In the previous part of the article, where we started discussing the best men's watches, we analyzed how mechanical and quartz watches fundamentally differ. Today we will take a look at the most popular watch brands that can be found in stores at affordable prices and talk a little about how to take care of men's watches.
The most popular watch companies in the mid-range
First of all, it is worth focusing on such an important point as the country of origin. We are advanced people and we understand that almost everything in the modern world is either made or assembled in China. Surely, at the moment you are internally indignant. Still, it is generally accepted that China produces only low quality copies, but this is not the case. It is worth distinguishing between products manufactured clandestinely and under license. If you can expect anything from clandestine things, then licensed products, most often, are no different from the original, except, in the case of China, the cost. This applies not only to watches, but also to other devices that we use throughout our lives. Therefore, do not be afraid of the 'Made in China' inscription on the case back of the model you like. If you buy it in a prestigious and well-known store, then you have nothing to fear, especially since there is a guarantee for any watch. You may also come across a mysterious inscription, for example, 'japan movt cased in china'. What does it mean? This marking indicates that the mechanism of this watch is made in Japan, and the case and assembly are Chinese.
In this article, we will not disassemble watch companies with excessively high prices and will focus on a few of those that can offer models under $ 100. Almost all of them you have met, are widespread in retail and have a good value for money. All of them, with proper handling and the right place of purchase, will serve you well and will not give rise to any complaints.
Casio (quartz watch)
Casio watch company
Casio Computer Co Ltd. Let's start the list, in my opinion, with the most popular Japanese watch company, which a huge number of people have chosen. Founded in April 1946 and named after its founder, Tadao Casio. The firm originally produced calculators, including the world's first electronic compact calculator 'Model 14-A'.
Men's watch Casio Edifice
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Men's wristwatch Casio
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Today Casio offers several series of watches, each of which has its own distinctive features and focus on a specific audience. Considering that the author of this article was once especially familiar with this watch company, let's focus on several lines of Casio models. We will understand only those of them that include male models minus the price category from 10,000 rubles (Pro Trek, G-Shock, Sheen).
- Casio Collection. The most diverse line of watches, including models of various styles and designs. It includes classic analogue, electronic and combination watches. They are made in various versions and from various materials: plastic, steel, steel plus plastic. Please also note that almost all models are available in a different color scheme, with a metal, rubber, rubber or leather strap, as well as with different functionalities, but with a similar appearance. A wide price range from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles will allow you to choose the option that is best for you, and a wide variety of models will allow you to choose those watches that will best suit your preferences.
- Casio Edifice. A constant feature of this series is the presence of various functional extensions. Advanced models are equipped with add-ons such as phone sync, solar battery, multiple alarm clocks, phone search and the like. The watches of this series are rather massive and are mostly made in metal. The design combines brutality and high technology. The price range ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 thousand rubles.
- Casio Sports. As the name suggests, this series is designed for athletes. The price ranges from about 2,000 to 6,000 rubles. Both massive metal watches and those made in plastic are available, lightweight and comfortably fitting the wrist. Some models have a specific range of functionality, such as moon phases, temperature sensors, and so on.
- Casio Lineage Titanium. My favorite episode, to be honest. All watches of this line are made of titanium, from which, by the way, deep-sea suits are made. These models are much lighter than their steel counterparts, fit perfectly on the wrist and demonstrate high durability of the case and bracelet. Smooth contours and discreet appearance will appeal to practical, tasteful men. The cost varies from about 4,000 to 10,000 rubles.
Orient (quartz and mechanics)
Orient watch company
Orient Watsh Co Ltd. A Japanese company with over fifty years of history. It occupies not the last place in the list of Japanese watch brands and is known all over the world for its quality, stylish appearance and affordable price. Once the firm Orient, interestingly, produced parts for printers.
Men's wrist watch Orient
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Men's wrist watch Orient
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Orient manufactures watches from high quality stainless steel, in different variations and different functional content. The assortment is quite diverse and is represented by classic analog watches with an ascetic but graceful appearance, advanced models with a variety of functions, as well as mechanical watches with manual winding, self-winding movement, and even in the variant when the model is wound in any of these two ways. And if Casio, for the most part, offers externally 'sophisticated' samples of wrist chronometers, then Orient is rather a choice for lovers of strict classical style.
Prices for watches from this manufacturer range from 2,000 to 70,000 rubles.
Swatch (quartz)
Swatch watch company
Swatch Group Ltd. The company that helped Swiss watchmaking survive with Japanese competitors entering the market. Thanks to the release in 1979 of the 'Delirium', the thinnest wristwatch with a limited number of parts, it was able to survive the crisis and found the Swiss Corporation for Microelectronics and Watch Industry, which later began to produce various watch series, the most famous of which is the series of thin plastic watches with a minimum of parts. Due to the affordable price and quality of products, Swatch is still one of the most famous watch companies.
Those who prefer a dynamic lifestyle, love practicality and creativity will appreciate the models from the Swatch Originals line. For those who tend to choose metal and appreciate elegance and casualness in watches, they will definitely find something for themselves in the Swatch Irony series.
The price of a Swatch watch starts at about 3,000 rubles.
Essence (quartz and mechanical)
Essence watch company
South Korean watch company founded in 1979. She became famous for the use in her products of unusual innovative materials (ceramics, tungsten and sapphire) and Swiss watch movements. It is important that all these materials are hypoallergenic.
Even though most of the Essence lineup has a rather high price, which can be judged at least by the materials used, you can also find models from 3000 rubles in it.
Essence men's wristwatch
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Essence men's wristwatch
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Durable, stylish and reliable, watches from this South Korean company will satisfy even the most fastidious criteria and will become an integral part of your wardrobe, clearly demonstrating your good taste.
Romanson (quartz and mechanical)
Romanson watch company
Like Essence, this company also hails from South Korea, but much younger than its competitor. Romanson uses Swiss movements from ETA in mechanical watches, and Japanese movements from Miyota in less expensive quartz ones. Thanks to this, this company can boast of much more affordable prices than those offered by Swiss manufacturers. This, as well as the high control of production and the availability of the ISO 9001 quality certificate, allowed the company in a relatively short period of time to gain its place in the market and gain recognition in many countries of the world.
Mens watch Romanson
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Romanson men's wristwatch
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The pluses include a huge selection of models, as well as a rapidly changing assortment. The cost of the presented Romanson watches starts from about 3000 rubles and more.
Flight-chronos (quartz and mechanical)
Flight-chronos watch company
We will conclude our small list of watch companies with a patriotic note, mentioning the domestic Poljot-chronos, created on the basis of the special-purpose workshop of the First Moscow Watch Factory 'Polet'. A distinctive feature of the specialists of this watch factory is that in addition to wristwatches, they also produce marine chronometers, deck watches and other watches designed for specific tasks. The products of this company are in no way inferior to their foreign counterparts, in addition to having a Russian flavor. Flight-chronos is a leader in the production of gift watches, in addition, providing reasonable prices for its products from 3000 rubles and more.
To the greatest extent, the assortment of the watch factory is represented by quartz watches made in a strict casual style.
This completes the small list of watch manufacturers. I want to draw your attention to the fact that there are a huge number of watch brands around the world, and it will take a huge amount of time to list all of them. There are far fewer of those that offer their products at an affordable price, while not losing in quality to their more expensive competitors. In this list, the author of the article indicated only those firms that he came across personally and of which he was convinced himself.
Watch care
Now that you and I have roughly decided what kind of watch we need, by what principle to choose it and which companies to pay attention to, it is worth mentioning separately about caring for them. This point should not be neglected, because the longer you wear your watch, the more you become attached to it. It will be quite sad if, by coincidence, they fail, and after all, not all breakdowns in the watch can be repaired. That is why it is necessary to take care of your watch to the best of your ability.
Watch care rules
When handling quartz and mechanics, a few simple rules must be followed to increase their service life:
- When setting the time, the hands must be scrolled only in the direction of their running.
- Do not expose the watch to moisture more than that for which it was designed. If the watch has been exposed to salt or chlorinated water, it must be washed. If they are not initially waterproof, then stop them (if possible) and take them to a workshop to dry and clean.
- Do not leave the watch near a magnetic source.
- It is recommended to wind mechanical watches with manual winding at the same time every day until the spring is fully wound.
- Take care of both the watch and the bracelet / strap. Take care not to subject the mechanism to shocks or shocks.
- Do not use watches that are not intended for this purpose when playing sports.
- Experts recommend giving your watch for prophylaxis about once every four years, during which the movement will be checked for accuracy, cleaned from possible dust and lubricated. It is also necessary to periodically change the rubber gasket that protects the mechanism from moisture penetration through the gap between the case and the back cover. This service is also provided by watch workshops.
- Do not change the battery yourself. Contact an authorized service center. It is better to do this before the battery expires (in case you decide to throw the watch into a distant box), otherwise the battery may leak and cause irreparable damage to the mechanism.
- Take off your watch before going to bed, so as not to damage it by involuntary movements, as well as before visiting a bath or sauna. Humidity and heat can also damage the watch.
Finally
I hope this article helped you in choosing a watch or clarified your questions. Remember that it is not easy to choose a quality watch, all the more, to do it, focusing on the mid-price category, but 'hard' is not 'impossible'. There are a lot of affordable models that look much more expensive than their price and demonstrate good performance. The main thing is to be able to see exactly your own watch, because, in fact, it is not just a wardrobe item, but a visual demonstration of your lifestyle to others.
Save your time and all the best.
