And it is because of this ineffability that purchasing a watch is such a difficult procedure. Your ideal new watch isn't always the one with the most features, unlike, example, a new smartphone (unless that's what you're looking for, in which case this extremely pricey Patek Philippe should do just fine). Additionally, price does not always indicate quality. To elevate a watch simply because it damaged your credit card would be silly (and a little gauche). 

Making that step is not simple. One of the biggest delusions of the watch world, or "horology," as it is officially known, is that the entire club can sometimes feel a little exclusive, if not outright exclusionary. The world is rife with jargon. It may also be a world tinged with elitism; for example, if you ask a watch enthusiast to explain the distinction between an automatic and a quartz watch, they can roll their eyes and grin, "Silly you!" 

However, that is not how we are. You can get into watches with our assistance. Every man ought to. So, let's go over the fundamentals of how to get your first proper watch, or even your twentieth, using the Esquire method below.

How To Buy A Watch 

There are numerous factors at work. You have your own preferences. You have your own standards. And maybe most significantly, you have control over your own spending. However, keep in mind that there is a lot of flexibility available, and brands that don't exactly have the cachet of Rolex and Audemars Piguet are in no way inferior. In actuality, a lot of them function (and appear) just as good. 

You can possess an automatic from names like Farer and Nomos at the entrance to Swiss watches. Alternately, explore beyond of Europe to East Asia, where Seiko and Citizen have produced excellent pieces for less than £200.

Moving up the price spectrum, mechanical watches from brands like Junghans, Christopher Ward, and Sinn start at about £500 and offer something a little more unique.

And if you have more than a thousand pounds to spend, you have a lot more alternatives, from brand-new models from some of the best watch companies in the world to pre-owned classic versions.  

After reading the aforementioned, you ought to have a better understanding of what constitutes a great watch and why some watches command such status, respect, and price tags. More importantly, you'll soon be able to explain—at least to yourself—why you chose the lump of metal, glass, and leather that proudly rests on your wrist instead of that dream vacation for you and your partner. I wish you luck in that.