We live in interesting times. It is not just interesting and, probably, a turning point in all respects, but it is especially noticeable in the disappearance of old, familiar household items and the appearance of new, previously unheard of. The phrase that has become a meme: "You come to the forest - call me" - perfectly illustrates the novelty ... However, such processes and phenomena are characteristic not only of the current era. Let us recall the famous poem by Marshak "Yesterday and Today" about obsolete objects:
Kerosene lamp,
Stearic candle,
Bucket rocker
And an inkwell with a feather.
However, we are talking about our modernity and, most importantly, about wristwatches. It would seem - well, why are they today? Everyone now has a mobile phone, of course, it also has a watch, but with a lot of functions: current time (very accurate), alarms, switching to any time zone, measuring time intervals (i.e. chronograph function), countdown timers countdown, etc. etc. Well, are wristwatches a thing of the past?
But no! Perhaps it is paradoxical, but the fact is the fact: the clock is quite alive and relevant. Part of the matter is that they create or at least complement the image of a person, being in this sense an accessory. But from a purely utilitarian point of view - alive, alive, and how!
And now, suppose an important moment has come for you: you have come to the conclusion that something is missing on your wrist. “Something” is slyness, of course, there are not enough hours. You are trying to decide - which ones? And you find that the choice is incredibly wide, your eyes run wide. Where do you start? What type of watch, what brand, what model should you choose as your first wristwatch?
Well, let's try to systematize a little.
Price: expensive or not
Still, to begin with, probably not very much. We are not advocating very cheap ones, not at all; but some caution is appropriate. You’re not an expert yet, and you don’t have any experience yet - what if you don’t like the clock? It happens, it's a matter of taste, but is it worth the risk of unnecessary spending? Of course, everyone has their own notion of high cost, but averaging a little, they would recommend in your opening not to go beyond, say, 150 thousand rubles: this is about $ 2000, conditionally - the upper limit of the accessible luxury segment, i.e. affordable luxury. Above is already (also, of course, conditionally) luxury as such. Let's leave that for the future.
Golden
No! We do not recommend turning to gold immediately. Of course, watches made from it can be truly beautiful, and even prestigious, but nevertheless - here we are guided by the same principle of caution when choosing - it makes sense to start your watch career with stainless steel watches.
By the way, there are completely exclusive and expensive watch models from it, but in the price range with which we decided above, this is the main material. Except for high-tech composites, but we'll talk about them a little later. Steel is always an unmistakable choice, and it is always in trend too.
Mechanics or quartz
The watch world is very specific. Judge for yourself: electronic watches have the highest accuracy (a maximum of several seconds a month, this is provided by a quartz crystal vibrating at a frequency of 32 Hertz) and enormous autonomy (you just need to change the battery every few years). And a watch on pure mechanics runs with an accuracy of a few seconds too, but per day (the frequency of oscillations of the regulating body is about 768 thousand times lower), while a factory is required, if not daily, then a little less often.
And nevertheless: the mechanics are much more prestigious! The thing is that watch micromechanics is not just a technique, it is also an art. Imagine dozens or even hundreds of the smallest details - wheels, springs, screws - work in a well-coordinated ensemble! How much skill and talent have been put into this miracle! But there is also finishing: the mechanisms of good watches (and we only need good ones) are always delicately decorated. The mere realization of what is on your hand can warm your heart. Plus, the back cover of the case is often made transparent, so if you want you can admire the work of the "engine" - a separate pleasure! And for ordinary life, in which there are no super requirements, mechanical watches are absolutely suitable!
Nevertheless, we do not insist, because quartz watches are also very, very good, they can also please you. We will illustrate with examples a little later.
What country
If you ask the average person, with which country in the world he associates the very concept of "watch", then the answer will be: Switzerland. To a large extent, this is true, the marking “Swiss Made” on the dial is almost equivalent to the quality mark. However, it so happened that this marking itself heats up the price of the product (like a three-beam Mercedes star), and not always, if you look objectively, with due reason.
Not excluding Swiss products, we would advise debutants to pay attention to Japan. Perfectionism (almost fanatical), inherent in the masters from the Land of the Rising Sun, extends to watches, both electronic and mechanical, and the price level is noticeably lower. Examples are again below.
And most importantly: why ?!
Perhaps this is really the main question. So why do you need a wristwatch? How are you going to use them? Will you wear it all the time, on a daily basis? Then it is better to choose a moderately strict design and versatility, and in terms of functions, limit yourself to the classics: three arrows and, perhaps, a date, this is more than enough.
Or do you need a watch for special occasions, as they say, on the way out? To get even more attention? In this case, everything remains strictly with the functionality, but the design must be looked for in something unusual, since the proposals are countless.
Or, finally, do you lead a predominantly sports lifestyle, or even extreme is yours? Then, of course, we will search from the appropriate categories, preferring something multifunctional and brutal.
And now - a few promised examples.
Seiko SSA347J1
Mechanics, self-winding, power reserve 41 hours. The model is, of course, of high quality and classic universal character, suitable for every day. Stainless steel case and bracelet, case diameter 40,5 mm. There is no need to talk about facelessness, since there are also some "highlights": the blue dial, protected by the proprietary Hardlex glass of increased hardness, is very nicely finished (decor "sunbeams"), the date is displayed in a not quite standard way - with an arrow at 6 o'clock, there is also a power reserve indicator, this is useful.
We also note that beautiful and high-quality mechanics in a classic design (as well as quartz) and at reasonable prices are offered not only by Seiko, but also by other venerable companies that have historically made up the Japanese "Big Three" - this, in addition to Seiko, is also Orient and Citizen. All of them also have a fairly rich selection of models of a more sporty style, namely divers, including professional ones, some of them are equipped with additional functions.
Casio EFS-S580D-1AVUEF
build, allocated by the Japanese giant Casio as a separate brand, is positioned primarily as a motorsport brand. In particular, he is the official timekeeper of the Scuderia AlphaTauri Formula 1 racing team and the only one among all his “colleagues” in this capacity - quartz. This model, in a large (46,3 mm), but rather thin (12 mm) steel case and on a steel bracelet, is quite sporty, while remaining suitable for everyday wear. Pronounced "city dweller" with powerful energy.
The watch does not just work on quartz - the movement is powered by a solar battery. The dial, covered with a sapphire crystal, is made of carbon fiber with its specific braided pattern. And in terms of functionality, it is a chronograph, also equipped with a 24-hour sub-dial and a battery charge indicator. Water-resistant up to 100 m, luminous hands and hour markers - it's all right!
Speaking of Casio, one cannot fail to mention their other brand - the famous G-SHOCK, almost "indestructible" clock. Here, basically, a completely sporty style dominates, mostly reinforced plastic is used as a material, and the indication is digital. Although in the vast collection there are models with hands, and steel, and carbon fiber, and even from exotic materials. But that is another topic.
Oris 751-7761-40-65FC
Of course, we cannot do without Switzerland in the review. And Oris is a Swiss watch company that is firmly included in the "major league" of world watchmaking. One of the main historical specializations of the brand is an aviator's watch, and the model we have chosen is also a typical “pilot”. The versatile style is complemented by extremely clear readings, the use of SuperLuminova on the hands and indices, a large date window, and a large crown that is comfortable to operate even with gloves.
Bezel The steel 41-mm case is elegantly fluted, the sapphire crystal is almost impossible to scratch (only with a diamond), the fabric (leather-lined) strap is exemplary ergonomic. Self-winding mechanics, of course; power reserve 38 hours.
Ball BALL NM1080C-L14A-BK
Initially, the Ball company was American and specialized in high-precision (at the end of the XNUMXth and first half of the XNUMXth century) watches for the railways. Nowadays it has been Swiss for a long time, the railway specificity has been preserved in most of the collections, but now we have before us a watch, like the previous ones, a pilot's one. Well, let's be precise: today it is a pilot's style watch, but in reality aviators have been using equipment of a different nature for a long time ... However, an image is an image!
And, having chosen this watch, you will be able to organically use it every day, and surprise those around you with the features of the model: there is little super-clear and extra-large indication: the brand's proprietary Trigalight technology is also used - the backlight of the dial using microtubes filled with tritium gas. In this model, there are as many as 66 such tubes, and their greenish glow looks truly bewitching in the dark. Self-winding movement, 38-hour power reserve, steel case (46 mm), sapphire crystal, leather strap.
All previous examples were, nominally, watches for men. Today, in the era of gender equality, this is somewhat arbitrary, but nevertheless, we will complete the review with a purely female model, which looks like a full-fledged accessory "on the way out" (while remaining a full-fledged device for measuring time).
Cuervo and Sobrinos 3112.1MB
This Swiss brand with Cuban roots is characterized by its typically Caribbean design sophistication, and this model is no exception. It is difficult to tear yourself away from the contemplation of the play of mother-of-pearl (the dial is made of it), and yet the hour markers are also of the original form ... well, the hands, of course ... only the hour and minute ... and a couple of inscriptions - the name of the brand and the cult "Habana" ... and that's all, and more -that, in fact, nothing is needed! Sapphire crystal, steel case (diameter 34 mm, thickness only 7,1 mm), alligator leather strap, inside - Swiss quartz movement.
