delivered to your address, the final total price, shipping costs, the return period and the seller's reliability directly with the store. For cross-border purchases, taxes, customs and warranty terms may differ.