THE JOURNAL
Follow 5 tips on buying a watch to easily find the right one for you
1, Materials
Watch case materials typically include karat gold, gold-plated, titanium, stainless steel, chrome-plated semi-steel, and alloy cases. Karat gold cases are generally used only for high-end luxury watches, with prices usually starting from tens of thousands; whereas chrome-plated semi-steel watches (where only the case back is stainless steel) are considered low-end, and their cases are easily corroded. Gold-plated cases look rather attractive, but without a certain plating thickness (including the bracelet), the finish wears off very easily. If you opt for a gold-plated watch, a plating thickness of at least 10 microns is preferable. Titanium-plated watches are relatively sturdy and wear-resistant, though the colour is less appealing. Currently, two-tone cases and bracelets (combining gold or gold plating with stainless steel) are quite popular, offering both aesthetic appeal and durability. Gold-plated watches are costlier than all-steel models, while watches with leather straps are much cheaper than their steel bracelet counterparts.

2、类型
手表一般分为机械表和石英表,而机械表一般要比石英表贵上不少,但不能完全表示机械表要比石英表更好。机械手表之所以比石英手表贵,这是因为机械手表在其制作过程中需要精确的手工调整校时,而石英手表一般是在自动生产线上组装出来的。 石英手表最大优点是计时精确度高、佩戴方便,而且容易制作成很薄很小,时尚感强。而机械手表的表芯更有工艺性,但表壳厚度一般都比较大。
3、声音
早年时期,钟表师傅一般都是通过听手表走动时的声音来判断手表的走时好不好,这完全就是靠钟表师傅的经验和功夫了。那么一般人又该如何去靠听来辨别呢?其实就是听手表在变化位置后,其走时声音的变化。而有故障或零件残损的手表,会随着位置的改变,走时的声音也会随之明显改变。有些会发生周期性的变化,声音一会儿大一会儿小。就因为如此,听手表只能检测手表是否有故障,并不能完全代表手表的质量。

4, Buying Watches in Switzerland
Switzerland is the home of watchmaking, and many people believe that buying a watch in Switzerland not only guarantees quality but is also relatively cheaper. However, from the perspective of purchasingSwiss watches, buying in Switzerland is not necessarily the cheapest option. In Switzerland, Chinese tourists making a single purchase of 300 Swiss Francs or more can enjoy a tax refund of approximately 7.6%. However, this tax refund rate is not the highest; Chinese tourists visiting other European countries, such as France, can benefit from a 12% tax refund. Moreover, purchasing in Hong Kong is also a great alternative.
5, Maintenance
The lifespan of a watch is tied to its correct usage by the wearer; proper maintenance naturally ensures longevity, whereas neglect shortens it. Mid-to-high-end watches should undergo regular servicing every two to three years, and such maintenance services will effectively extend the operating time of the timepiece. Purchasing a watch also requires considering after-sales service and spare parts availability. Generally speaking, watches equipped with mass-market movements such as ETA movements and those from major brands present very few issues.
Buying a watch is a refined discipline, and understanding these aspects not only helps one become an expert but also provides plenty of guidance for future purchases.
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