Imagine this scene…
You're at the mall, headed to your favorite steakhouse to meet some friends…
Then you stop dead in your tracks.
Wow! A shiny new watch on display.
Instantly you want it. You may be thinking…
- “That's not too expensive.”
- “Everyone knows this brand – an easy status upgrade!”
- “I don't love it, but I bet I could sell it for much more than this.”
Hold it right there.
When did you stop valuing money? Have you looked at any other watch brands? And how can you be so sure about the market in the future? (Hint: you can't)
Quite frankly, those silly rationalizations are some of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying a new watch.
Let's discuss some more below.
Mistake #1 – Buying A Watch Someone Else Wants You To Buy
Remember: you're a grown man. You should know how to make your own decisions for your suit, your tie, the shoes you wear to work, or the way you style your hair.
The same is true for your watch. I'm not saying you can't seek someone else's advice or look for suggestions. But you should make the final call. You should want the watch yourself because you like it, not because someone else has told you it's in right now.
So how exactly do you figure out which watch you'd want to buy? Start by reading the rest of this article. Having the right info is the first step in making the best decision.
Mistake #2 – Blindly Following Watch Trends
Yes, those hi-tech watches with computer-like features have made waves the last few years. But that doesn't mean they're a must-have.
There's a reason why trends come and go while classics – like analog watches – stay put. New styles don't replace them. We'll never tire of them. So keep that in mind.
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Mistake #3 – Ignoring Smaller & Lesser-Known Watch Brands
Have you ever seen commercials for big watch brands?
Isn't it impressive how they zoom in and show the watch from different angles, all while the lighting is perfect? Then they have athletes and celebrities wearing them on-screen. It's easy to see why so many watch buyers focus on those big names that have the budget to pull off such ads. But you don't have to do the same. You read RMRS so you know better.
Stylish men don't just buy watches based on their brand. That's secondary. They know they can get just as much out of a similar kind of watch from a smaller company, such as an online startup founded by two young gentlemen. All that matters is a superior design and quality. The stuff brands like MVMT™ Watches guarantee.
Can you imagine having a high-quality, chic watch that costs you as little as $95? Those watches exist! The guys at MVMT Watches are the reason they exist (and they're proud of that). They currently sell premium watches with original designs, plus sunglasses and other accessories. It's no wonder there are now about 1.5 million MVMT owners spanning over 160 countries. And the numbers keep growing.
Mistake #4 – Buying A Watch That's Too Loud & Distracting
When it comes to getting your first watch, don't swing for the fences. You want something good for daily use. Ideal for your environment and your day-to-day situations.
Are you a student? Don't think a bold, garish watch will win the favor of your teachers or help you ace your mid-terms. Pay attention to your school's dress codes (including the unwritten ones). Students in law or medicine may be expected to dress a certain way so as not to distract their peers in class. Watches like other forms of jewelry can be distracting.
If you're going to a job interview or starting a new job, don't let a loud watch sabotage your efforts to appear modest. You're not the boss. You're not the guy conducting the interview. You're a good 5-10 levels below those people for now. So don't try to one-up them with your watch (even unintentionally).
Mistake #5 – Choosing A Watch That's Too Large For You
You could pick out the most elegant watch with the finest details. And there might still be a chance that it doesn't work. Why? Because it's not the right size for your wrist.
The diagram above explains it all. Men’s watch cases normally range from 38 to 46 mm in size. To find out which watch case diameter is best for you, measure your wrist's circumference.
If your wrist is at least 7.5 inches in circumference, it's more compatible with larger watch cases that measure 45-46 mm. Cases over 46 mm tend to be too large for anyone (they're better for flashy showman-type outfits). Watches with a case smaller than 38 mm may fall into the women’s watch category as they're too small for most men.
Note: A well-proportioned men's watch should have a band whose width is half the case's diameter.
Mistake #6 – Not Considering The Type Of Watch Band
I believe it's a good idea to experiment with watch bands after buying your first watch. A different band can give the whole watch a heavier or lighter look. It can add more flair or simply complement the watch face. The types of bands to consider are:
- Leather – slims down the watch and gives it a more vintage look; the color should be similar to your belt and shoes. Leather is also the most formal option for watch band materials.
- Metal (gold, silver, titanium, etc.) – makes the watch appear larger and heavier. Note that it's more suitable for men with larger wrists, especially if it's stainless steel.
- Plastic or Rubber – not as stylish as leather/metal but since the material is lightweight and sturdy, it's perfect for active men who wear sports watches.
Mistake #7 – Spending Too Much Money On A Watch
At the end of the day, a watch is just a watch. It's not more important than next month's electricity bill. There's no good reason to pay an unreasonable price for any watch.
If you're looking for a new watch, have a predetermined budget for it that's within your means and do NOT go beyond it. No excuses. Obviously, this also means that you should never buy a watch (or any luxury item for that matter) on impulse. Don't bother debating whether it's expensive or not.
Mistake #8 – Buying A Watch As An Investment (Not Because You Like It)
Watches are some of the riskiest items to invest in. Why? Because their future is so unpredictable. Nobody can foresee how “vintage” that one particular style will become by the time you're 60, or if there's even still going to be a market for vintage watches. You're far less likely to regret buying a watch that you genuinely love wearing all the time.
Mistake #9 – Not Wearing The Watch You Buy
If you end up guilty of this mistake…the reason might be either:
- You're not used to wearing a watch regularly (and thus keep forgetting to put it on)
- You simply don't like it as much as you did at first
It's unfortunate if you realize it's the latter (reread mistakes #1 and #8 to prevent this) but you can solve the former with practice. Write yourself a note reminding you to wear your watch and stick it on your front door or the table where you set your keys.
Place the watch itself next to your tie or socks when you choose tomorrow's outfit before bed. Soon, wearing it will become second nature.
Mistake #10 – Discounting The Quartz Movement
Many people tend to overlook this watch detail. You can buy a watch with either a mechanical (based on gears and springs) or quartz (battery-powered) movement.
What's the difference? It's most clearly seen on the second hand. Quartz watches have a ticking second-hand motion that moves once each second, whereas mechanical watches use a constant sweeping motion. The mechanical type is further broken down into two categories: manual (which requires you to manually wind the mainspring) and automatic (which needs wrist motion in order to wind the mainspring).
I love both automatic and manual watches. But that doesn't mean you should take quartz watches out of consideration. They're still the classic choice. And the second hand's gentle, steady ticking motion is something to admire…reminding us that every second is precious. Be open to trying both types of movement for your watches.
Just A Reminder…
A watch is an accessory. It can enhance your appearance and give you that little extra edge over the other men in the room. You want it to catch people's attention – but at the same time – without making you look like a snob or show-off.
So whether it's your first watch or your twentieth, choose carefully. Make sure you'll wear the watch often and confidently. Stay humble and true to yourself. Don't let the watch wear you.
