Like purchasing diamonds or jewelry, selecting a watch that suits your taste, lifestyle and budget can be a fun experience. We have included some information on how watches work, as well as descriptions of the many functions and features available in today's watches.

In addition to their exterior beauty, watches are also an incredible feat of engineering and craftsmanship. Many complicated parts must all work in tandem in order to not only tell time, but perform the myriad other functions that many of today's watches perform. This section contains an overview of the major parts of a watch, as well as an explanation of how watches operate.

Watch Parts

Crystal
The cover over the watch face is called the crystal. There are three types of crystals commonly used in watches: Acrylic crystal is an inexpensive plastic that allows shallow scratches to be buffed out. Mineral crystal is composed of several elements that are heat-treated to create an unusual hardness that aids in resisting scratches. Sapphire crystal is the most expensive and durable, approximately three times harder than mineral crystals and 20 times harder than acrylic crystals. A non-reflective coating on some sport styles prevents glare.

Hands
A watch's hands are the pointing device anchored at the center and circling around the dial indicating hours, minutes, seconds and any other special features of the watch. There are many different types of hands:
· Alpha: A hand that is slightly tapered.
· Baton: A narrow hand sometimes referred to as a 'stick hand'.
· Dauphine: A wide, tapered hand with a facet at the center running the length of the hand.
· Skeleton: Cutout hands showing only the frame.
· Luminous: Hand made of skeleton form with the opening filled with a luminous material.

Bezel
The surface ring on a watch that surrounds and holds the crystal in place is called the bezel. A rotating ratchet bezel moves in some sport watches as part of the timing device. If rotating bezels are bi-directional (able to move clockwise or counter clockwise), they can assist in calculations for elapsed times.

Crown
The nodule extending from the watchcase that is used to set the time, date, etc. is called the crown. Most pull out to set the time. Many water-resistant watches have crowns that screw down for a better watertight seal.

Dial
The watch face that contains the numerals, indices or surface design is called the dial. While these parts are usually applied, some may be printed on. Sub-dials are smaller dials set into the main face of the watch. These can be used for added functions, such as elapsed times and dates.

Case (or Watchcase)
The watchcase is the metal housing that contains the internal parts of a watch. Stainless steel is the most typical metal used, but titanium, gold, silver and platinum are also used. Less expensive watches are usually made of brass that has been plated with gold or silver.

Bracelet
A bracelet is the flexible metal band consisting of assembled links, usually in the same style as the watchcase. Detachable links are used to change the length of the bracelet. Bracelets can be made of stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, or a combination.

Strap
A strap is simply a watchband made of leather, plastic or fabric.   more »

For The Very Finest In Watches, Get A Rolex Watch
By: Mike Yeager

A Rolex watch sets the standards for all watches, and has for many years. While there have been many imitators, none can match the Rolex’s quality and look. For almost a hundred years, Rolex has been the leader of all watch companies. Rolex’s devotion to building a watch that is durable, attractive, and accurate has made it the most famous watch of all time.

Rolex also makes watches that perfect for someone who loves the water. The “Sea-Dweller”, “Submarines Date”, “Rolex Yacht-Master” are all made specifically to be waterproof at even hundreds of feet underwater. However, be aware that there are also models that are made for everyday wear, such as the “Air-King” and “DateJust”. Be sure to buy a genuine Rolex, and not a fake Rolex. The easiest way to make sure you are buying a genuine Rolex is to buy it from a certified Rolex dealer.

How to choose the perfect Rolex Watch for you.

Buying a Rolex watch is certainly a large investment, as Rolex watches certainly cost more than the average wristwatch. Most Rolex watches such as the Rolex yacht master, cost thousands of dollars. However, be aware that you will be buying a watch that will not only work your whole lifetime, it will also look pretty good doing it.

However, a new Rolex watch may simply be too much money for some people. If that is the case, consider buying a pre-owned Rolex watch instead. Whether you buy a new or used Rolex watch, you will definitely enjoy the use of a finely made watch made by the finest watch company in the last one hundred years. A Rolex, watch, omega or cartier wristwatch are all good investments, but the Rolex is simply the best.