Audemars Piguet Royal Oak? The quality of hand-applied decoration in the manufacturing process is high, both in technique and style. About 40 to 60 steps are needed even for inconspicuous parts like wheels. Artisan processes such as enamel painting, extremely delicate engraving, the setting of precious stones and inlays all play a significant role.
Though any number of great Timexes could’ve made this list, we’re particualrly enamored with the newly reissued MK1 — a recreation (of sorts) of a short-lived 1980s military-issue watch. While the original was meant to be disposable and had a mechanical movement inside and a plastic case protecting it, this version swaps both with a more reliable quartz engine and a higher-quality case made from anodized aluminum. A direct descendant of the original G-Shock from 1983, the modern G5600 version and similar watches are as tough as ever. For under $100 you get some nearly indestructible wrist gear that is more accurate than any luxury mechanical watch, and no need for battery changes with solar power. Just make sure you get one that says “Tough Solar” on it, and has a positive display for the best legibility. Further, G-Shocks are just fun, unpretentious, hassle-free, and extremely comfortable to wear.
These two brands took lots of time throughout the history of the industry to perfect the art of watchmaking. There’s a reason they’re still in business after over 100 years in operation. Rolex prides itself on the accuracy and durability of their watches while Audemars Piguet is less focused on precision and more artistic about their craft. You can clearly see the difference between the two by comparing any of their movements. AP pays meticulous attention to every single detail in the movement and finishes them to perfection in a way that Rolex doesn’t even compare. Read extra info at Richard Mille Black Skull.
Certina, founded in Grenchen, Switzerland in 1888, has always been a rather low-key brand. You may not know, but they were innovators in shock protection and water resistance, which is nearly weapons-grade on this watch. The rotating ceramic diving bezel on this 41mm beauty, usually a hallmark of much more expensive pieces, is scratch resistant and nearly indestructible, and the handsome strap features a deployment clasp. Shinola watches, assembled in Detroit, have sparked a renaissance in the Motor City and for American watch brands in general. One of their latest editions of their most popular design, the Runwell, is a subtle version of what can be a busy style. This is destined to become a classic design that will no doubt age well with it’s stainless steel case and durable leather strap. With a clean ivory-colored face and luminous hands, wearing this watch makes a statement that you value good design, but don’t need an overly expensive timepiece to speak for you.
The next factor in our wooden watch guide that you need to pay attention to when purchasing a new wood watch is movement. The movement ought to be of high quality. Movement is the mechanism that helps to move a watches’ hands. There are two major movements which are mechanical and quartz. The latter is the most common as it is cheaper, if we compare it to the former. It is also extremely reliable and efficient. A mechanical watch usually has a smooth, weeping motion while a quartz watch has a “tick-tick” movement of the second hand. Some common quartz movements are: Swiss Quartz and Japanese Miyota Quartz movements. Although both are accurate, the Swiss movement is usually more accurate. You will certainly know whether a watch uses Swiss Movement as all of them have “Swiss Movement” engraved somewhere on the watch. Due to its reliability a watch that uses Swiss movement will normally have an extra cost.
Santos-Dumont, 31.4mm stainless steel case, navy alligator leather strap. The Santos, Cartier’s style icon, was first introduced in 1904 and became not only a Cartier signature but also one of the defining wristwatch designs of the 20th century. The latest iteration takes the full Santos-Dumont moniker and steers the line in a new direction — thinner, smaller and more affordable. Key to that is its slimline quartz movement, which may offend the more mechanically minded, but in the flesh it barely registers because of the absence of the tell-tale ticking seconds hand of a quartz movement. It helps too that Cartier is claiming a punchy six-year battery life. The larger of the two models announced is only 31.4mm wide, although feels larger on the wrist, and is just 7mm thick. Mounted on a navy alligator hide strap, it’s chic, dressy and a lusty addition to the Santos canon. Read extra info at https://www.hmwatches.ae/.