First time buying a watch: How to choose the right one

Dec 14, 2017

A watch is the must-have fashion accessory that finishes a look. Wrist watches have become a symbol of personality, status, and character. So even if there are mobile phones to tell time, you really still need to have and wear one. But with so many makes and styles of watches on the market, how do you choose a wrist watch that suits you? If it’s your first time buying a wrist watch for yourself, then here are some important factors to consider when making a purchase.

Style

The type of watch you wear will say something about your image and style, so you should buy one which is in tune with your own personal style. Consider your personality and wardrobe and this should guide you on choosing the right watch. Casual or dressy, a simple classic style versus something making more of a statement, Ascension Brands has four different styles to help you make your decision easier: Protégé, Professional, Virtuoso, Prince

Price

Price is one of the most important factors to consider when you buy a new watch. Make sure you work out a budget and decide what you are willing to spend before you start looking. Top model watches can be expensive, so make sure that you don't get tempted and buy one that costs more than you can afford. A higher price does not always mean high quality! Ascension Brands has created a line of watches that are incredibly well priced so even young professionals just getting started can afford one. An ideal situation would be to maximize your value of a high-quality watch while still keeping your wallet full. Our entire range of Ascension watches fulfills that goal.

Quality

If you choose a well known brand, then you would hope the quality would be very high. But you should also ask about the individual features of the watch to decide whether it is a high-quality product. Check the case material, the type of leather use for the strap, the water resistance level, and make sure that the glass type covering the dial is strong. These factors will be responsible for ensuring that the watch lasts for many years so you can keep enjoying it for a long time to come. If you are paying an excess of hundreds of dollars, you should demand that you are getting lasting high-quality in return. Ascension provides the highest quality watch components across all of our collections. This includes sapphire crystal, Italian made calfskin leather, and 316L surgical grade stainless steel that literally compares to products at twice the price.

Glass Types

Plastic or acrylic, is the least expensive option and is most commonly found on lower-priced wristwatches. Plastic will not shatter or crack, but it does scratch easily.

Mid-priced watches most often utilize mineral crystal; it is not as scratch-resistant as sapphire. Additionally, if mineral crystal is bluntly hit on a certain angle – the glass can actually crack or shatter. In the luxury watch field, sapphire crystals are preferred. Sapphire is extremely strong and scratch resistant – making it the top choice for a fine timepiece. All Ascension watches use sapphire crystal glass.

Steel types

201

This is the lowest grade of stainless steel used in watches. 201 stainless steel is made up of 16-18% chromium and has low amount of nickel (3.5-5,5%). It holds the lowest resistance towards corrosion and rust.

304L

The most common quality grade of stainless steel is 304L. This grade contains between 18- 20% chromium and up to 12% nickel. However, the weakness of 304L is that it is susceptible to corrosion from chloride solutions that might cause “pitting” (i.e., small holes in the metal).

316L

The stainless steel grade chosen by most luxury watchmakers is 316L (most notably Omega, IWC and Patek Philippe). Stainless steel watches with 316L incorporate 2-3% molybdenum – an element that increases the corrosion resistance against chlorides. Due to its superior qualities, 316L is often referred to as surgical grade stainless steel (it is the grade preferred in biomedical applications). All Ascension watches are crafted from 316L stainless steel.

Water Resistance

3 ATM (30 meters) and below

This level of quality cannot guarantee the watch will be water resistant. Care should be taken, such as removing the watch when washing your hands. If your watch claims to be water resistant to 30 meters, it actually means it's just splash resistant. It does NOT mean the watch will be fine if you bring it 30 meters below sea level.

5 ATM (50 meters)

So you've got a watch with 50 meters of water resistance. Congratulations, you are hereby allowed to get it wet. However, you should minimize exposure to the water and probably still take it off. And by no means whatsoever should you dive with your watch. 50 meters of depth will not do it any favors.

10 ATM (100 meters)

A watch with 100 meters of water resistance has no problem hanging out in the water for a while, and will even be fine on an extended snorkeling excursion. Diving, however, should still be out of the question. You should have piece of mind knowing that no form of everyday water exposure is a threat to your watch like you would at less than 10 ATM. All Ascension watches are a minimum of 10 ATM water resistance.

Leather quality

Bands marked only as “genuine leather” with no background will be several layers of low quality leather bonded together with glue and then painted to look like a better quality leather. It's what is left over when the other, higher grades are stripped away. This grade of leather is acceptable if you're just buying something cheaply and don't care too much about its quality. A good general rule of thumb is the if company doesn’t give a lot of detail and info, it’s probably because they don’t want you to know. Ascension proudly uses Genuine Italian calfskin leather bands crafted by Hadley-Roma, the top watchband maker in North America.

Purpose

This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a new watch. You should remember that watches are not just to tell the time. Over the years, watches have evolved from something worn as a practicality to something that makes a statement to those around you. When it comes to choosing a watch, no matter which type you want to buy, ensure that it fits the purpose that you want it for in the first place. If it is just to look stylish when you are out socializing, then a classy gold model might be a good option to help you stand out. However, if you want to wear it while participating in a boardroom meeting, then a sleek watch that radiates elegance and potential is a better idea. Ascension helps those who have untapped potential tell the world to take notice. For you, the best is yet to come.

Brand Name

Another important thing to consider when buying a wrist watch is the brand. There are many excellent makers of watches, some of which you will be familiar with and some of which will be new to you. But keep in mind there are well known brands that make bad watches and unknown brands that make some of the best. Buying from a well established brand does not always mean you are getting a great value. Many times these companies will raise the prices tremendously since they lean on their name to cover up the lacking quality.

For Ascension, our goal is providing stylish watches with the utmost quality; we want to equip you with a luxurious look that won't break the bank. For young professionals who aspire to present confidence, ability, and experience, Ascension watches are a symbol of potential and capability in the form of a stylish and high quality timepiece.

Finally, whatever type of watch you want to buy, make sure that you keep the points above in mind to ensure that you choose the right watch for you. Look carefully, take your time and don't rush your decision, and you'll have a good chance of finding your ideal one.

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