Choosing a quality watch can seem complex, especially when you don’t know this sector very well and you see how vast the offer is… However, certain reliable criteria can allow you to identify, in just a few moments, a modern or vintage model of good quality. Materials, finishes, movement, reputation…by observing these elements, we quickly understand if a watch really deserves our attention!
Materials: the first reliable indicator
The material used to make the case is a great place to start. A serious watch is generally designed in stainless steela robust and corrosion-resistant metal. The steel can retain its natural color or be treated through a process called PVD to obtain a rendering Golden, black Or blue. A good PVD is easy to spot: uniform color, elegant depth and clean surface.
Some models use bronzea living metal that develops a patina over time, while others rely on more prestigious materials like money, gold or the platinum. Rarer, the latter are above all reserved for luxury watches!
THE bracelet can also be indicative of the quality of the watch, and this is all the more true for mid-range references. L’stainless steel ensures great durability, the genuine leather (sometimes exotic) brings a slightly more refined style, and the vulcanized rubber is perfectly suited to men’s sports watches to which it offers an unrivaled feel. There cloth and the nylon are materials which, in turn, underline the charm of military watches.
Finishes: the detail that changes everything
A quality watch is often recognized by its careful finishes. The housing must have clear edges and a controlled alternation of surfaces shiny polished And brushed. On entry-level watches, a engraved crown of the brand logo generally reveals an attention to detail. So, remember to look at this little button that is generally found at 3 o’clock…
THE dial betrays even better the level of production of a tocante. Finishes matte, brilliant, sunny Or shortbread, applied indexes, faceted handsperfectly clear prints and absence of dust under the glass: all signs which attest to serious construction!
Movement: an essential criterion
As you probably know, at the heart of every watch is its movement. And this is generally a good indicator allowing you to realize the general quality, and the level of reliability, of a model!
The movements mechanical And automatic are highly regarded and often supplied by reputable manufacturers like ETA, Sellita, Miyota, Seiko, La Joux-Perret or even Soprod. Some brands even design their house movesa sign of even more advanced know-how.
The movements quartzthey offer remarkable precision. The best come from Seiko, Ronda, Citizen/Miyota Or ISA. As for vintage watches, certain calibers France Drafts (FE) remain highly respected by enthusiasts.
Apart from these two large families, we also find hybrid movements: quartz solar, Kinetic Or mecaquartz. Here again, the quality depends above all on the manufacturer, but remember that these mainly come from Citizen or Seiko.
Origin and Brand: useful, but not decisive
We often hear that only watches Swiss are of quality, and it is frankly very reductive. To realize this, just browse watch forums and chat with enthusiasts. THE JapanL’Germany or the France also produce excellent watches. The main thing is not the country, but the care taken in manufacturing the model.
Likewise, we often hear people swear by certain brands… If opting for a model designed by a renowned watchmaking company can be seen as a measure of security, it remains essential to find out about each of the models that interest you. Indeed, the same brand can offer very high quality watches… and others that are less interesting. There is no substitute for analyzing materials, finishes, movement and design coherence!
As a conclusion, we can say that there are excellent watches in all price ranges. Some are accessible, others high-end, but all can be done well if they are thought out seriously. By learning to observe the right details, you can easily recognize a quality watch, whether it is a modern or vintage timepiece.
