The thing is, the wristwatch industry – even despite being closed down for several months earlier this year due to the pandemic – is a multi-billion-dollar business that believes in delivering exactly what the customer wants. Variety is the spice of life and watch brands are complying with demands that run the gamut from retro-inspired to racing-inspired and everything in between. Additionally, the new watches making their way (finally) to stores this fall are available in all price ranges, from the affordable below $1,000 realm to the million dollar sky’s-the-limit realm. So, how do you decide which watch (or watches if you’re building a collection) is right for you? There are some good rules of thumb when considering a watch for your adventures – even if that adventure is simply an elegant dinner out at a nice restaurant.

KNOW YOUR MECHANICAL LIKES 

Just like when you are buying a car, you know if you like something just by the looks of it. However, you can’t always judge by looks alone. Most likely you have a wish list of what you want under the hood, of the performance you’re looking for and the details inside. The same is true of a watch – looks will draw you in, but make sure the entire package is there. Do you want a self-winding mechanical watch (also called an automatic), or do you want a movement that is manually wound – meaning you have to physically turn the crown to power it up Some people love the ease of the watch winding itself as you wear it; others love the power of breathing life into the watch each time it is wound. Some people don’t care, as long as the watch is mechanical. Think about if this matters to you before you start shopping.

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF  

Another important consideration is your interests and hobbies. If you are a car enthusiast, you may want to look at racing-inspired watches from brands that partner with vintage rallies, contemporary super-speed races or even racecar drivers. If you’re a lover of all things vintage, you may want to look at the recreations of yesteryear that many brands are unveiling today to pay homage to their roots. Similarly, if you are into diving or aviation, there are entire genres of watches that go the distance with you and also speak volumes on your wrist about who you are and what you enjoy. For those who love the idea of a smart watch, Apple is not the only option. Today so many of the traditional watch brands are creating top-notch hybrid connected watches that offer dynamite dials and still perform the functions you want.