Mechanical men's watches: types and tips for choosing

You can hardly find a more versatile accessory that can simultaneously emphasize the status of a man and perform practical functions than mechanical wrist watch. A seemingly familiar accessory has a much greater impact on men than it might seem at first glance, which is why their choice should be taken as carefully as possible. This is especially true for the choice of the brand of the product, because not only the quality, but also the appearance depends on it.

There are two main watch movements: mechanical and quartz.. Mechanical watches - the oldest invention for determining the time. This mechanism is not difficult to operate: it only requires a timely plant. Products with mechanics are more expensive than quartz counterparts. This is due to the fact that the manufacture of the mechanism requires manual assembly, which, of course, is a rather lengthy process. Mechanical models can be called flawless, with the exception of a possible shift in time by 20-40 seconds forward or backward after a sufficiently long service life. Such a number of seconds is not even noticed, but it is necessary to periodically check the clock.

Modern manufacturers offer a huge range of mechanical watches. Depending on the material, distinguish steel, gold, silver... A watch made of precious metals is undoubtedly a prestigious and expensive thing, but also less practical than a watch made of stainless steel. By the presence of additional built-in functions of the clock can be with an alarm clock, chronograph, calendar, command. Such statutory features are a great addition to a watch. Commander's - the most accurate and most reliable models with an accurate stopwatch.

They are divided according to the type of body shockproof, waterproof, jewelry.

• Jewelry case made of precious metals with a relief texture, forming a pattern. Most often, the case is decorated with stones and rhinestones.
• Shockproof the case is more reliable than the usual one. It is assumed that such watches are not afraid of falls, but precautions should be taken.
• Waterproof models can be distinguished as the most practical. They do not need to be removed, for example, for showering or washing hands. However, they are not intended for submersion. On the back of the case, the level of water resistance is indicated.

Among the most reliable brands are these.

This brand is preferred as the most reliable. In addition to the prestige of the brand, Rolex is prized for its high wear resistance and quality coating... Within the assortment, you can choose a model for every taste: modern, vintage, on a metal or leather bracelet, with a built-in calendar, alarm clock and other functions. The cost of accessories of this brand is about 1,000,000 rubles.

A watchmaker with a long history, which has proven itself exclusively on the positive side. This brand will be of particular interest to connoisseurs of the art of the time. The family-owned Swiss manufactory is developing and expanding its range, introducing new technologies since 1839. All mechanisms are developed in the engineering department of the company, and most of the models are assembled by hand. The watches of this brand will serve for more than a dozen years.The cost for the original model reaches 1,500,000 rubles.

The Japanese brand, combining modern technology, simplicity and reliability, is presented on the market in the middle price segment. The cost for the model does not exceed 100,000 rubles, without sacrificing quality. Citizen offers shockproof stainless steel models with full additional functionality (calendar, alarm clock, switching between time zones). One of the main advantages of today is solar-powered watches. These models are presented in a special eco-series.

Seiko Is also a Japanese brand of reliable quality watches. The brand specializes in men's watches with a car for everyday wear. Like all Japanese-made watches, Seiko models are highly accurate. A wide range of models includes options for men of different professions and status, which is confirmed by the brand's pricing policy. The cost varies from 10 to 150 thousand rubles, depending on the model.

The most popular brand among the younger generation. The French company is distinguished by especially exquisite jewelry models, which is why it is especially highly valued among fashion lovers. In addition to the extremely attractive appearance, Cartier watches are not inferior in quality to competitors. The cost of such a watch will be about 150,000 to 1,000,000 rubles.

Here are some reliable models worthy of your attention.

• Rolex Submariner Date... A classic watch with a bright dial on a massive metal stainless steel bracelet will serve its owner for many years. The unique design is distinguished by the absence of defiant elements, thanks to which the accessory will perfectly emphasize the status of the owner.

• Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. One of the most popular Rolex models is unrivaled in design. The model with a precious metal coating will perfectly suit the business style of the owner or become an accent of a modern stylish look. The model has an ultra-precise stroke and a high degree of protection against shocks and liquid ingress.

• Patek Philippe 5327J. A classic model of a mechanical watch with an auto winding on a leather strap. The bracelet is made of genuine leather, the case is made of yellow gold. The mechanism has a built-in perpetual lunar calendar. The model is distinguished by its precision and durability of glass. The watch is made by hand, the details are finely worked out.

• Citizen BL8148-11H. Watches of Japanese quality are made in a classic style. A nice addition to the craftsmanship and precise movement is the built-in calendar and trendy strap made of genuine leather. All details are made flawlessly, such watches will emphasize the status of the owner and will serve for more than one year.

• Seiko SSB331P1. A classic Japanese model with a sporty feel. A metal bracelet made of stainless steel in combination with a shockproof case is suitable for everyday wear - both for sports men and for those who value practicality in accessories. The presence of mineral glass minimizes the number of scratches and the risk of chipping, which will certainly extend the life of the product.

The choice should be made based on a number of criteria. Perfect matching to each of them is a guarantee of a good choice.

The budget that a man is ready to spend on a mechanical watch should be determined before going to a specialized boutique. Based on this choice, it is worth looking closely at the models and evaluating them according to the following criteria, on which the price will depend. Correctly prioritized will make it possible to find the right model without exceeding the established purchase budget.

A reliable case will provide proper protection to the movement, which will directly affect the service life of the watch. Look for more durable materials like stainless steel, titanium or carbon. These materials are recommended as the most reliable. Also, the case back has important information: country of manufacture, water resistance, type of movement.The engraved information will not be erased from the socks, which means it will not be lost.

The method of fixing the watch on the wrist performs both aesthetic and practical functions: the strap should hold the watch firmly on the wrist and look attractive and stylish. When choosing a strap, give preference to higher quality models: neatly stitched, with good fittings... Modern manufacturers offer watches with a strap made of textiles, steel, rubber, and leather. Leather and steel straps are timeless classics worth seeing. For more sporty models, textiles are preferable as a material.

Just like the case, the glass fulfills the protective function of the watch mechanism itself. Manufacturers are currently offering three types of glass: plastic, mineral, sapphire. Plastic glass - the most budgetary option for a low price segment, as well as mineral. Sapphire glass - exclusively premium class, as they are the most expensive and reliable.

Choosing a watch is choosing a part of a man's image, which is why every detail is so important. Study the product carefully: the size and location of the hands, the sound of the movement, the color and texture of the bracelet, the main color of the case, and decorative elements. It is the details that will complete the image, create a complete picture, so you need to choose the right watch.

Proper care of a mechanical watch means avoiding external influences, both physical and chemical. Let's consider the main ones.

1. Blows. Obviously, strong blows will not improve the watch's performance, but they can affect the accuracy of the time or even lead to a complete malfunction of the watch. In the case of purchasing a shockproof watch, it is not advised to overestimate this property; such a model should also be treated with care.
2. A magnetic field. The watch will no longer be accurate under the influence of a magnetic field or near it. Avoid household appliances with magnetic fields (microwave oven, audio speakers). Also, remember to remove your watch before going through the detector's frame.
3. Temperatures. The watch mechanism instantly responds with a malfunction to sudden changes in temperature. It is not advised to keep a mechanical watch at extremely high temperatures (more than 45 C) and when the temperature drops below -5 degrees.
4. Chemical substances. Avoid direct contact with chemicals on the case, especially those that can react with the material of the watch: gasoline, thinner, glue, cosmetics.
5. Water. Waterproof watches have a level of protection indicated on the case back, if there is no such mark, avoid contact with water. This is especially true of jewelry mechanisms that have a textured surface that is highly exposed to water.
6. Storage... The products are packed in a box not for an aesthetic external choice; the watch box has a simple practical function: storage. A dry, clean place will help the watch maintain its presentable appearance for as long as possible.
7. Service maintenance. Never try to make repairs yourself, even minor ones. Entrust the matter in the hands of a professional, and the watch will serve for a long time. Contact a specialist for preventive maintenance of the mechanism (lubrication, cleaning) once every 2-3 years. For manual winding, read the instructions before adjusting. Different models require different number of revolutions for the plant.

Below is an overview of Japanese mechanical Seiko watches.