How to choose a watch: movement, case size and strap

You choose a watch with your eyes first, but you keep it for other reasons: a movement you understand, a case of the right size, a strap that's comfortable to wear every day. Here are the pointers that make the difference between a watch you wear and a watch that stays in a drawer.

Quartz or mechanical: two ways of telling the time

A quartz movement runs on a battery. It's very accurate, needs no maintenance and doesn't stop if you don't wear the watch. You just need to have the battery changed every two to three years by a watchmaker.
A mechanical movement runs without a battery, thanks to a spring. On an automatic watch, the spring winds itself with the movements of your wrist. On a hand-wound watch, you wind it by turning the crown. A mechanical watch stops if you don't wear it for a day or two: you simply set the time again.

Mechanical watches have a charm that quartz lacks: on a skeleton dial, you can see the gears turning. They are, however, slightly less accurate, by a few seconds a day. That's normal, and it isn't a fault.

Case size

The diameter of the case, in millimetres, changes the whole look of a watch:

Under 34 mm: a slim, discreet watch, often worn like a piece of jewellery.
34 to 38 mm: the most versatile size on a slim or medium wrist.
38 to 42 mm: the classic size for a men's watch, or for a women's watch with a bold style.
Over 42 mm: an imposing watch that gets noticed.

For a square or rectangular case, look at the height too: for the same diameter, it looks bigger than a round case. If you're hesitating and have a slim wrist, choose the smaller size: a watch that's too big overhangs the wrist and catches on sleeves.

The strap: steel, Milanese mesh or leather

A steel link bracelet is sturdy and smart. It can be shortened by removing links, which any watchmaker can do in a few minutes.
Milanese mesh is a weave of fine steel wires, as supple as fabric. It often fastens with a magnet, in which case it adjusts to the exact length, without tools.
Leather is the most comfortable and the warmest-looking. It develops a patina over time, but it doesn't like water: avoid getting it wet.

Water resistance: what it really means

The water resistance marked on a watch doesn't correspond to a diving depth: it's a pressure measured in a laboratory. In practice:

3 ATM (30 m): withstands splashes and rain. Don't wash your hands or swim with it on.
5 ATM (50 m): copes with the shower and a gentle swim.
10 ATM (100 m): suitable for swimming.

When a product page doesn't state any water resistance, treat the watch as not water-resistant, and take it off before washing your hands.

Caring for your watch

Wipe the case and metal bracelet with a soft, dry cloth; use a little soapy water on the metal only if the watch is water-resistant.
Keep it away from perfume, creams and high heat, which damage leather and seals.
Store it separately so the glass doesn't get scratched by other jewellery.

Our watches

Free delivery in France and across Europe, and 14 days to change your mind:

Women's watches: slim, square or round cases, with steel, leather or Milanese mesh straps.
Men's watches: mechanical watches, automatics with skeleton dials, and a few quartz models.