A well-chosen watch is not only a useful accessory, but it can also be as sentimental and beautiful as any other piece of jewellery. Whether you are choosing a watch for yourself or giving one as a gift to mark an important milestone, consulting with a jeweller can help you find the best watch for the occasion.
Village Media sat down with Nicholas Rosset, Goldsmith and Gemmologist with Savoy’s Jewellers, to learn more about these often-overlooked accessories.
“Watches are not only a tool for reporting the current time, but they are also a piece of jewellery, an expression of style, and often a family heirloom. This means that different occasions call for a different timepiece,” says Nicholas.
Choosing the Best Watch for the Occasion
Whether you are running your weekly errands, dressing up for date night, or attempting to run your fastest 5k, there is a watch for every occasion. According to Nicholas, there are three main types of watches:
Everyday Watch
An everyday watch is usually one that favors comfort and practicality. It is often a watch that matches well with most outfits the owner wears daily. Features might include a stopwatch, a second time zone or, most commonly, a date indicator.
Dress Watch
A dress watch is one that features a more elegant style. In some cases, they are made of precious metals featuring gemstones or diamond accents. Leather straps are common for dress watches.
Sports Watch
A good sports watch should prioritize durability. Straps are often made of silicone for water resistance and the cases are made of titanium to reduce weight. Extra-large numerals and stopwatch features are very popular in sports watches.
Watch Components
Once you narrow down the type of watch, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind. Personal preference for brand, case size, and shape are all important as is the type of crystal, which is the clear glass on the face of the watch.
“There are several different types of crystals available on watches. The most common, in order of durability, are plastic, mineral crystal, and sapphire crystal,” explains Nicholas.
He continues, “There are also several different types of movements for watches: quartz which require a battery, automatic which run by gathering kinetic energy from being worn, and solar powered. Each have their own benefits over another. Savoy’s watch experts are trained to guide you through the process of choosing the right watch to suit the wearer.”
Taking Care of Your Timepiece
When you purchase a watch from a trusted jeweller like Savoy’s, not only do you receive professional advice to help you choose the perfect piece, but they also have the technical expertise to help you care for your watch.
Some of Nicholas’ top watch care tips include:
Batteries should be changed by a professional who uses high quality batteries. There are many fragile components and low-quality batteries tend to leak battery acid causing catastrophic damage.
A very common misconception is that the crown of a watch can be pulled out to stop a watch a save the battery. This is false. There is a gasket inside of the crown which is not sealing the watch when it is pulled out, moisture and dust can infiltrate the watch and cause severe damage.
Cleaning can be done with mild soap and water and a soft brush.
Most of the time, worn or damaged components can be replaced for a low cost. Savoy’s offers free estimates for watch services and repairs. Crystals, bands, and movements are all simple replacements.
Overall, choosing the right watch comes down to personal preference. Consulting with one of Savoy’s watch experts can help you learn everything you need to know about watch function and style so you can choose the perfect timepiece for every occasion.
For more information about watches and watch repairs, visit Savoy’s Jewellers online or stop by one of their two locations: 290 Queen Street or The Station Mall in Sault Ste. Marie.
