Form or Function?

The very first question you have to answer for yourself when picking out a watch is whether you want a watch that has the technical features you are looking for (stopwatch, calendar, moon phases, waterproofness, etc.) or a watch that has the aesthetic features you are looking for (large face, titanium, etc). Are you looking for a watch that will do a lot for you when you are doing laps at the track, or are you looking for a watch that will be a good complement to the outfit you have on this evening? This is the most basic and important decision you will make when picking out a new watch.

Form

The two biggest characteristics that will play into a decision about watches when you are looking for a visually pleasing watch will be face size and material.

Face size can say a lot about the image that you are trying to portray. The larger the watch face, the more dominant of a personality you will be conveying, although, if the watch is ridiculously large compared to your wrist/hand, then it may seem a bit goofy and you probably won't be taken seriously. Although, there is a new trend in female fashion in which a woman will wear a large men's watch to accentuate her thin wrists or hands. Outside of that, however, try to choose a watch that has a face about half the width of your wrist. This measurement will result in a watch that is noticeable, but not a watch that makes you seem like you are overcompensating.

Material is the second biggest concern when choosing a watch for aesthetic reasons. In general, most people know whether they prefer white or yellow gold, two of the most common options for watches. A cheaper alternative to white gold is sterling silver, There are pros and cons to each. Silver is less malleable than gold, meaning it is less likely to deform, but it is more prone to tarnish, which gold will never do. Sterling silver is also generally cheaper than white gold, but usually priced similarly compared to some yellow golds. Titanium and platinum are two pricier alternatives that offer the benefit of being solid, strong metals that are also tarnish and corrosion resistant. If you have the money to spend on these metals, go for it.

Face design is difficult to comment on. What strikes one person as appealing about the design of one watch may be completely different than the next. In my opinion, it boils down to the type of person you are. Most watches can be split into two categories regarding face design - minimalistic and detailed/overbearing. The most minimalistic of watches will simply have a diamond at the 12 o'clock mark and nothing else on the face save for the hour and minute hands. The most detailed of watches will show the time, the time in other time zones, the calendar and the moon positions. There is no right or wrong here - it solely depends on what you find attractive, although, be prepared for other people to make decisions about you based on the complexity or simplicity of your watch.

Function

If you are not concerned at all about the aesthetic quality of your watch, you might be best off just getting a digital Timex. They do the job quite well, can stand up to a bit of shock and water, and are reasonably priced. If you want more options, however, they may cost you.

Waterproofing has become semi-standard among the popular watch designers, although you should note the depths that they claim the watch is waterproof until. If you are planning on doing diving or spending a lot of time in the water surfing, swimming or diving, look into watches known for their waterproofability. There are even watches for deep-sea diving designed to be waterproof for several hundred meters.

Calendar/Time Zone indicators - if you are the type of person who travels frequently, it can be convenient to have a watch that will tell you quickly the time in areas that are halfway across the globe, or tell you the month and date at a glance if you don't have time to think about it. In today's world, many people are too busy to notice the date unless they have it wrapped around their wrist - if this is you, look into getting a watch with these options.

Power - most consumer-priced watches are battery-powered. If this isn't your style, and you can afford it, there are watches that run using the kinetic mostion of your body storing excess energy and running for up to two weeks after you stop moving. (Kind of eerie, but true). Watch batteries need to be replaced every two years or so, but if you are all about contributing to the environment and making your impact felt, a self-powered watch may be for you.

All in All

Choosing a watch should be an exciting experience. A watch is something that you will (likely) wear every day for the next few years, is something that says something about your personality, and can provide many more functions than simply telling you what time of day it is. A watch can make or break an outfit, make sure you're on time for a date, or help you coordinate a business meeting in Japan from Chicago. A watch is an investment. Look at it as such, make decisions based on your priorities, do a little research and find the watch that fits you perfectly.