It’s an obvious and necessary step in the value proposition argument to evaluate usage. When buying a watch, especially a first watch, this is a really popular question that’ll plague you until you make the purchase. Now, let’s define a couple things: When I say ‘watch’, I mean an heirloom piece that, at minimum, has an in-house movement. When I say ‘purchase’, I mean the moment that you decide which watch that is going to ride your wrist for years to come.

Look at this purchase as a watch that will get wear. A lot of wear. Let’s call this the ‘middle 80%’. In a bell curve, the fringe 10% on the far left and the far right are too far outside the norm to be considered as practical. Focus on that middle hump, it’s where we’re operating today.

And there isn’t a category that fits every man’s needs. It all depends on the kind of guy you are- your style, your day job, your weeknight and/or weekend activities. It’s important to match your lifestyle with a watch purchase. Or, it will likely sit idle as you go about your day to day. And that would be a shame.  

A watch’s band is both a stylistic and functional element. Different bands can easily change the look and feel of a particular model. Selecting the right band for you and your watch is a highly personal choice. It not only reflects the aesthetic you prefer but also the lifestyle you lead. Certain types of watch bands can lend themselves to particular activities and comfort levels. Here, we’ll explore a few of the common types of watch bands and their pros and cons.