Digital Watches vs Analog Watches

The first analog watch dates back to the 1960s. And the subsequent timekeeping demands of the World Wars led to the increase in people relying on both analog and digital wristwatches. Then we saw the quartz crisis reshaping the world of horology. With this, a majority of watch brands use battery-powered movements, making it far easier and cost-effective to make simple analog or digital watches.
In the 1970s, the first digital watch made its way, introduced first by the Hamilton watch company. Using battery-powered watches to send electricity to turn time, digital watches soon became a household name globally. Unlike traditional watches that require some sort of winding mechanism, a battery-powered watch made it effective in terms of accuracy, performance, reliability, and cost.

Analog vs Digital: Which is better?

In terms of accuracy, yes, a quartz watch fairs better than most mechanical watches. To this extent, quartz watches may gain or lose just a second in a day. Whereas, mechanical watches, on average, can lose or gain up to 20 seconds or more in a day. However, if you are looking at luxury chronometer-certified watches, they gain or lose only up to 4 to 6 seconds in a day. Unless your profession depends on extremely accurate timekeeping, a deviation of a few seconds a day should not be the deciding factor when buying your watch.
Both analog and digital watches can showcase a ton of additional features like a calendar, compass, stopwatch, alarms, or time zones. With digital watches, these functions are easily available with most timepieces as opposed to a mechanical watch. In this sense, mechanical watches required additional gears and bolts to host these features. This automatically adds cost and moving parts that may require regular maintenance to keep it highly functional.
As the industry progressed and technology allowed brands to widely experiment with analog and digital watches, the battle of which is better continues even to date. While analog watches represent the traditional watchmaking process, digital watches symbolize the progressing change in time with new innovations and technology. Yet, both stand at the cusp of the conventional and contemporary essence of watchmaking.
If you are a watch collector, you may seek both types. Or, if you are looking to buy your first ever watch, making a choice between the two may seem like a huge task. To make things simple, below are some top digital and analog watches of all time. These have influenced the world of horology and continue to inspire many watch brands.

Top 3 Analog Watches

The biggest advantage of an analog watch is the wide variety of designs and styles to choose from. Many prefer analog watches, given their association with prestigious brands. Certain analog watches have become a symbol throughout history, increasing their value and customer preference.
This is primarily because, an analog watch requires the assembling of multiple minute moving parts, carefully fit together with a powerful movement. To achieve this level of watchmaking finesse, watch brands bring to life years of watchmaking expertise. However, unlike digital watches, analog watches can be extremely expensive for many to afford. In this list below, we will see talk about luxury, mid-range, and affordable analog watches, along with their functions.

Rolex Datejust

Rolex needs no introduction. For many, Rolex is the dream watch – a symbol of wealth, class, and sophistication. Yet, many cannot afford to own one. Nevertheless, Rolex sets a high bar for other watch brands to touch, constantly reaching for new heights in horological research and innovation.
Be it using in-house metals or in-house movements, Rolex has all bases covered to remain the most premium even in the years to come. For this article, let’s dive into the Rolex Datejust. Designed with a classic style, the Datejust showcases hours, minutes, seconds, and date. With a simple, yet elegantly sophisticated look, the Datejust costs over USD 5000.
Despite the steep price for a watch without other functionalities of a digital watch, many are willing to pay for the brand name. Owning a Rolex means being part of an exclusive group and for this, watch enthusiasts will go a long way to get their hands on one!

Tissot Chrono XL

A Swiss watch brand, Tissot’s ethos stands for innovation by tradition. Founded in 1853, Tissot transforms its years of watchmaking knowledge and know-how into high-quality watches. Despite being a premium brand, Tissot is a mid-range brand within the USD 1000 range. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to buy a mechanical watch to last many generations.
The Tissot Chrono XL, particularly, comes in a 45 mm case and 330 feet of water resistance. Powered by the ETA G10.212 movement, this timepiece features a central 60-seconds chronograph hand, 30-minutes, and 1/10 of second counters. With a black dial, beige marking on the face, with a brown synthetic leather strap, the Chrono XL embodies charm and grandeur.

Seiko Dress Watch

A well-known Japanese brand, Seiko holds its place in the world of watches for its high quality, high functionality, and low cost. Set up in 1881 in Tokyo, the brand personifies Japanese craftsmanship and long-lasting performance.
The Dress watch in reference here comes equipped with a dual chronograph, multiple sub-dials, and a tachymeter. The chronograph can measure up to 60 minutes of elapsed time. Designed with Caliber 8T63, this timepiece displays a grey dial with a triple color racing stripe strap. All these features and more, at less than USD 300.
Given these vast difference price ranges, you may wonder what sets these apart. The answer is simple – are you looking to buy a luxury watch made by a traditional brand with in-house materials and movement, or are you looking to buy an affordable watch, mass-manufactured in factories with many functions?

Top 3 Digital Watches

Digital watches, on the other hand, do not have multiple moving parts. Most of all, new and upcoming brands can easily capitalize on the swifter watchmaking process that does not require traditional watchmaking expertise. Given these circumstances, digital watches are definitely cheaper than luxury or mid-range analog watches. The watches listed below all range within USD 100. Consequently, this makes it a huge win for many customers who are looking to invest in something simple, affordable, and different.
Check out our list of top 21 digital watches of this year here!

Casio A168WG-9VT

Casio is a well-known brand in the world of watches and electronics. This Tokyo-based brand set up in the 60s has come a long way in not only becoming a global name for watches, but also a synonym for reliability and performance.
With an iconic design, the Casio A168WG-9VT digital timepiece is famous across the world! With many international celebrities sporting this watch, the demand for digital watches is on the rise! A simple single screen dial displaying time, day, date, and alarm, this watch is the quintessential design of a vintage digital watch.
Many watch collectors consider this as the revival of digital watches in the age of mechanical watches. Paired with a stopwatch, and battery life of 7 years, one cannot go wrong with this Casio timepiece. At an incredibly affordable price, a Casio is a wonderful gateway into the world of horology.

Timex Ironman Classic

An American brand set up in 1854, Timex rivals Casio for affordable and durable watches. While one caters to the west, the latter is the leading watchmaker in the east! A brand that offers something for everyone, is also a pioneer in digital watch technology.
The Ironman Classic is a symbol of the brand’s mission – we don’t stop – personifying the desire to keep pushing boundaries of innovation at an affordable cost for all. A sporty design with a resin strap, the Ironman Classic hosts a 100-hour chronograph with a 24-hour countdown timer.
Packed in a 38 mm case, this Timex watch is water-resistant up to 330 feet underwater, making it suitable for swimming but not diving activities. Promised with Timex’s quality, the Ironman Classic comes in different iterations using different shades and variations of the functions. Yet, all at a really affordable price.

Suunto Core

A unique watch brand, Suunto makes sports and adventure digital watches. Launched in 1936, this Finnish brand fuels its passion for watchmaking through the explorer spirit and Nordic essence. Over the years, Suunto has garnered many loyal patrons, making it extremely reliable in different conditions.
Most of all, a Suunto on your writs will be a loyal companion no matter which corner of the world you venture to – hilly peaks, snowy mountains, deep dark sea, or the dense jungle. The brand introduce the edition called Core, engineered with many modern technologies. Some of which include a storm alarm, compass, barometer, and altimeter. In addition, the watch hosts AI technology to help predict sunrise and sunset.
To make it undeniably convincing, the face of the watch features dual time zone, and tracks your workouts such as walking, cycling, hiking, and more! Paving the way for harmoniously merging digital watches with smartwatch functions, Suunto is now an inspiration for affordable smartwatch technologies. Promised with the Scandinavian endurance, Suunto offers something new in the world of mass-produced digital watches.

Are Smartwatches Paving the Way for a New Era of Digital Watches?

Digital watches laid the groundwork for smartwatches with the boom in AI technology. Brands like Apple and Samsung developed their own technology to cater to an audience fascinated by ingenuity and innovation. The rise in smartwatches capitalized on the increased buzz of health and fitness tracking right from your wrists.
For instance, the current Apple Watch Series 7 can measure your blood oxygen level, detect unnatural falls and call emergency services. Most impressive of all, you can measure EEG in 15 seconds. Proudly known for saving the lives of many, brands like Apple will continue to unveil new and unheard features. Resultantly, the fight for analog vs digital watches will continue into the years to come!
Click here to read more about some top smartwatches of 2022.

Analog Digital Watches

As the name says, various brands have introduced watches bringing together the best of both worlds. Typically, on the face of the watch, you will see a small screen that displays the time. However, the larger setting of the dial showcases an analog feature.
If you are unable to make up your mind on what best suits you or want a mix of traditional and modern watchmaking essence on your wrist, here is an example of an analog-digital watch.

Casio G-Shock

Another Casio on our list here – we look at the GA100-1A2, an ana-digi watch. The G-Shock range holds high regard with watch aficionados.
The face of the watch showcases both an analog clock and a digital clock. Commonly dubbed as the thrid-eye monster, this timepiece offers an embossed 3D look. Interestingly, the watch also comes equipped with a 1/1000th second stopwatch, 656 feet of water resistance, and incredible magnetic resistance. Powered by the Casio battery, this watch offers an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds a month! You can learn more about G-Shock watches here.
At the end of the day, whether you go analog or digital, it’s a personal preference to make based on your style, needs, functions, and budget.

What is Rolex Serti Dial?

Luxury watches symbolize exquisiteness. To develop such a timepiece befitting the name of a luxury watch takes a certain watchmaking finesse. And, then there are brands like Rolex who keep raising their bar with innovation, new technologies, and unseen design. Many may consider Rolex to be their ultimate dream watch and the brand continues to keep that spirit alive.
In this vein, the Serti dial rose to fame for its sophisticated design. The brand’s in-house gemologist offer their expertise at every stage of sourcing, selecting, and examining these precious gems. This ensures only the highest quality and purest gem finally sits on these magnificently designed watches.

Origin of the Name

The origin traces back to the French word, “sertissage“. Or in short, “sertir“, meaning “to set” in reference to the art of gem-setting.
Typically, you will see that the Serti dial watches showcase eight diamonds sitting on the hours and ruby or sapphire sitting on the indexes. Paired with complimenting dial tone and bezel, Rolex elevates the luxurious feel of their watches.
Though, in the books of watch collectors and aficionados, the Rolex Serti dial typically refers to a particular signature gem placement and design. This is primarily because Serti dials under these collections quickly became collectibles, making them far more exclusive from other watches from the same collection.
Originally, the Serti dials specifically denoted either of these three iterations – the Rolex Submariner with diamonds and sapphires, GMT Master with diamonds and rubies, and Yacht-Master with only rubies, or diamonds with sapphires. Yet, these days, Serti dials have become a broader term used across all gem-studded Rolex watches.
This can make things complicated if you have not thoroughly researched what Serti watches actually are. For one, you can either buy factory-made Rolex watches or aftermarket Rolex watches. Factory-made Rolex Serti will come with genuine and real gems, made exclusively by Rolex. However, the aftermarket Rolex Serti dial is not genuine or pure since anyone can make these watches by getting spare parts.

Examples of Rolex Watches with Serti Dial

Most of the quintessential Seri dials launched as early as the 1980s and were discontinued by the 2010s, making this design a collectible. With the official chronometer certification, the Serti dials set out to leave a mark in the world of gem-studded luxury watches and have achieved exactly that today.
Though the current website does not display any Serti dials, you can get your hands on one through the secondary market. However, make sure to check if the secondary market watches are factory-made or aftersales watches.

GMT  Master Serti

Submariner Serti

Yacht-Master Serti

What movement is in the Cartier Ballon Bleu?

Celebrities That Wear The Cartier Ballon Bleu

Does The Cartier Ballon Bleu Retain Value?

Where To Buy Cartier Ballon Bleu Watches

If you’re not able to go to an actual Cartier store or Cartier dealer, there are plenty of places online to purchase Ballon Bleu models. The brand’s official website, Cartier.com, has nearly a hundred Ballon Bleu models to choose from.
If you would like to purchase pre-owned models, an excellent place to start is Bob’s Watches, a popular reselling website known for the resale and trade of watches. While the site is known to focus on pre-owned Rolexes (they are known as the “World’s First and only Pre-Owned Rolex Exchange),” they also sell other big names like Cartier. According to an article by Insider, this is a trusted website. Every watch sold here is certified authentic (both model and its parts), with specialists inspecting the watch before a transaction is completed.
Another website that sells pre-owned Cartier Ballon Bleu models is Jomashop, a grey market watch seller (meaning they don’t sell fakes or counterfeits) that sells luxury watches at a lower price. They can sell the watches for a lower price than the dealership because they purchase them at a lower price from manufacturer-authorized dealers and then mark the watches with a relatively affordable price tag. Check out Ballon Bleu models on Jomashop here.
Those looking for a pre-owned Cartier Ballon Bleu can also check out the models sold on eBay. This page has a wide range of models, including this unused 28mm stainless steel model and this pre-owned XL chronograph.
If you would like to visit a physical Cartier store, you can find branches on this site, which lists all of their locations worldwide.

Guide to Rolex Letter Codes

As background, remember that Rolex is a Geneva-based company whose official language is French. But worry not, you don’t have to learn the French language to understand the Rolex letter codes, although there are a handful of French words such as Bleu, Noir, Rouge, Vert, Chocolat, Lunette, and Glace that will help you understand the abbreviations of Rolex watch models and how they reflect the color, style and aesthetic of each model.

BLRO

BLNR

CHNR

LN

LV

LB

GV

What is an Annual Calendar Watch?

What is a Perpetual Calendar Watch?

3 Differences Between Annual Calendar & Perpetual Calendar Watches

Frequency of Adjustments – it’s in the name, an annual watch is adjusted every year at the end of February and a perpetual timepiece is almost exactly that, perpetual, it requires a manual adjustment every hundred years.
Cost – unsurprisingly, the watches with more advanced complications are going to be more expensive. With this being said, it is very common for a perpetual calendar watch to be considerably more than its annual counterpart.
Variety – due to the higher number of annual calendar watches available on the market, you will have much more style options when shopping for this type of timepiece. Perpetual watches are more exclusive and have fewer choices available.

Pros & Cons of Annual Calendar Watches

Pros of Annual Calendar Watches

Accessible
Finding an annual calendar watch is much easier than finding a perpetual complication, and in turn, it is a lot more accessible in terms of price point too. Regardless of what price level you are looking at (within reason), you are likely to find a watch with this compilation. 
Variety Available
One of the major pros of annual calendar watches is their availability and the wide range of companies that make watches with annual calendar complications. You are likely to find the exact style of watch you are looking for in a variety of colors when it comes to annual calendar complications.

Cons of Annual Calendar Watches

Yearly Adjustment
As the name would suggest, an annual calendar watch needs to be reset manually once a year. This is because an annual calendar timepiece’s complication can acknowledge the end of a month that is either 30 or 31 days, but when it comes to February it fails to adhere to the shorter month and thus, requires a reset on March 1st.
 Misleading Descriptions 
Some watch companies tend to be a little misleading when it comes to their timepieces and their calendars, they can sometimes be worded tactfully to make it sound like they have X complication when it is actually Y. 

Pros & Cons of Perpetual Calendar Watches

Pros of Perpetual Calendar Watches

Accuracy
One of the major benefits of a perpetual calendar watch is that they only need to be adjusted once every 100 years. This timepiece is designed to know the varying lengths of months and even account for leap years.
Exclusive 
If you own a perpetual calendar watch you have an exclusive and unique part of watchmaking history. Due to the steep price of the timepieces, they are a luxury item and certainly a status symbol amongst the watch community. 
Expertly Crafted
There are very few timepieces in the watch world that can surpass the technical prowess and intricate design of a perpetual calendar watch. Due to their masterful construction, the watches are often purchased as a family heirloom to be passed down to the generations.

Cons of Perpetual Calendar Watches

Long Wait
Due to the mechanism and design of a perpetual watch, if you are unfortunate enough to set the wrong date on your timepiece, you will not be able to change it until the battery dies. So, as a cautionary tale, always double-check before setting the date on your perpetual calendar watch.
Lack of Variety
One of the major cons of shopping for a perpetual calendar watch is the lack of variety in the designs and options. This is not to say there are no choices available, it is just that there are a lot fewer designs created in perpetual complication watches.
High Cost 
With all perpetual calendar watches falling under the category of luxury watches, it is impossible to find a cheap timepiece that houses a perpetual calendar complication. This is due to the huge expertise and intricate design needed to make a perpetual timepiece possible. 

Iconic Annual Calendar Watches

Annual calendar watches have continued to be incredibly popular since their inception in 1996 and have not only become a staple of the Patek Phillippe line but also other watchmakers from luxury Swiss watches to more everyday pieces too.

Patek Philippe Nautilus (5726/1A)

Omega Globemaster (Burgundy)

Iconic Perpetual Calendar Watches

Perpetual calendar watches are a prized possession in any watch collector’s collection and one of the most iconic timepiece types on the market today. 

Patek Philippe – Grand Complication (Rose Gold)

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 

What is a Screw Down Crown?

Most commonly found in diving watches, a screw-down crown functions when you unscrew the crown counter-clockwise and springs open. Dating back to the 1920s, Rolex first used a screw-down crown in their watches. Although Rolex is famous for outstanding inventions, the screw-down crown does not trace its origin to the brand. Rather, Rolex bought the idea from two watchmakers, Georges Peret and Paul Perregaux.
So, how does the screw-down crown work? The internal watch component ends at a tube, connecting to a screw thread inside the crown. When you “unscrew” the crown, the thread releases and open the crown for use. When it is in an unscrewed position, the screw thread presses against the tube, closing any gaps from within using an O-ring seal.

Pros:

• Best for use in water, as the screw-down crown helps keep the water from getting inside the timepiece. This crown creates an airtight space, sealing any gaps around the watch that can let water and moisture enter into the watch.
• Screw down is also best for keeping dust from entering the timepiece. Dust is an unwelcomed guest. Once dust enters the watch, it can settle on the components and make the lubricants between components dry up. As a result, the watch is prone to easy damage.
• You cannot accidentally unwind a screw-down crown, and only by manually “screwing out” or “screwing in” the crown, can you prevent any accidental windings that can change the watch’s setting.

Cons:

• One common disadvantage of using the screw-down crown is that you can easily damage it by overdoing the screwing torque. This can easily break the screw thread within the watch, making the crown and the timepiece not viable for use.
• While it is true that a screw-down crown fits ideally for a diving watch, this works only when the crown is in a screwed-in position, and water will enter the watch if you go underwater without screwing in the crown.

Watch Brands with a Screw Down Crown

These are just a couple of examples based on the price range. You can find many watches with the screwed-down crown, especially all those designed for water sports.

Rolex

Seiko

What is a Push-Pull Crown?

Unlike the screw-down crown, a push-pull crown does not need a manual “unscrewing” to get it to function. In other words, you can pull the crown out and adjust the day, date, and time. Once done, you push it back in to seal it in its place. Where a mechanical watch hosts this push-pull crown, you can wind the watch in its place without pulling the crown out.
A push-pull crown uses an O-ring seal with lubricants to reduce friction or wear and tear on frequently using the crown. Though we say screw down is best for underwater use, it does not mean a watch with a push-pull crown will not function underwater. Instead, a screw-down is more effective in sealing gaps for deeper water exploration beyond 500 feet. There are even watches designed for 1000m or more – these almost always use a screw-down crown.
And on the other hand, a push-pull crown will work underwater in its “pushed in” state. However, brands recommend not to take it beyond 100 feet because the crown cannot withstand underwater pressure and decompression.

Pros:

• Cost-effective compared to watches with screw-down crowns. Diving watches typically host the screw-in crown, and as such, diving watches are expensive due to their functionality and accuracy. The push-pull crown comes with more daily wear watches and dress watches, which are cheaper than diving watches.

Cons:

• Not ideal for water use, including swimming or washing hands regularly with the watch on your wrist. When you pull out the crown, it creates a small opening, allowing for water to enter the inside of the watch, which could cause severe damage.
• It is easy for a push-pull crown to open accidentally without the wearer’s knowledge.

Watch brands with a Pull-Push Crown

Timex

Swatch

Who is COSC?

Set up in 1973, the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute is a non-profit organization based in  La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Driven by the intention to serve the public interest, laboratories from the five major watchmaking cantons in Switzerland along with the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry oversee the quality and testing of Swiss-made watches.
This certification, given by the COSC, guarantees the highest quality of watches by measuring and verifying the accuracy and precision of the movements. The standards of testing, governed by the Swiss Accreditation Services, follow quality control per ISO 17025 & 17065. Although millions of watches go through testing every year, according to the COSC website, only about 6% of exports from Switzerland get the certification. This shows the rigor and extent of these testing to ensure the correct quality of the watches.

Why do we need to test accuracy?

A majority of industries that depend on accurate timekeeping rely on these chronometers. We noted in the article on automatic movement accuracy that most mechanical watches or automatic watches have an accuracy of up to +/- 20 seconds a day. The reasons for this variation can be any – friction between the components, moisture build-up, extreme weather conditions, gravity, or magnetic forces.
For instance, if you are a doctor, or diver, or pilot, every second counts in a day. And, a variation of over 20 seconds a day can have lasting consequences. This is where the COSC certification comes into play. Watches with COSC certification have only up to +6/-4 seconds daily variation, some of the lowest recorded ever in all history for mechanical watches. The certification gives the user the guarantee that they can rely on the time with utmost trust and precision, giving these watches an edge over those without any certification.
While COSC certifies only Swiss watches, there are other such organizations in the world such as the Japan Chronometer Inspection Institute, Glashütte of Germany, and French Observatoire de Besançon bested with the responsibility of certifying watch accuracy.

Process of COSC Certification

Watches that apply for a COSC certification go through days of testing period on various positions and temperature settings. Given the nature of the expensive testing, not all watchmakers have the option to apply for the certification. For this reason, only luxury watchmakers with high-quality chronometers, often carefully hand-assembled, get certified.
The process of certification goes through four stages: setting the procedure, picking a test program, certification, and finally, delivery. Moreover, COSC only tests movements and timekeeping instruments, and not the finished watch product in itself. For watch brands, this means they test their movements and build these movements into fully engineered watches on being certified.
Mechanical watches with balance spring oscillators and quartz movements with oscillators are eligible for getting certified. Mechanical wristwatches and pocket watches go through 15 days of continuous testing. Clocks go through 9 days of testing, and quartz movements go through 7 days of testing. Including weekends, these measurements from the test record their functions.
For mechanical wristwatches with ISO 3159, only upon meeting these seven measurement rates, the final certification will apply: average daily rates, mean variation, greatest variations, the difference in horizontal and vertical rates, largest variation, variations on temperature, and rate resumption.
As you see, the COSC certification process is not cheap, nor is the process of building watches eligible for COSC certification. Consequently, watches with the certified chronometer tag have a high value and are not easily affordable for all.

Top COSC Chronometers

In this section, we highlight some top COSC chronometers of all time.

Omega Seamaster

Rolex GMT Master II

Zodiac Limited Edition Super Sea Wolf

Longines Record

What is a Helium Release Valve?

Originally introduced in the 1960s as part of the Rolex Submariner Sea-Dweller and Doxa Conquistador, the helium release valve now features across many dividing watch brands. Rolex, in collaboration with a French watchmaker Comex, first introduced the Sea-dweller in 1967. Saturation divers who spend a lot of time underwater rely on their timekeeping equipment to a great extent. However, deeper in the sea, the conditions are dense with helium and hydrogen gases, which in turn affect the functioning of the timepiece.
For instance, helium gas containing molecules smaller than water can easily get into the timepiece. At the same time, the watches also go through a difference in internal and external pressure. This process of decompression underwater easily traps the helium gas within the watch components. Resultantly, causing the components to break or malfunction.
Watchmakers generally do not consider the underwater pressure and effect of decompression on the watch components. This is because, typically, horological designers strengthen watches to withstand the external pressure of the atmosphere. Moreover, as not all watches are suitable for underwater activities, this is not a common component across all watches.
You might be wondering how the release valve actually works underwater? A  helium release valve is a one-way valve with a spring. When a substantial difference in internal and external pressure builds, the valve opens up the path for dispersing the gas outward. Given that this feature is exclusive to diving watches, timepieces with more than 1000 feet of watcher resistance and ISO 6425 regulation host the release valve.

Do divers really need it?

There is no direct answer to this. So let’s break it down based on the diver’s needs. For instance, if you are not a diver by profession, you may not need this extra feature. However, this comes in extremely handy if you are a saturation diver and spend a large portion of your time exploring the underwater.
This is primarily because the helium release valve comes into use only during the decompression process. To reach this stage, one must spend a lengthened period of time underwater, and at depths normally not explored by recreational divers. It is here that the watch faces helium pressure in the water, getting into the watch itself.
Simply put, if you don’t see yourself regularly using your watch at that level of depth, you don’t really need the escape valve. And, this can save some bucks on your diving watch. On the flip side, if you are a saturation diver, you will probably need this feature. Mainly because these watches don’t come cheap. By owning a device with the release valve, you ensure the longevity, accuracy, and performance of your watch.

Top watches with Helium Release Valves 

Presently, many brands offer diving watches with the helium release valve. But, we look at the top three that set the bar for the industry to aim for.

Rolex

Omega

Doxa

Health Risks of Radium Dials

How to Tell If a Watch Has Radium

What Should to Do If Your Watch Has Radium Dial

If you found out that your watch has a radium dial, you don’t have to panic and dispose of it immediately. Remember, radium will only be harmful if it is inhaled or ingested. So one thing that you have to remember is to never disassemble or take the watch apart. Keep it intact in a safe and well-ventilated place. Why does it have to be well-ventilated? Because, as mentioned above, radium decays into carcinogenic radon gas, and it can seep through the watch even if it is watertight. Hence, a watch with a radium dial should not be kept in a small, poorly ventilated room to avoid high and hazardous concentrations of radon gas.
Your best option is to take it to a professional watch repair shop that specializes in vintage watches and experience with Radium. They’ll have properly vented work areas and expertise to change out the painted parts to a safer modern luminous material.
However, if you just don’t want to deal with radioactivity and radon it might be best to part with the watch. There are plenty of watch collectors that are not deterred by watches with Radium and you may even profit from it.

Getting the Right Size Watch Band for Your Wrist

How to Know if Your Watch is Too Tight

Unlike certain clothes, watches should not be worn tight, some people mistakenly wear their timepiece too tight and that can be bad for your wrist, circulation and overall comfort level. 
Contrary to this point, watches are designed to be ergonomic, they are created to fit nicely on a wrist, so lean more to the tighter than the looser side.
However, what is defined as too tight is very subjective, and it can depend on your preference, but if you feel like you have a lower motor function in your wrist and your veins are popping out, it might be worth loosening your timepiece.
It is important to note that your watch will feel tighter when it gets hotter due to your wrist swelling in the heat. So what fits in the summer or a hotter climate may not fit comfortably in colder weather, or vice-versa. 
One obvious way to tell your watch is too tight is if it pinches your skin or you can’t move it slightly back and forth on your wrist. In the image above, you can see the case and bracelet are pushed tight up against the wearer’s skin and the crown is digging into his wrist. This is a good indication the watch is too tight and would most likely be uncomfortable to wear it like that for any long period of time.

How to Know if Your Watch is Too Loose

It is often easier to determine if a watch is too loose as opposed to too tight, and this is because the watch will be moving up and down your wrist rather than staying fixed on your wrist. With your arm at your side, the watch will rest on the top of your hand, rather than around your wrist bone – as seen in the image above.  
If your watch is loose it is much more likely to get damaged or simply just rotate a little bit and be much harder to read. This not only looks unprofessional but it takes away from the point of wearing a watch if you’re struggling to tell the time. 
Another way you can see if your watch is too loose is by looking at your wrist with your arm extended away from you, if there is a lot of space between your wrist and your watch it’s too loose.

How to Wear Your Watch Right

So, now we know what defines too tight and too loose, how do you wear your watch correctly? As we have mentioned, watches are professionally designed to be comfortable, ergonomic, secure and fitted, but not tight. 
What you are wearing will actually have a big impact on what size of watch you should wear. Take, for instance, you are wearing something with long sleeves, you may want a smaller timepiece as opposed to wearing a short-sleeved top you should lean to a larger timepiece. 
We briefly discussed how the weather has an impact on the fit of a watch, so always consider what temperature and humidity you are in. This is why we would not typically recommend getting a watch resized when you are on vacation as the climate may be different to your home country.
One of the cardinal rules of wearing a watch is ensuring that the watch’s lugs do not go over the edges of your wrist, this will make it look a lot sleeker and a much better fit. Some luxury brands will even do lug adjustments and offer different options. 
Typically, people wear their watch on the non-dominant wrist facing upwards, so for most this will be their left hand. Despite this, everyone will have their preference and due to people typing much more than writing with a pen and paper the need to have a watch on their off-hand is fairly irrelevant. 
You may have seen some people in the military or police wear their watch facing downwards; this is because they can quickly read the time when holding a weapon. Many veterans or ex-military will still wear their timepieces like this, even as a civilian. 

Factors to Consider When Finding the Right Size Watch

Ways to Improve Your Watches Fit

Adding or Removing Links
Probably the most popular method of changing how a watch fits and standard practice for most luxury watches. As we have alluded to, some watches come with a tool or are easy to add or remove the links, but a good amount of them still need an expert to help you out. 
Switch the Band

It is quite common that after buying a watch you may want to change the band or strap on it, or even get a second one to switch the look for different occasions. There are a lot of reasons someone may look into a new watchband, but the sizing could be an important factor.
See if Your Watch Has Different Sizes 
The same as suit sizing, watch manufacturers will sometimes make different variations of watches and their straps. This could be in terms of a short, standard or long strap, the material, or even the width. Ensure you ask or enquire about any variants that the watch has as one may be a better fit for you.

4 Reasons You Should Have a Good Fitting Watch

Telling the time 
This may sound a little obvious, but with how far watches have come, they are as much a fashion statement or accessory as they are a time-telling device. 
Ensuring that the watch is sitting correctly on your wrist is important, so you can always easily tell the time without shuffling it around
Wear & Tear
Having your watch fit correctly reduces the wear & year on your timepiece and allows you to maximize the usage out of it. A poor-fitting watch will put a lot of stress on the bracelet and thus, it will need repair or maintenance quicker. 
A loose watch can shuffle up and down your arm/wrist and create tension between the watch’s links and pins, whereas a tight watch puts pressure on these too but in a different way.
Looks Better
Having a watch that fits well will make it look significantly better, and make you look much more professional. A lot of people will notice a watch and it is a good way to inject some personality into an outfit, especially if you are restricted by what you wear at work.
Comfort
Once you have a watch that fits properly, you will be much more comfortable. If you are taking off your watch and there’s a big red mark and the watch’s indent in your skin, it’s probably too tight. Having the watch fit correctly will make you much more confident and comfortable.
Summary
This is just a quick crash course on watch sizing and determining what is too tight or too loose. Hopefully, now you have a better idea of making a watch fit your wrist perfectly, and have a newfound understanding of watch fitting.
Think of a watch like the third bowl of porridge in Goldilocks, you want it to be just right, but as the story goes, it’s only when we have had the wrong temperature (or size in this case) that we can work out what works for us.
To continue learning about watch fitting, check out our recent article on watch bands, which gives a detailed breakdown of how to find the right band or strap for your timepiece.
If you are interested in learning more about watches and the industry as a whole, we publish new watch content frequently and have a huge back catalog of blogs and posts to help watch veterans and newbies alike.