We live in an age of mass-produced products, it’s hard to find quality. It seems the trend is towards fast fashion and not things that last. If you want to purchase jewelry that lasts a lifetime, you can feel lost and unsure of where to begin. In particular, one thing that everyone needs in their wardrobe is a quality watch. This is something that’s fashionable and necessary even in the age of smartphones.

Purchasing a low-quality watch will cost you. While you might save some cash when you make your initial purchase, you’ll likely discover it doesn’t hold up. It’ll rust quickly if its metal, not to mention the glass will quickly be full of scratches. In addition, it’s important to know how to spot counterfeit watches to avoid falling for an expensive scam.

A high-quality watch is more than just a way to tell the time. It’s a sign of style, sophistication, and timeless looks. You can’t fake a quality watch, so learn how to find the best one to fit your needs with the guide below. There’s a watch for you no matter your lifestyle, so let’s take a look at the best tips so you can wear your new watch with confidence. 

1. Look at the Covering

We’ve all experienced how annoying it is to scratch your watch for the first time. It doesn’t have to be this way. A high-quality watch will be resistant to scratches. This all comes down to the crystal that’s covering the watch face. Today, most watches have a crystal that’s made of either sapphire or mineral.

Mineral crystals are the cheapest option. You’ll find mineral crystals on lower-end watches, and they’ll scratch very easily. If you swipe your watch or accidentally drop it, you’ll have to deal with unsightly scratches. These scratches won’t come off with some buffing either.

Sapphire crystals are more expensive, and they’re also more resistant to scratches. This has been tested with things like knives along the glass, so you know it’s going to hold up for years. This is the best option on the market today, and it’s a sign of a luxury watch.

2. Check For Movement

The watch movement is how it keeps track of time. Good movement means having a reliable time while bad movement will lead to you running into time problems. Bad watches can lose several minutes a day, and that’s not good for your scheduling.

You can look to where the watch is made to learn more about its movement. Swiss watches like Tag Heuer watches are known for their excellent movement. Similarly, Japanese and German watches have a strong reputation in the movement category. The best suppliers in these companies have proven their ability to keep track of time without losing any seconds along the way.

3. Review the Band

If you’re choosing a leather band for your watch, you’ll want to take a closer look. Leather comes in a variety of qualities, and this is a way for many watch manufacturers to cut corners. The highest quality of leather is known as “full grain” and this has a durable top layer to keep your band safe. “Top grain” is a workable alternative.

What you want to avoid is wording like “genuine leather” which means the leather fibers are actually looser and not as strong. These types of poorly made bands won’t hold up over time, and they’re more likely to lose their shape. You want a durable, full grain leather

4. Feel for Weight

If you purchase your watch in person, make sure you check the weight carefully. Nice-looking watches can be deceiving in photos, but the weight doesn’t lie. A lightweight watch is a sign that the creator skimped when it comes to materials. You want a watch that has a healthy weight. It shouldn’t feel uncomfortable on your wrist, but it should be noticeable.

5. Choose the Right Material

Finally, learn the best materials to make sure you’re buying a quality watch. Most quality watches are made of stainless steel. You can find premium, luxury watches made of titanium or ceramic which is an even better option. Avoid watches with “normal” steel since these can actually cause skin irritation and they’re more likely to be affected by moisture.

Ensure your watch has a protective coating. Most have a PVD coating to make sure it keeps its cover. Frequent use of your watch will discolor it over time if it’s not properly coated. You can find coating materials on the back on the watch or with your manufacturer.

As you can see from the tips above, it’s not always easy to spot a quality watch. This watch will be a staple in your wardrobe. It will show your style and your commitment to class. Make sure it doesn’t fade quickly or damage with wear. The right watch might cost more upfront, but it will last you years or even a lifetime with proper care. Though pictures might convince you otherwise, all watches are not created equally. Listen to these tips above to choose a watch you trust to get you there on time.