Bulova Precisionist Champlain Collection
Precisionist Champlain Collection by Bulova
Rule #1: A watch with a quartz movement is simpler and far more accurate鈥攁nd if the battery dies, you simply replace it. But if you鈥檙e looking for an heirloom, consider a mechanical watch with automatic movement. It鈥檒l run you at least $600.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500m
Aquaracer 500m chronograph by Tag Heuer
Rule #2: Bigger is better, but only to a point. The face shouldn鈥檛 be wider than your wrist; something in the 42-to-44-millimeter range should be about right.
Seiko Sportura Alarm
Sportura Alarm chronograph by Seiko
Rule #3: Life is complicated enough. Don鈥檛 make it worse with a bunch of gauges and dials you won鈥檛 ever use.
Bell and Ross BR02-92 Phantom Rubber
BR02-92 Phantom Rubber by Bell and Ross
Rule #4: Speaking of which, unless you鈥檙e a scuba diver, anything more than ten meters of waterproofness is just for show.
Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Automatic
Airboss Automatic by Victorinox Swiss Army
5. A rubber watchband is great because it can expand and contract as the temperature fluctuates. Just make sure it鈥檚 hypoallergenic.
Oris Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series
Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series by Oris
Rule #6: For the bezel, steel is your best option. And remember this phrase: 316L surgical-grade. The superlow nickel content really is better for your skin. It鈥檚 not marketing hooey.
Rule #7: Neither is the superiority of a sapphire crystal. It鈥檚 the hardest and most scratch-resistant next to diamond.