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5 Tips For Buying A Chronograph

5 Tips For Buying A Chronograph

People buy watches for different reasons. Maybe it’s your son’s wedding, or maybe your daughter is graduating, or perhaps it’s your grandson’s birthday. Maybe you’re going on an escapade, or perhaps your watch has become old, and it’s now time to buy a new one. Whatever the reason, you’ll first want to decide on the main purpose of your watch.  Is your goal just to tell the time? Or is it measuring your horse’s race performance? There are many reasons and purposes for buying a watch.

If you’re buying a watch as a gift, go for a mechanical watch. A mechanical watch will retain its value for a long time. It also lasts longer and can be handed on to the next generations. Good watches are considered jewelry too, and can hold a sentimental value to those who own them. But while there are different types of watches, the one that stands out the most in terms of quality is the chronograph. 

What Is A Chronograph?

A chronograph is a watch with additional timing functions. While it’s mostly used to measure periods of time, it can also be used as a stopwatch. Compared with a regular watch that just tells time, a chronograph is a bit more complex and has many functions. It’s a piece that you’ll appreciate the more you understand what a chronograph is.

This article summarizes everything you need to consider when buying a chronograph.

Things To Consider When Buying A Chronograph

1. Buyer Protection

Be careful when purchasing your chronograph, especially from online stores. First, you need to check the reputation of the seller. If they’re new in the market, check to see whether they have testimonials and reviews or a strong social media presence where they actively interact with their customers. 

Make sure to find a seller who is willing to exchange your chronograph if damaged during shipping or if it has a manufacturing defect. Also, find a seller that offers a warranty in case you need to return the chronograph to the seller when it doesn’t meet your expectations. 

2. True Value 

One of the issues that come to people’s minds is the price of chronographs. However, it’s vital to consider the actual value of a chronograph before you can think of the price. There’s no need to buy a low-priced chronograph that won’t serve your needs or represent no value to you. However, if it’s a high-quality piece, an expensive price tag shouldn’t be an issue.

3. Your Size

The size of a chronograph is more important than you may think. You should note that most chronographs come in large sizes, both in width and thickness. It’s recommended that you try to fit the chronograph first before buying it. A good size is the one that comfortably fits around your wrist. It shouldn’t be too loose that it slides around, nor too tight that it leaves a mark. Ideally, it shouldn’t extend past the edges of your wrist too.

4. Type 

A chronograph is one of the most common types of watches, and it comes in different varieties. The most commonly known types of chronographs are those that are used in aviation and motorsports. If you’re a professional, choose a type that suits your field.

5. Style

As you learn about the different types of chronographs, it’s also good to familiarize yourself with different styles. Remember that you’re not going to wear your chronograph for one day. It’s something you’ll be using on a daily basis. Therefore, the style of your chronograph is important. 

Style websites and magazines can be great places to learn more about the current trends in chronograph styles. Browse for styles that will suit your preferences so you get an idea of what to look for when you finally go shopping. 

 5 Tips For Buying A Chronograph

Protecting Your Investment

Once you’ve bought the chronograph that’s perfect for your style and needs, it’s a good idea to consider how you can protect it. Depending on the price of your chronograph, you may want to add it to your jewelry list and insure it.

Though most chronographs require minimal maintenance, taking good care of your chronograph both when in use and when not in use, is the best way to ensure it remains beautiful for decades. When you’re at home, put it in a double chronograph winder when it’s not on your wrist. More importantly, don’t forget to take note of the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance for your piece.

Takeaway 

In the modern world, people are moving from ordinary watches to chronographs. Apart from letting you know the time, a chronograph works as a timer as well. There are several things you need to consider when buying a chronograph, as mentioned above. The reputation of the seller is the first thing you must put in your mind. You wouldn’t want to buy from a brand that isn’t reputable. Otherwise, you may lose your money. Other things to consider are the value, type, and style that will suit your needs. 

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