As a wise woman once said; ‘time is money’. And in a roundabout, convoluted kinda way, you’re welcome to spin that wisdom into the perfect excuse to buy a new watch. It’s a purchase that requires some serious foresight, however. Without wishing to bring your personal hygiene into it, a timepiece is more than likely the only item you’ll wear, day in, day out. As such, it needs to be understated yet a statement, to blend in with your style as a whole yet stand out as a piece on its own. A lot to consider then, so with the help of Babla’s Jewellers, here’s our 5 IDEAL tips for choosing your next watch
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION
Well, in the watch world, perhaps not. But before you go shopping for new wrist candy, you’ll need to decide exactly what you want from your watch. In the modern world, it’s unlikely you’re going to be genuinely reliant on it to keep time, though of course it needs to do that accurately to keep up the facade that it’s something more than glorified jewellery. If you’re looking for your watch to do more for you, like monitor your steps, your heart rate, serve as an alarm and the rest, then obviously a smartwatch is a smart choice. If you’re seeking precision, for the sake of training or work, then something durable and digital is your best bet. But more often than not, the watch’s appearance and level of comfort are the dealbreakers. In this case, form triumphs over function. 
MOVEMENTS
So let’s assume you’ve settled on an analog watch for appearance’s sake (the less said about hybrid watches, the better). Sorry to get technical, but ‘movements’ are something you’ll now need to consider. Often described as the beating heart of your watch, these movements are what makes things tick, literally. Generally speaking there are three options available; quartz, mechanical or automatic. Each has its pros and cons.
Of note, a quartz watch’s second hand sees each second tick whilst a mechanical’s second hand has a sweeping motion. Since quartz is battery powered, it’s generally reliable and low maintenance, but lacks that high level of craftsmanship so beloved of watch connoisseurs.
Mechanical watches, on the other hand, rely on a wound spring and gears to keep things moving, a problem as they’re more liable to break down. What’s more, they need winding at regular intervals.
Finally, an automatic watch runs on the kinetic energy transferred from the wearer’s wrist movements, the big detriment being that once the watch hasn’t been worn for a while, it stops. But nothing can beat the window view into the back of these watches; the cogs and mechanisms in motion simply look so cool. 
WARDROBE OVER WRIST
When honing in on the perfect watch, it’s really important that you consider the colours and styles which make up your wardrobe. As we’ve already established, your watch is more about looking good than actually telling the time, but it’s amazing how many buyers neglect to really consider how the watch’s look will fit in with their overall sense of fashion. If you like to dress from a minimalist, monochrome colour palette, for instance, then a watch with a tan strap is going to look really out of place and disrupt the whole synergy of your look. Should your style be channelling that 90s spirit (so back in fashion right now) then perhaps a Tommy Hilfiger watch in rose gold would be a good fit. Pull your focus away from the watch and think holistically here, we think.
KEEP THE STATEMENT SUBTLE
Yes, we’re all about the statement watch. After all, they’re an investment and as such need to be a piece that you’re proud to wear on any occasion. Versatility, which is found through keeping things subtle and not showy, is the key here. Subtlety of course takes many forms, but as a rule, keep the bling minimal and the golds and silvers reserved for accessorising rather than making up the main body of the piece. Most importantly, keep the watch face size harmonious and in accordance with your wrist size; in general a standard face should be 26-29mm and a mini watch’s 23-25mm in diameter. 
CONSIDER INTERCHANGEABLE BANDS
With versatility the name of the game, it might be wise to get a watch which has interchangeable straps, therefore allowing you the freedom to colour coordinate with your outfit a little easier. Supplement bands in all manner of different shades will only set you back about a tenner per piece.
