Types Of Watches By Movement
While shopping for watches you’ll find different types of movements. The movement is what powers the watch and allows it to tick. Different types of movements can affect things like how long the watch will run, timekeeping, and accuracy. We’ll explain in detail what these differences are so you can find the perfect watch that suits your lifestyle the best.
Mechanical Watches
A mechanical watch movement is powered by manually winding the crown which then winds the mainspring which stores the energy to power the watch movement. How often you need to manually wind a mechanical watch can vary from watch to watch. Some watches with mechanical movements can run for several days without winding, while others may need to be wound every 24 hours. In the user manual, you will generally find a power reserve indicator or recommendation of how often you will need to wind the movement. Their accuracy is generally +/- 20 seconds a day and is often found with higher price tags due to the intricate components in the movement that make the watch tick.
Automatic Watches
An automatic watch movement is a self-winding movement that is powered by the natural movement of the wearer’s wrist to wind the mainspring. It can do this by including a weighted rotor in the back of the case that spins with the movement of your wrist. The movement of the rotor winds the mainspring which then stores enough energy to keep the watch movement ticking. An automatic watch does not require manual winding with regular wear as there is enough energy stored in the mainspring from your daily movements. Automatic watches are also generally accurate +/- 20 seconds a day. They are perfect for those who don’t want to worry about a watch battery dying and wear their watch every day.
Quartz Watches
Quartz watches feature an electronic circuit that is regulated by a quartz crystal to keep time. Quartz movement watches are the most common movement you will find in watches these days because they offer unrivalled accuracy with +/- 15 seconds a month across a wide range of budgets. However, they do require a battery which needs to be changed around every three years.
Solar Watches
Solar watch movements are powered by solar cells that can convert light into energy, which is then used to power the watch movement. The energy that is absorbed by the collar cells is stored in a rechargeable battery which can keep the watch powered. These watches are low-maintenance because they don’t require battery-changing or movement winding and can be worn without any thought about the upkeep of the movement. They offer an accuracy of about +/- 15 seconds a month. They’re a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious as they do not require the use of disposable batteries.
Types Of Watches By Functionality
Different watch functionalities offer different features and fall mostly under personal preference as to what type is preferred.
Analogue Watches
Analogue watches display the time using a traditional clock face with three hands that point to the hour, minute, and second. Analogue watches can feature watch face complications that give you more information at the glance of the wrist, like a day and date window. Analogue watches are often chosen for their classic and timeless look. They are easy to use and don’t require any additional knowledge to operate.
Digital Watches
Digital watches are a type of watch that displays the time on a digital display using digits or numerals, rather than traditional watch hands. Digital watches do not contain any moving parts and rely on an electronic circuit to drive the LCD, or OLED screens that display the time. Digital watches also come packed full of great timekeeping features like alarms, stopwatches, countdown timers, and world time. Digital watches are available for a wide range of budgets which makes them a great choice for watch wearers who love sports, keeping active and modern designs.
Chronograph Watches
Chronograph watches have a traditional analogue watch face which has also been set with subdials. The typical chronograph function is a stopwatch, it is common to find chronographs with up to three subdials that keep track of different time measurements. These subdial functions are activated by pressing buttons located on the side of the watch case. The extra subdials are great for those who love using extra timekeeping features and their stylish sporty design. Chronograph watches are available in lots of different styles and budgets making them a great pickup for anyone looking for a new watch.
Hybrid Watches
Hybrid watches are a type of watch that combines the classic look of an analogue watch and a modern digital watch together. They come packed with functions typically found in smartwatches because they combine classic and digital watch mechanics. You can expect to find features like activity tracking, smartphone notifications, and GPS. Hybrid watches typically connect to smartphones through Bluetooth.
Types Of Watches By Style
Watches come in many different sizes and styles. Let your watch show off your personality and pick a style that resonates with your lifestyle and interests.
Aviator Watches
Aviator watches are also known as pilot’s watches and were originally designed with pilots and aviators in mind, however, their intricate style and practical designs make them an attractive choice for any watch lover. Aviator watches typically feature large dials, multiple timezone tracking, chronograph, rotating bezels, and luminescent hands and indices.
Military Watches
Military watches have been specifically designed to be suitable for military and law enforcement officers. They feature rugged builds that have been made to survive the harshest conditions. They’re durable, reliable, shock-resistant, water-resistant, and offer luminescent hands and indices for easy readability in the dark. Typically the watch of choice for military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and law enforcement.
Racing Watches
Racing watches have sporty designs and are packed with features that make them a great choice for those who participate in motorsports like car racing, motorcycle racing, and other high-speed sports. They are built to be incredibly precise, accurate, and durable and they commonly are found with chronograph functionality and a tachymeter scale on the bezel. If you’re someone who’s into motorsports, or someone who can appreciate a precise and durable watch, racing watches would be a great pick for you.
Diving Watches
As the name suggests, diving watches have been specifically designed for activities like scuba diving and elite watersports. They are built with an impressive water resistance rating with a minimum of 200 metres, with some diving watches being able to withstand up to 1000 underwater. They can be found with extra features that make them great for diving like a unidirectional bezel that helps keep track of dive times, luminescent hour hands and indices for visibility in low-light conditions, and screw-down crowns that help increase water resistance. If you spend a lot of time in and around water a diving watch is the perfect choice for you.
Field Watches
The field watch has been designed with military use in mind and has been made with rugged outdoor use in mind. They put all effort into simplicity, durability, and functionality so you have a tool ready on your wrist that can always be relied upon in an instant to give you accurate information. They generally have simple, minimalist dials that are easy to read, a respectable water resistance rating, a rugged build, and canvas or leather strap for increased comfortability and durability.
Fashion Watches
Above all else, fashion watches are built to stand out and get attention. While they may not be as precise as other watches in this list, fashion watches beat all of them in the flashy looks department. They often feature designs that are a pleasure to look at and chances are you can find a fashion watch made by your favourite brand designer or brand. They often have a fashion-forward design that keeps up with the current fashion trends, a variety of materials and finishes and is available at a wide range of budgets.
Luxury Watches
Luxury timepieces are the most high-end timepieces you can find and typically feature the highest quality materials and advanced movement and timekeeping features in the watch market. They are made by the finest luxury brands on the planet and are made with exceptional craftsmanship, they often feature timeless designs that will always look perfect with just about any outfit. Luxury watchmaking is a meticulous art form that has taken companies decades to perfect. So if you’re someone who values having the best of the best when it comes to building materials, craftsmanship, and accuracy, luxury watches are for you.
Smart Watches
Smart watches are a type of wearable smart technology with similar functions you’d find on a smartphone. They are designed to be used with your smartphone, using a Bluetooth connection they can send the information gathered by the sensors to each other. They can track fitness metrics like heart rate, control music playback, as well as make phone calls and send messages. Users generally navigate smart watches through a touch screen and rotating crown. If you’re someone who loves keeping track of things like steps, calories burned, heart rate, and GPS, smart watches are definitely the right choice for you.
Fitness Watches
Fitness watches are specifically made to monitor your fitness levels to help you hit your goals and milestones. Track fitness metrics like your heart rate, steps, calories burned, and sleep. These are great if you’re after a watch to primarily track your activity rather than a watch to primarily tell the time as they generally have smaller screens with less interactivity than smart watches. Fitness trackers generally have a sturdy build and a water resistance between 30-50 metres which means they’re perfectly fine to use in the shower and pool.
Pocket Watches
Pocket watches are timepieces that have been designed to be carried in a pocket rather than worn on your wrist. The pocket watch was commonly worn between the 18th and 19th centuries until wristwatches became popular after the First World War. While they aren’t too common in the 21st century they are still produced and sold today and are a great choice for those going for a vintage look. Pocket watches typically feather a round case with a hinged cover that protects the face and watch hands. They generally have mechanical movements which need to be manually wound, and a chain to attach to a vest or waistcoat.
Nurses Watches
A nurse’s watch is a type of watch that has been specifically designed with nurses and other healthcare professionals in mind. Nurses' watches are typically worn on a clip that is attached to their uniform. This allows them to have easy access to view the time without needing to move their wrist to check the time. Nurses' watches generally have a large easy-to-read analogue display, water resistance so they can be easily cleaned and disinfected, and a clip to be attached to their uniform.
Sports Watches
Sports watches have been specifically designed and manufactured for use in sports. They’re perfect for people with active lifestyles who want an accessory to help them track their physical activities like running, swimming, and cycling for example. They can typically be found with water resistance, and rugged builds depending on the sport they’re supposed to be used for. With features like a stopwatch, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and compasses it’s no wonder why they have become such a popular choice for watch enthusiasts.
Wood Watches
Wood watches are pretty self-explanatory, they are simply timepieces that feature cases or watch bands that have been crafted from 100% real wood. These are a popular choice among those who are trying to be more eco-friendly. These are interesting fashion accessories with a stylish finish that can’t be found anywhere else. What makes these watches so special is their standout wooden look, they often feature a quartz movement, lightweight design, and eco-friendly materials.
Dress Watches
Dress watches are timepieces that have been designed to be worn with formal and dressy attire. Perfect for business and other special occasions when you’re looking your best. They typically feature polished or brushed stainless steel or yellow gold. Dress watches generally have a simplified and understated style that will complement your outfit, rather than being the main focus. However, that hasn’t stopped some dress watches from adopting materials like platinum and diamonds for a more extravagant look.
