With so many choices available, choosing the right watch for your needs can be a complex process. Find out how to identify the ideal type of watch for your style, activities (sports, everyday, events) and body type.
Explore our tips for combining essential functionality, chic design and value for money, and find the sporty, utilitarian or elegant watch that will sublimate your wrist.
Contents
Understand your needs before choosing your watch
Define your main use
Given the diversity of options available, it’s important to determine in advance the intended use of your watch. Models are distinguished according to their main function: tracking sporting activity, daily use or special occasions. Identifying your expectations makes it easier to select the ideal watch.
Lifestyle has a direct influence on the type of watch you choose. For regular sportsmen and women, a robust watch with heart rate tracking and GPS is a must. In a professional context, an elegant steel or leather watch reflects a refined style. For social events, a precious model will subtly enhance your image. Connected watches combine sports functions with smartphone notifications, making them ideal for active people. Versatile use calls for an intermediate model, both functional and aesthetic.
Evaluate your budget and expectations
The watch market covers a wide range of prices. For a first purchase or occasional use, entry-level watches offer good value for money. Mid-range collections combine meticulous design with enhanced durability. Prestige enthusiasts opt for luxury watches, valuable accessories. Defining a realistic budget guides you towards the most appropriate options.
Comparative table of price ranges and concrete examples for the various watch categories
| Watch type | Price range | Representative examples |
| Sport (entry-level) | Less than 50CHF | Casio Classic F91W-1Y (CHF 19.90) |
| Sport (mid-range) | Between CHF 100 and CHF 200 | Casio G-Shock GBA-900-1A (CHF 97.60) |
| Connected (sport) | From CHF 199.99 | Garmin (from CHF 199.90), Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 |
| Chic (mid-range) | Between CHF 100 and CHF 200 | Michael Kors Ritz MK6474 (CHF 119.90) |
| Chic (luxury) | Between CHF 200 and CHF 15,000 | Tissot Supersport Chrono (404 CHF), Tissot T-Complication (1200 CHF), Breitling Endurance Pro (2300 CHF) |
| High-end connected | From CHF 200 | Garmin Fenix 8, Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra |
| Automatic watches | Between CHF 100 and CHF 500 | Orient Bambino Classic (250 CHF), Seiko 5 Sports (250CHF) |
Several criteria influence the value of a watch: movement, materials and finish. Quartz watches are ideal for those on a tight budget, offering optimal precision. Mechanical models seduce with their watchmaking expertise. Stainless steel guarantees resistance and lasting brilliance. Polished or satin finishes add a touch of refinement. All in all, it ‘s a question of value for money, to be assessed according to personal priorities.
Watch categories and their distinctive features
Sports and connected watches for active people
Sport watches feature water resistance, a charged dial and functions adapted to physical activity. Connected models include heart rate tracking, integrated GPS and notifications. These features meet the needs of athletes and users who want to stay connected.
Connected watches combine physical activity tracking with digital functionalities. Brands like Garmin and Suunto specialize in precise geolocation tools with performance indicators. Apple Watch integrates notifications and voice assistant functionalities. Sports models often incorporate a heart rate sensor and extended battery life. GPS accuracy, shock resistance and water-resistance are important technical criteria for intense training. These watches are ideal for runners, hikers and regular sportsmen and women.
Chic, classic watches for every occasion
Elegant watches feature a refined dial, slim case and quality bracelet. These models are suitable for all professional and social contexts. Their timeless design makes them versatile for different outfits and events.
- Design: Opt for a refined, minimalist or bold model to match your clothing style.
- Noble materials: Choose stainless steel, titanium or gold for their elegance and durability.
- Brand and prestige: Choose a luxury watch (Cartier, Hermès) or a contemporary model (Bell&Ross, Boucheron).
- Suitable for all occasions: An elegant watch for business events and social gatherings
- Mechanical movement: Choose a certified caliber that guarantees precision and longevity for your chic watch.
Classic watches are built around two types of movement: quartz and automatic. Quartz offers optimum precision with a simple mechanism. The automatic relies on the energy of wrist movements. Quartz is suitable for smaller budgets and requires less maintenance. Automatics seduce with their traditional mechanical operation.
The choice depends on preference and budget. Mechanical models require regular wear or manual winding. Both options guarantee elegant, distinguished style.
Adapting the watch to your morphology and personal style
Choosing the right size and style for your wrist
Case diameter and thickness influence comfort and appearance on the wrist. A watch that’s the wrong size for a given body type can look oversized or too discreet.
Wrap a tape measure around your wrist just below the bone to get an accurate measurement. Round up to the nearest half centimeter to determine the ideal size. Standard bracelets fit wrists from 13 to 20.5 cm. The width of the bracelet should be about half the width of the case for visual harmony. Steel models appear more imposing than leather or rubber ones.
Matching your watch to your clothing style
Your choice of watch completes your overall appearance. It must match your wardrobe and correspond to different occasions.
The trend is towards sleek dials and noble materials such as steel and leather. Blue, silver and pastel shades match the spirit of the times. Choose classic models for a timeless accessory. Combine modernity and enduring elegance for a long-lasting aesthetic and functional choice.
Essential technical features to consider
Preferred technical features
Technical specifications directly influence a watch’s durability and efficiency. Water resistance, expressed in meters or ATM, determines resistance to water. Shock resistance protects the mechanism from impacts. The luminosity of the dial ensures easy reading in the dark. Movement precision guarantees reliable time keeping.
- Water resistance: 30m or 3ATM for running water, 50m for swimming, 200m for diving
- Heart rate sensor: real-time monitoring during exercise or at rest
- Integrated GPS: for precise tracking of outdoor routes
- Autonomy: from several days to several years, depending on the choice of movement (quartz/mechanical)
- Touch screen: ease of use and intuitive interaction
Connected watch technologies
Connected watches incorporate specific technologies to enhance the user experience. Multi-band GPS provides precise location, even in urban environments. Heart rate sensors monitor performance during training. Touch screens simplify navigation.
These features adapt to everyday needs with notifications and simplified activity management. Advanced detection systems such as sleep tracking and health alerts optimize use. Compatibility with the smartphone also influences the technical choice according to the personal ecosystem.
Buying guide to find the ideal watch
Where to buy a watch and how to ensure its authenticity
There are several options for purchasing watches, each with its own specific advantages. Specialized boutiques guarantee personalized advice and on-site quality control. Official websites guarantee product authenticity and structured after-sales service. Online platforms multiply choice and sometimes offer rare opportunities.
Authenticity documents include the original invoice, certificate of authenticity and warranty booklet. The serial numbers engraved on the case and movement must correspond to the manufacturer’s records. Platforms such as Cresus or CHRONEXT certify watches by expert watchmakers. Chrono24 verifies models via a buyer protection system. Legal warranties generally cover two years, with the possibility of extension depending on the brand.
Ideal times to buy a watch
Winter and summer sales, as well as Black Friday promotions, are prime opportunities for bargain shopping.
Sale periods offer the chance to buy watches at reduced prices, with discounts of up to 70% on available references. The release of new models generates discounts on older versions, such as the Garmin Forerunner 55, which has been reduced from CHF 199.90 to CHF 138.90. Holiday periods attract promotional offers on connected watches, with discounts of up to 75% on certain models.
Understanding your needs, defining your style and setting a reasonable budget guide you to the ideal watch. Whether sporty, chic or utilitarian, each model tells a story. Let us guide you in your choice, for a watch that combines quality, comfort and aesthetics. Your next purchase will become much more than an accessory: it will become a reflection of your personality and a faithful daily ally.
