Buyers Guide: The Anatomy of an Analog Watch

Science meets artistry in the delicate intricacies of an analog watch. The subtle tic-toc of these timeless pieces sings sophistication. True gearheads may spend a fortune on a finely crafted watch while style-centric shoppers find affordably fashionable pieces sans the bells and whistles. In a digital age, there is something nostalgic, even romantic, about an analog watch that speaks to our sensible side.

Invest in a watch that will stand the test of time in style and in structure when you become familiar with the anatomy of an analog watch.

Crowns & Quartz

Analog watches are neither battery-powered nor digitally advanced, but harnesses the manpower of being regularly wound or through the energy of an electrically charged quartz crystal. For a lover of vintage, a mechanical watch is charming, but it’s not accurate. More indulgent than practical, a mechanical watch needs to be wound regularly via the crown located on the side of the case. A quartz watch, on the other hand, keeps time impeccably, losing only one minute per year on average.

Watch Crystal

Referred to in the watch world as the ‘crystal’, the clear covering over the watch’s face is an important piece to consider when you are investing in an analog watch. From scrapes to bumps, protect this delicate piece from its imminent abuse with materials that can take a beating. Plexiglass is the cheapest option and is least likely to shatter, but the most likely to scratch. On the other hand, traditional glass can shatter but it won’t scratch as easily. Synthetic sapphire, the most expensive option, will virtually never scratch, but will shatter easily.

Wrist Band

When investing in a watch that will last a lifetime, find one that speaks to your personality. Be it a precious metal or leather finish, there’s no wrong answer to which band you should choose. A leather option looks dapper but dignified. While a metallic finish has a grandiose presence that brings an air of power to your appearance.

Dials & Apertures

Additional features available in an analog watch range from simple to eccentric. A complex watch face can include a variety of dials and apertures (openings in the dial that displays information) from moon phase calendars to chronographs (stopwatch function), even a compass. Although these functions aren’t as dire as they were in previous decades, they bring a personality and class to your arm wear.

Take your time when choosing the right analog watch to invest in and choose one that will last a lifetime.

There is no time like the present to invest in a watch that's as sophisticated as it is timeless.