A couple years ago, we touched on a few things you should consider when purchasing your first watch. We feel the time is ripe for updating our past buying guide. So whether you’ve already been bit by the watch bug or simply looking to buy your first “real” watch, here are our tips on purchasing a timepiece.

Quartz vs. Mechanical

We’ll admit that we’re a bit biased when it comes to the Quartz vs. Mechanical debate, but to each their own. There are trade offs to each (accuracy, craftsmanship, etc.), but many collectors tend to lean toward mechanical watches. All of our movements are made in house in Northern Japan, and have been lauded for their dependability and accuracy out of the box.

Functionality

Movement complications and functionality usually dictate the design of a watch, especially on the dial. We pride ourselves on the ability to offer a wide range of watches, from the simple AC00 with just a date indicator, to the ET0T, which features a slew of utility and depth of design, and the Neptune, a SCUBA-ready diver ready to explore the depths below. It’s important to consider what type of tools you need on your watch, whether for actual utility or for looks.

The Look

In our old guide, we recommended purchasing a watch based on what it will be used for. And while this tip still holds true, we also recommend browsing models that are versatile in appearance. Need something that will look as great in a suit and tie as it does a T-shirt and jeans? Try the AA02 USA II. Looking for a piece that’ll get you through the desk job to date night? The contemporary classic might be the answer. You have everything to gain by getting yourself a watch that can do both. The strap of the watch also contributes to the look of it, and while it is all up to you, some straps are better than others when it comes to handling certain environments and weather. Keep in mind that changing the strap on your watch isn’t as hard as you think, and there are a lot of different options available from third party sellers. Check out our guide here.

Size

We get a lot of questions about the size of our watches and if they’ll fit a certain wrist size. It’s not very easy to answer: believe it or not, trends in watch sizing have come and gone, which is why most of our collection sits in the middle between 40-42mm. The way a watch looks on the wrist is definitely subjective, and while some watches look downright silly, we think you should buy and wear what you like and what you think looks good.