(ARA) - While a watch’s main
function is to tell time, more and more of today’s timepieces offer
extra benefits -- some serve as two-way radios, have built-in computers,
or even monitor your position on earth using GPS. But while watches as a
whole have increased in their utility, some go beyond the trendy bells and
whistles and offer something more -- timepieces that are built for life.
Better known as luxury watches, here are a few things you will want to
know before running off to make the big purchase
Automatic versus Quartz
Lesson number one is understanding what makes these things tick . . .
literally. When shopping for a luxury watch, it is important to know the
difference between an automatic watch (without batteries) and a quartz
watch (with batteries). The automatic watch functions as a result of the
physical movement of the wearer’s wrist. Thus, if an automatic watch is
not worn and is stationary for a prolonged period of time, the watch will
stop ticking. A simple shake of the watch will put time back in motion.
A quartz watch works off of battery power. Generally, automatic watches
are more expensive than quartz watches because precise engineering is
required to produce mechanical functionality. Another statistic -- nine
out of ten women’s watches are quartz because women are generally less
interested in the automatic movement of the watch and are more interested
in the style.
Caliber Automatic versus Standard Automatic
To better understand a watch’s movement, it is helpful to compare this
function to the engine of cars. As a Porsche’s engine differs from a
Buick’s, a watch’s movement can vary significantly as well. A
watch’s movement is measured by calibers -- the higher the caliber, the
better the movement. What this means is that although automatic movements
function without batteries, after a certain time period, the watch will be
slightly off time. A high caliber number will generate greater precision.
For example, after 30 days of wearing a standard automatic with a low
caliber, the time will be off by approximately 12 minutes, while a caliber
36 (a high caliber movement) will only be off by 2 minutes. If the watch
is placed on a nightstand and not being worn, a standard automatic will
last approximately 36 days until it stops ticking while a caliber 36
movement will run for 50 days. Naturally, the higher the caliber number,
the more expensive the watch will be.
Pick the Watch to Match your Personality
With the variety of different luxury brands out there, it may be
overwhelming to figure out which brand will best coincide with your
watch-wearing needs. Different brands tend to specialize in certain areas
of timekeeping. For example, TAG Heuer is known for its precise
timekeeping accuracy in the world of sports, particularly in golf and
auto-racing. In fact, TAG Heuer’s newest brand ambassador, Tiger Woods,
has actually helped to design his own signature piece for the golfer who
prefers to wear something light while he’s on the course: the Link Tiger
Woods Limited Edition. Tiger even provided input on the design and making
of the luxury watch -- its sub-dial is burgundy, (Tiger’s lucky playing
color) standing for power and victory. The automatic-movement timepiece
also has a black face and is inscribed with Tiger Woods’ name.
There are several factors that come into play when considering the
investment in a luxury watch. These are just some first steps that will
get you started on your way.
If you are interested in more information on the Link Tiger Woods Limited
Edition and the Link series, call (866) 260-0460 or visit TAG Heuer’s
Web site at www.tagheuer.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content |
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