Men's wristwatches and their characteristics
Men who have not yet looked closely at watches are often unaware of just how broad the range of men's watches is today. The market offers numerous different types of watch for men, which differ at first glance in their design and, at second glance, in their functions and in the philosophy behind them. From the simple radio-controlled watch with a minimal set of functions, through classically elegant analogue watches, to the complication-rich masterpiece of watchmaking, a wide field of possibilities opens up for the interested watch enthusiast.
Complications: concentrated functionality on the wrist
Complications are what define a watch in the eyes of many collectors and long-standing watch enthusiasts. They determine what a watch can do on a functional level and, in many cases, can only be realised through outstanding craftsmanship and technical skill. In principle this covers everything that goes beyond the mere display of hours, minutes and seconds, for example the following functions:
Power reserve indicator
The power reserve indicator makes it easier to wind a mechanical watch at the ideal moment and thereby achieve optimum accuracy. The function is often realised as a scale with a hand on the dial: as the power reserve runs down, the hand moves towards the lower end of the scale, and after winding it begins again at the top.
Date display
The date display on a wristwatch does exactly what its name suggests: it shows the date. Usually a small, transparent window is set into the dial, behind which a date disc sits and indicates the day. For better legibility, some manufacturers fit a magnifying lens above the date numerals, which incidentally are particularly often placed at the three o'clock position. The alternative is a pointer date, in which a hand moves along a scale on the dial of the wristwatch to the current date.
Moon phase
A comparatively rare complication is the moon phase display. Men's watches with this function show the moon in its current phase, often literally as a small image of the new, full, waning or waxing moon. In purely practical terms the complication is of little interest to most people, but it undoubtedly has a great deal of charm and can give a men's watch that certain something.
Perpetual calendar
The perpetual calendar, which counts among the "grand complications" of watches, shows not only the day but also the month and the year, and even takes leap years into account. Provided that a watch with a perpetual calendar runs without interruption, it therefore always shows the precisely correct date without ever having to be reset.
Second time zone
Frequent flyers and globetrotters benefit from a men's watch that can display more than one time zone. Such timepieces are known as world time or GMT watches and often also have a day/night indicator. In this way, despite the twelve-hour dial, there is no confusion between daytime and night-time.
Stopwatch function and flyback
One of the more elaborate complications in men's watches is certainly the "stopwatch function". Here we are speaking of men's chronographs, which have additional pushers and totalisers for stopping time precisely. With so-called flyback chronographs this works particularly conveniently: instead of having to press the relevant pusher once each for start, reset and stop, a single press of the flyback pusher is enough and the hand "flies" back across the dial. The next step up from the chronograph is the double chronograph, which works with a split-seconds hand and allows two measurements to run at the same time.
Tourbillon
The tourbillon, invented more than two centuries ago, is intended to increase the precision of watch movements, or at least to preserve it when the watches are exposed to certain stresses over years of use. To achieve this, the oscillating and escapement system is placed in a kind of cage, in which it rotates around its own axis once a minute. The complex technology behind it is anything but new, yet it is no less impressive today than it was two hundred years ago.
Repeater
Repeater watches for men are exceedingly rare and therefore all the more fascinating. These special timepieces announce the time acoustically. They have a striking mechanism that translates the hours, quarter hours and minutes into different tones and ensures that the time can literally be heard. Today this no longer serves any real practical purpose, yet the repeater remains a complication that astonishes watch enthusiasts across the board.
The movement: automatic and quartz compared
What drives a watch is of course also decisive. This raises the question: a men's watch with a mechanical movement, or a quartz watch - which is better? The unsatisfying answer is that it depends entirely on one's personal idea of the perfect men's watch. In any case, it is worth looking at the two options in some detail. The men's automatic watch of earlier days had a manual winding mechanism with which the mainspring had to be wound by hand. Today, newly produced mechanical wristwatches are predominantly automatic watches. This means that they use the motion generated when the watches are worn in order to wind themselves. A quartz watch, by contrast, works with a battery which, in combination with a quartz crystal, drives it - an entirely different operating principle. Put briefly, one could say that the quartz watch is favoured by low servicing requirements and often somewhat higher precision, while the men's watch with a mechanical movement is the more traditional, the technically more sophisticated and frequently the more durable choice.
The design: types of watch and their "outward qualities"
Inner qualities may be what counts, but the outward ones are not to be neglected entirely - at least not with men's watches! In this respect, choosing the right men's watch is above all a question of type: anyone who values a sporting character and a look that leaves no doubt about the watch's high functionality will find diver's watches an obvious choice. These water-resistant sports watches usually have luminous numerals and place the emphasis on robustness and functional strength. Many chronographs are no less sporting, for among them are wristwatches developed in line with the requirements of racing drivers. Should it rather be a type of watch that radiates elegance, a sense of style and success? Then it is worth considering a few dress watches. These watches are made to underline the formal look of the discerning gentleman and go particularly well with a suit or dinner jacket. In terms of functions they often confine themselves to the essentials and stake everything on a thoroughly classic, refined appearance. Men who want a solid case, an unadorned dial and a clear, straightforward design in a watch will take pleasure in aviator and pilot's watches. A men's watch of this kind can be read at a glance with razor-sharp clarity, typically has a fairly large diameter and, in terms of the technology "on board", can offer such things as a second time zone, a chronograph function or a date display.
The material: quality you can feel
There are of course men's watches in a variety of materials, and many models from the great brands therefore present the buyer with a choice: should it be a luxurious timepiece in gold, a solid wristwatch in silver, or perhaps a model in stainless steel? The difference sometimes lies in the price, but that is by no means always a reliable guide. On the secondary market in particular, a sought-after men's watch in stainless steel can cost more than a less sought-after wristwatch made of what is actually a more expensive metal. While pieces in rose gold are the absolute exception among men's watches, more and more watches for men play with a combination of different metals. The result is bi-colour pieces, for example in gold and stainless steel. Alongside these there are men's watches in platinum, whose quality is hard to surpass, and watches set with diamonds or other precious stones. Anyone looking for a men's watch whose price is apparent from a distance, and who is not tied to a limited budget, will find such opulent analogue watches the obvious choice.
Details in focus: straps and bracelets as an expression of good style
When men talk about their watches, there is naturally a great deal of discussion about preferred brands, complications and the movement. What tends to be forgotten and treated somewhat as an afterthought is the strap. At first sight it may not be quite as exciting as an elaborate function, but it is of great importance for the visual effect of a watch and for the comfort of its owner. For however reliable, functional and complex a watch may be: if the strap is not right visually or to the touch, it becomes a distraction. First and foremost, the strap of a men's watch must offer the wearer comfort. It should sit pleasantly against the wrist, be the correct length and interfere as little as possible with everyday activities. Beyond that, the material is a relevant consideration. Very common are wristwatches in which case and bracelet are made of the same material, for example stainless steel, silver or gold. Some men's wristwatches, however, come into their own when combined with a leather watch strap, a textile strap or even a silicone strap. Leather suits classically elegant watches, for instance, while silicone and textile straps emphasise the robustness of a men's watch and can express the practically minded attitude of its wearer.
Variety at the highest level: the HORANDO selection of men's watches
As a specialist in high-quality branded watches, we at HORANDO carry a large selection of watches for men. On the way to the perfect watch, our customers enjoy the following advantages:
Great brands, outstanding watches
Our range comprises more than 4,000 watches, including a particularly large number of models for men. Here we concentrate specifically on wristwatches from the luxury segment and on pieces from brands that have made a good name for themselves in the world of watches. This makes us an ideal port of call for gentlemen who take an interest in high-quality, luxurious watches, who recognise their value and who are able to invest accordingly. Among much else, our assortment includes selected men's watches from sought-after collections by Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Hublot, IWC, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Seiko, TAG Heuer and Zenith. A wide variety of watch types is represented, for example automatic watches with date, men's chronographs and authentic vintage wristwatches with a smart leather strap.
Searching and finding watches: settings for targeted browsing
With such a large selection of watches, matters can quickly become confusing! To prevent exactly that, the HORANDO online shop offers the option of applying various filters. This makes it possible to display, for example, only watches from particular brands, within a freely adjustable price range, with an automatic movement, with a chronograph function or from a specific year of manufacture. The filter options even extend to the details: it is no trouble at all to search specifically, with a few clicks, for a watch with sapphire crystal, with a leather strap or with a black dial. Anyone who already has a rough idea of what they want can make the search for their new men's watch extremely targeted.
A purchase with many benefits
Buying men's watches at HORANDO is convenient and straightforward. We dispatch every watch insured and free of charge to its new home, alternatively offer collection of the men's watch from our shop, accept various methods of payment and, on request, take used watches in part exchange. Should a men's watch unexpectedly turn out to be the wrong choice, it can be returned without difficulty thanks to the 14-day right of return.
Guaranteed genuine: the authenticated men's watches from HORANDO
A certain caution is called for particularly when buying high-quality men's watches of the kind we offer at HORANDO. After all, the trade in counterfeit watches is extremely lucrative, and as a buyer it is not always possible to tell an original from a good fake. We take that task off our customers' hands! Our experts examine every men's watch conscientiously, so that only guaranteed genuine watches reach the shop.
Support and assistance at a click
Despite the variety of watches for men that we offer on an ongoing basis, the model you are looking for is not among them? Then head for the Watchfinder! The form asks for a few details about the watch you are seeking and gives us the basis on which to set to work. We draw on our international network and do our utmost to find the men's watch in question and to offer it on fair terms. Within 24 hours we report back with the current position. For any other matter, our customer service team can be contacted at any time.
4 tips for buying - the way to the perfect men's watch
These tips will ensure that the search for a men's wristwatch comes to a thoroughly successful conclusion:
#1: Define your expectations
Knowing as precisely as possible what your personal dream watch looks like and which criteria it should meet is half the battle. Given the vast choice on the market, it is scarcely possible to look at even a fraction of the watches available for men. Without a rough idea of the kind of men's watch you are seeking, endless browsing without a satisfactory result is inevitable. It therefore makes sense to give some thought to the following first:
- Into which category (pilot's chronograph, dress watch, diver's watch, etc.) should the men's watch fall?
- For which occasions is the men's watch intended?
- Does your personal preference lie with a quartz or an automatic movement?
- Which functions would you not want to do without on the watch?
- Which additional functions would be "nice to have" but not essential?
- Should the men's watch be water-resistant, particularly shock-resistant or even exceptionally resistant to magnetic fields?
- Which brands of men's watch come into consideration?
- Which purely visual preferences (e.g. colour of the dial, shape of the case, etc.) apply?
- Are there any requirements regarding the materials of the straps and bracelets?
- What limits are set on the budget for the men's watch?
#2: Compare watch models
Once you have gained an overview of the men's watches that match the expectations defined beforehand, the next step is to make an initial selection and settle on a few favourites. These can then be compared in more detail to see where the greatest differences lie. In this way one wristwatch after another is eliminated from the shortlist until, at the end, only a single men's watch remains - the best of the best, so to speak!
#3: Buy from reputable watch dealers
Luxury watches are better not bought "just anywhere". It is strongly advisable to turn to a reputable dealer. After all, these are rather costly pieces.
#4: Pay attention to authenticity
The third tip leads directly to the fourth: it is essential to satisfy yourself that the watch on offer is an original. Since counterfeits are not always, and not by everyone, recognised as such straight away, it is advisable to seek the support of an expert where necessary, or to ensure that the chosen dealer takes care of the proper examination and expert authentication of its men's watches.
Men's watches from HORANDO: always a good idea
Men's watches from renowned luxury brands are far more than functional objects for telling the time - they are small works of art! A high-quality men's watch enhances any outfit, is pure passion for the collector and an interesting option for the investor as well. Men's watches are also, of course, outstandingly suited as a thoughtful and original gift for a man, and they are so varied that a fitting model can be found for genuinely every gentleman. At HORANDO, newcomers can immerse themselves in the world of watches, get to know the full breadth of men's wristwatches in the luxury segment and see for themselves the appeal of luxurious watches for men. Experienced collectors and investors will likewise find what they are looking for, since alongside the classic entry-level models the HORANDO shop repeatedly offers genuine rarities among wristwatches for men. When looking for a new men's watch of the finest quality, a visit to HORANDO is therefore always a good idea!
