A Guide to Wristwatches

History in Time

Louis Cartier invented the first wristwatch for a Franco-Brazilian inventor who had difficulty checking the time while in his first aircraft.

Similarly in World War One, officers in the First World War discovered that in battlefield situations, glancing at a wristwatch was far more convenient than having to reach for a pocket watch.

At the end of the war, demobilized soldiers were allowed to keep their watches and hence began the wristwatch trend amongst middle-class Western culture.

How to Buy a Wristwatch

There is little formal material to reference when purchasing a wristwatch so we are often left at the mercy of a salesperson for their knowledge.  Make an educated choice on your watch with these few pointers:

1. Frequent newsgroups and forums. Ask questions and follow discussions. There are a ton of watch fanatics out there – use their knowledge!
2. If you are considering a fine watch, get up to speed on your terminology.  It is more than likely that you will come across words that are foreign to you.  Review this comprehensive wristwatch glossary to help you out.
3. Go to an authorized retailer to see the top 3 or 4 watches you are considering.
4. Try it on – how does it feel?  Is the strap comfortable? Does it look right on your wrist?  Do you have an emotional pull towards it?
5. Carefully review the finishing for fine craftsmanship.
6. Like jewellery, watches are a personal choice so if you are shopping for someone other than yourself, the watch should be chosen with elements of the recipient’s personal style in mind.

Women

Ladies watches come in many different shapes and sizes but perhaps the most distinguishing difference appears between sports watches and the rest of the watch family.  These are designed specifically for sporting events, are usually sweat resistant and can include useful features such as heart rate monitors or pedometers.  Other common watch categories include casual and dress watches.

See All Women's Watches

Women's Watches (view all)
Mares M2 RGBM computer $325.00 at  onlineNauticalStore.com	Women's Roots® 'Mai Tai'... $45.00 at  Sears Canada	LL Bean: Luminox Special... $396.05 at  L.L.Bean, Inc.

Men

Once again, there are definite appropriate situations in which to wear a sports watch (as opposed to any other watch), although it is has recently become the trend, not to mention a status symbol, to wear formal diving watches out of their true context. Other common men’s watch categories include casual  and dress watches.

See All Men's Watches

Men's Watches (view all)
Men's Casio® G-Shock™... $119.99 at  Sears Canada	Timex Easy Trainer Heart... $70.00 at  Mountain Equipment Co-op	Gone Fishing Sportsman's... $179.00 at  Collectibles Today Canada

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