Like the car he drives or the drink he drinks, a man’s wrist watch says a lot about his personality.

But when making a purchase decision, a lot of men make the mistake of relying solely on the advice of salespeople, who are likely to trick you into buying something overpriced with features you don’t understand or need. 

Here’s a guide that will enlighten you on what to look for when buying an exceptional timepiece.

The outer makeup of a timepiece should be decided, depending on how and where you plan to wear the watch. 

The Case

If you’re looking for a dress watch, consider smaller, simpler cases made of durable metals that aren’t bulky or oversized. Ask about the metal used and if it’s prone to scratches, abrasions or rust. Avoid gold plated watches, as the shine never lasts. Fake gems almost always look tacky and are sure to fall out, so avoid those too.

The Dial

Choose whites and creams for daywear and black and brown dials for evening wear. Ask about the materials used in the dial and its assembly. Imagine yourself wearing it in your everyday environment and look for potential problems and imperfections. Finally, ask yourself if it matches your wardrobe and style.

The Crystal

Always look for a sapphire crystal. If your budget doesn’t allow it, your next best option is mineral, never acrylic.

The Band, Strap or Bracelet

When making this choice, consider finer materials like leather for a dress watch and durable materials like rubber and metal for sports watches. Ensure that the band fits comfortably and suits the watch if you’ve bought it separately. It’s important to pick an option that can withstand daily wear and tear, so stay away from plated bands.

It’s also important to pay attention to what’s on the inside – understand the working of a watch and its features before making a purchase in order to save money and avoid regret.

The Caliber

In order to make sure that your watch will function efficiently over time even after the warranty expires, it’s important to learn what you can about the movement. Find out who made the movement, where it was made and what makes it so special. Alternatively, ask for the model number of the caliber and research it online.

The Features

Additional functions can sometimes be more of a complication than a blessing sometimes.

These functions can significantly impact the price, so be sure to find out about everything else your watch can do aside from telling the time and determine if you’ll actually use all of those features before paying for them.