How to choose a wristwatch for women, men and children

Wristwatches have long ceased to be just a device for measuring time. Today it is an accessory that reflects style, status and personality. The choice of a suitable model depends on many factors — the type of mechanism, the case material, the functionality and purpose of the watch. The modern market offers a huge variety of models, from classic mechanical to high—tech smart watches, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Main Features

Mechanisms

The mechanism is the basis of any wristwatch, determining its accuracy, reliability and cost. There are three main types of watch movements.

Quartz watches are battery-powered and are considered the most accurate, with an error of only a few seconds per month. They do not require a regular factory and are cheaper than their mechanical counterparts. These models are ideal for everyday wear and for those who appreciate practicality.​

Mechanical watches with manual winding are a more traditional and prestigious option. They work thanks to a spring that needs to be wound manually every 24-48 hours. Such watches require more care, but they have a special charm and are considered an indicator of status. An automatic mechanical watch is wound up by the movement of the owner's hand thanks to a special rotor. They combine the prestige of mechanics with ease of use, but they are more expensive than quartz models.​

Case size

The case diameter is one of the key parameters that determine the visual perception and comfort of wearing a watch. To choose the optimal size, it is necessary to measure the circumference of the wrist at the widest point using a flexible centimeter tape or ordinary thread.​

Watches with an average case diameter of 38 to 42 mm are suitable for wrist circumference from 15 to 18 cm. If the wrist is larger than 19 cm, it is worth looking at models with a diameter of 44-46 mm. As a general rule, a properly fitted case covers two thirds of the wrist, and the lugs for attaching the strap do not extend beyond its width.​

Body and glass materials

Stainless steel is the most common and practical option, resistant to scratches and corrosion. These watches are reliable and affordable.​

Titanium cases are lighter than steel ones, have hypoallergenic properties and are highly durable. Watches made of precious metals — gold, silver or platinum — belong to the premium segment and emphasize the status of the owner. Ceramics are scratch-resistant and have a pleasant texture, but they are more brittle on impact.​

The glass protects the dial from damage and affects the readability of time. Mineral glass is a budget option, durable enough for everyday use. Sapphire crystal is considered the most reliable and scratch-resistant, but it costs more. Plastic glass is used in inexpensive sports models — it is light, but quickly gets scratched.​

The strap

Leather straps are considered the most comfortable, suitable for classic models and business meetings. However, the skin is not resistant to moisture and requires careful care.​

Metal bracelets made of stainless steel or titanium are more durable. They are suitable for everyday wear, but they may seem heavy. Rubber and rubber straps are the choice for sports watches due to their moisture resistance and elasticity.​

A finger should pass between the strap and the skin, this will ensure an optimal fit. The high-quality strap has a secure fastener and does not rub the skin.

How to choose a women's watch

Choosing a women's wristwatch requires attention to detail and combining functionality with aesthetics. Women's models are presented in five main styles — classic, sports, vintage, fashion and unisex, each of which corresponds to a specific lifestyle and wardrobe.

When choosing a movement, experts recommend paying attention to quartz watches, which are battery-powered and highly accurate. The batteries in these models last from two to five years without interruption, and the watch itself can have any design and material. More and more women prefer expensive self-winding watches, which do not require winding of the spring when constantly worn, look luxurious and are a symbol of durability.

The size and shape of the model play a key role in the comfort of wearing. If a woman has a thin wrist, you should not choose a watch that is too massive — it is better to choose a more elegant model that will emphasize beauty and sophistication. The watch should not squeeze the wrist too tightly and leave marks on the skin.

The main criteria for choosing a women's watch:

• model's style and matching wardrobe,

• movement type (quartz or mechanical),

• The size of the watch face and bracelet,

• case and strap material,

• functionality and additional features,

• glass type and water protection.

The most popular women's watches are made of stainless steel, which are characterized by an affordable price and high durability. Recently, there has been an increased demand for ceramic models that are attractive in appearance and scratch-resistant, which allows them to maintain the appearance of a new product for a long time.

How to choose a men's watch

First of all, you should pay attention to the appearance of the watch and remember your own wardrobe, since functionality comes second.

All men's watches are divided into two categories: mechanical and quartz. Mechanical watches are the choice of connoisseurs of classics and traditional watchmaking, their mechanism is powered by the energy of a winding spring. Quartz models are battery-powered, are accurate, practical and easy to use, do not require regular winding and have a lower cost compared to mechanics.

Styles of men's watches for their intended purpose:

• casual — laconic design, minimalism in details, versatile materials;

• business — classic shapes, slim case, dial with minimal number of functions;

• sports — solid body, resistant glass, waterproof, additional functions;

• premium — expensive materials, unique design, complex mechanisms.

Conventionally, all watches can be divided into several categories: Sport, Classic, Military, Retro, Casual. For office and formal events, choose models with a leather strap and a laconic dial, for sports and outdoor activities — waterproof models with a rubber strap, for everyday use — universal models.

Before buying, you need to take into account the size of the watch: if the proportions are chosen correctly, an image is created that emphasizes the style of the owner. It is important to pay attention to the functions: the chronograph is useful for measuring short periods of time, water resistance with a minimum level of 30 m is necessary for everyday wear, and models with protection from 100 m and above are chosen for swimming.

How to choose a children's watch

Children's wristwatches must meet special requirements related to an active lifestyle. Models for children should be comfortable so that the watch holds well on the child's hand and is not bulky, and the mechanism and glass above the dial should withstand mild shocks.

The best option is to buy a child a watch with hands and a quartz movement. They are strong, durable, affordable, and won't distract from your studies. It is recommended to buy the first watch with an analog dial. Getting to know them will become part of the learning process and learning about the world around you.

Criteria for choosing children's watches:

• convenience and wrist size matching,

• impact resistance of the mechanism and glass,

• case water resistance,

• hypoallergenic case and strap materials,

• attractive design,

• ease of use.

When buying, it is important to take into account the age of the child and the design features. Preschoolers need a bright design with a beautiful picture — a favorite character, a cute animal or a princess. Younger students are starting to think about their appearance, so cartoon characters are no longer so attractive to them.

For teenagers, the choice is as wide as possible: you can either buy a children's watch or find a suitable model in the adult department. The final purchase decision should be made by the child himself, so that he can wear them with pleasure.

How to choose a smart watch

A smartwatch is a modern gadget that combines the functions of a traditional wristwatch with health monitoring, notifications, and even calls. When choosing a smartwatch in 2025, experts recommend starting from the tasks that need to be solved.

If health monitoring is a priority, pay attention to models that focus on these functions. Modern smart watches support advanced functions: a heart rate monitor tracks your heart rate in real time, blood oxygen measurement helps monitor blood oxygen saturation, and sleep monitoring analyzes sleep phases and helps improve sleep quality.

The main parameters for choosing a smartwatch are:

• Display type (AMOLED or LCD);

• health functions and sports modes;

• autonomy of operation and type of charging;

• Water protection (5 ATM or IP68);

• Support for calls, notifications and NFC;

• Smartphone compatibility;

• the presence of GPS and a SIM card slot.

For those who like to swim, experts recommend choosing models with improved protection from water. Those who wish to make calls are recommended to have a smartwatch with the ability to install SIM cards or with an eSIM connection. Smart watches are known for their durability without recharging: flagship models last from 3 to 7 days, the average segment lasts 10-15 days, and budget models last up to 20 days.

Since smart watches must be reliable and accurate in terms of monitoring performance, experts recommend purchasing products from popular brands such as Huawei, Apple, Amazfit, Samsung and Xiaomi. They use a high-quality component base, and their products have proven themselves well in terms of reliability and measurement accuracy. Before buying, pay attention to how the smartwatch sits on your hand, carefully study the interface and capabilities of the device.

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