The Guide to Buying Your First Classic Timepiece
Timepieces are an important symbol - as eye-catching as a sparkling piece of jewelry and as stylish as a tie or bag, a watch adds flair and fashionable accent to its wearer's attire. A timepiece is a statement, too, standing out on the wrist as a conversation piece. Yet when you're ready to purchase your first quality watch, determining where to start searching can be as tricky as how to begin the search altogether.
With so many different watch styles, features, and brands, understanding what makes an excellent timepiece is key before buying. To discover the right timepiece that will last for years to come and be worn daily with pride, you should know the following before heading out to shop.
Choose Classic Before Stylish Trends
First and foremost, it's important to determine what you'd like your watch to look like. Are you seeking a simple timepiece, one that features a plain face and a basic strap? Will you be wearing your watch with work attire, or do you need a timepiece that can handle an active lifestyle? Do you want complications like additional time zones, a calendar, or chronographs? Answering these questions will help you to outline what style of watch you'll want to look for.
If you plan to wear your timepiece daily, pairing it with both a professional suit and your casual weekend wear, then a timeless watch is your best bet - something with a classic, unadorned face that pairs with everything and never goes out of style. First-time watch buyers often stick with a classic watch as the piece to begin their collection. Rumanoff's selection of timeless timepieces that suit any watch wearer include choices like the Classima 10144 from the Baume and Mercier Classima Collection for men and the MK3644 from the Michael Kors Lake Collection for women.
However, if you're a bit more adventurous in your style and like to add pops of color or standout accessories meant to draw eyes your way, a brighter and larger watch will better suit you. Experienced timepiece collectors and wearers often add more fun and trendy styles with more details on the face and band to change things up. More decorative watches like the women's Michael Kors Spring Collection add pave stones and bracelet-like bands, while the Michael Kors Retrodome Collection adds a bright pop of color or more mechanical details for men.
Size Up Your Wrist
Once you've determined which style of watch you're most drawn to, it's time to figure out what size watch face works with your wrist. Timepieces cover a wide range of sizes, from round and large to tiny and rectangular. There are a few easy tips to follow no matter your wrist size: first, a watch should never look too small or petite, as though your wrist is overwhelming the timepiece. Additionally, the lugs of a watch shouldn't sit on your hand or into your arm; they should sit within the width of your wrist. If you have larger wrists or forearms, consider a bigger face for the right proportions.
Know Which Timepiece Brands Shine
Many first-time timepiece purchasers are torn between splurging on a luxury watch and more affordable options. There is truly no right answer - there are benefits to both choosing a brand steeped in history and those who are relative newcomers to the industry.
Iconic timepieces are well known for a reason: they have history, which comes with years of knowledge of the industry, the consumer, and watchmaking. Traditionally, the longer a brand has been crafting timepieces, the better their quality. Luxury Swiss watches like those created by Baume and Mercier, or those featuring Swiss movement like Michele, are considered the gold standard of timepieces. They are established brands using the best of the best in watchmaking: the Swiss tradition. For first-time watch buyers, these are sure to last in a collection for decades to come.
Brands and watchmakers beyond the most storied names also craft quality timepieces. If you're looking at a price point that doesn't include luxury watch options, there are countless other brands to consider - and they too have strong reputations. Fossil and Michael Kors have long been recognized and beloved by watch wearers everywhere for their durability and their fashionable styles. If you are unsure if a brand is worth buying, you can ask the experts at Rumanoff's Jewelry. Our staff is well versed in quality timepieces, and, as an authorized retailer of many exceptional brands, can guide you to the perfect fit based on your budget and your taste.
Visit Rumanoff's Jewelry to Find Your Next Timepiece
Now that you know how to select a classic watch sure to impress for years to come, you just need to find the right one - and Rumanoff's Jewelry is here to help. Armed with both decades of knowledge and friendly, experienced staff, the Hamden, Connecticut team is an authorized retailer for exquisite timepieces of all types. From luxury Swiss watches to fashionable everyday styles, Rumanoff's will guide you through the shopping experience.
There's no better place to begin the search for your first, or perhaps your next, timepiece than Rumanoff's Jewelry. Learn more about the selection of watches available for both men and women in our Hamden store and at Rumanoffs.com, or by reaching out via phone at 203-230-1199.
