What to know when buying a watch as a gift

Buying someone a special gift is not always the easiest task to get right.

If it’s to celebrate a special event or achievement it can be trickier still.

However, for decades one gift has continually shone through as a perfect way to express that right mix of gratitude and pride - A classic watch.  

With this in mind, the team at the Melbourne Watch Company has put together a few thoughts on what we think a gift giver should keep in mind when looking to purchase a classic watch.

Featured Watch: Portsea Calendar Classic Rose

Consider their style

A good quality watch has many technical features to consider. However, as interesting and important as these are, the reality is no one is going to wear a watch that doesn’t suit them. Therefore, a good place to begin is by considering the taste and lifestyle of the person you are buying for.

Start with their dress sense. Do they regularly wear a suit or is their style quite casual? When it comes to lifestyle, are you more likely to find them on the sporting field or relaxing in a café?

Answering these questions will help point you towards watches that are formal looking or have a sportier design.

Featured Watch: Carlton Classic Rose

What about features and functions?

Many watches have different functions beyond simply telling the time. These functions are known as ‘complications’. For example, a watch that also tells you which date of the month is described as having a calendar complication, or one that has a stop watch function is referred to as a 'chronograph'.

Some watches like our Portsea Calendar display the date, day and month, which is referred to as a ‘triple calendar’ complication.

Many people like watches with complications, some don’t. It’s really is just a matter of taste.

Featured Watch: Portsea Calendar Classic

What about the inner workings?

If you look inside the case of a watch you will find the movement. Commonly described as the heart of a watch, the movement is what drives the hands and powers a watch’s complications.

However, as complex as these can be, you certainly don’t need to be an expert on their inner workings of a watch movement to choose the right one.

Out of all the things to consider, the most important question for most watch buyers is whether a quartz or an automatic movement is the best way to go.  

A quartz watch is powered by a battery, whereas an automatic watch is mechanical and is powered by a spring that self-winds when the watch is being worn.

Featured Watch: Lonsdale Auto Blue

Each one has their pros and cons. The major advantages of a quartz watch are that they are very accurate (to about +/- 1 second per day) and they require little maintenance.

However, many people are drawn to automatic watches because of a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship that has gone into creating the self-winding mechanism that powers it.

Some automatic watches (such as our Lonsdale model) have cases that display the movement under glass on their rear, which makes for a nice talking point.

 

When in doubt, go with the classics

Every person will prefer certain styles of watches depending on their tastes and interests, however there’s a strong argument that every man should own a classic dress watch.

Defined by their simplicity, the dress watch is a picture of elegance and sophistication. Think the horological equivalent of a sharply cut suit.

Featured Watch: Flinders Heritage Classic

Dress watches come in a number of different styles, but in our opinion are always best worn with a quality leather band.

When it’s really time to sharpen up, a classic dress watch is the one to reach for.


 

Do you need to see a watch in person?

Like a lot of products, watches can be bought with full confidence online if you’re buying from a trusted retailer.

At the Melbourne Watch Company we take pride in offering our customers a completely hassle free online purchasing experience. This includes free shipping and a 30 day returns policy. Our watches also come with a 2 year international manufacturers’ warranty.

If you are concerned about the size or fit, we also offer a handy sizing guide that you can download and print.


 

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