The Biggest Mistakes When Buying a Watch: What to Watch Out For Before You Open Your Wallet?

A watch isn’t just a piece of metal on your wrist. It’s style, technology, prestige, and often an investment. But many people make mistakes when buying a watch, which leads them to waste money or end up with the wrong piece. In this article, I’ll explain in simple yet thorough terms the most common mistakes when buying a watch and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1 – Buying a Watch Only for Its Looks

Of course, looks are important. But they’re not everything. Many people buy a watch that looks great in a photo, but:

• is uncomfortable on the wrist

• has a hard-to-read dial

• isn’t suitable for water, even though it appears to be

• is too big or too small for your wrist

How to avoid this mistake?

• always try the watch on your wrist

• check case diameter, thickness, and lug-to-lug length

• consider what you want the watch for (sports, work, formal events)

Mistake #2 – Not Checking What’s Inside

Many people don’t care about the movement. Yet it’s precisely the movement that determines whether a watch will last or break down soon.

Why does the movement matter?

• it determines the watch’s accuracy

• it affects service costs

• it determines the watch’s lifespan

For example:

ETA or Sellita → excellent reliability

Miyota → robust, affordable

No-name Chinese movement → often a gamble

Mistake #3 – Trusting Only “Swiss Made”

Swiss watches are great—but not every Swiss Made watch is worth the money. Even in Switzerland, cheap quartz watches are produced that cost no more than quality Japanese models.

What does Swiss Made mean?

• at least 60% of the watch’s value must come from Switzerland

• assembly must take place in Switzerland

• but it doesn’t automatically mean luxury

Sometimes Japanese brands (Seiko, Citizen, Orient) offer better quality for the same price.

Mistake #4 – Buying from Unverified Online Shops

Online, you’ll find watches thousands cheaper. But often they turn out to be:

• counterfeits

• grey market goods without warranty

• used watches sold as new

How to avoid this mistake?

• shop with verified sellers

• look for reviews of the e-shop

• check whether the seller is an authorized distributor for the brand

Mistake #5 – Ignoring Watch Size

Modern watches are often large and chunky. Great for big wrists—but on a small wrist, they can look ridiculous.

What to look at?

• case diameter → men’s watches are usually 38–42 mm, women’s 28–36 mm

• lug-to-lug length → the distance between the top and bottom strap connections

• watch thickness → crucial if you wear a shirt

Mistake #6 – Not Checking Water Resistance

Seeing “50M” on the dial makes people think they can go diving. Mistake! Water resistance ratings don’t mean the watch can handle that depth.

30M → hand washing

50M → showering, light swimming

100M → swimming, snorkeling

200M → diving

Mistake #7 – Ignoring Service

Mechanical watches need servicing every 4–6 years. Many people buy mechanical watches but don’t know that:

• they need cleaning and lubrication

• servicing can cost $80 – $400 depending on the brand

If you don’t want to deal with servicing, buy a quality quartz watch.

Mistake #8 – Not Checking Brand Reviews

There are dozens of brands on the market that produce beautiful but low-quality watches. Fashion brands often use cheap quartz movements but charge high prices.

Example: fashion brands (Guess, Armani, Diesel) vs. watchmaking brands (Seiko, Citizen, Tissot).

Mistake #9 – Buying a Watch with Too Many Features

Many people want a watch that can:

• measure heart rate

• show a second time zone

• have a chronograph

• display moon phases

• have a date window

• work as an alarm

The more complications, the higher the risk of breakdowns. If you don’t need all those features, keep it simple.

Mistake #10 – Not Checking the Origin of Vintage Watches

Vintage watches are great, but the market is full of scammers. A vintage watch might be:

• counterfeit

• assembled from parts of different models (frankenwatch)

• with a repainted dial

Buy only from verified sellers.

What to Watch Out For When Buying a Watch?

• what movement is inside

• origin and reputation of the brand

• size of the watch on your wrist

• water resistance vs. your lifestyle

• service availability

• seller reviews

• don’t overdo it with features

Common Myths When Buying Watches

“Swiss watches are always better.” → Not necessarily. Japanese brands make excellent watches.

“50M water resistance is enough for diving.” → Definitely not!

“Mechanical watches are always better than quartz.” → Not for everyone.

“More features mean a better watch.” → No. Sometimes less is more.

“Cheap watches can’t be good quality.” → Some affordable watches (like Seiko 5) are great.

“Watches from fashion brands are high quality.” → Often not. You’re paying for the name, not the movement.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy a watch online or in-store?

If you know the model, buying online from a verified seller is safe. For your first purchase, I recommend going to a store where you can try the watch on.

Can I buy a watch on Aliexpress?

Better not. The risk of counterfeits is high.

Are fashion watch brands bad?

Not all, but they often have lower-quality movements and higher prices than proper watch brands.

Is 100M water resistance enough for swimming?

Yes. It’s fine for regular swimming or snorkeling.

Do quartz watches need servicing?

Usually, you just need to replace the battery. Maintenance is minimal.

How can I spot a fake watch?

By price, errors in the logo, poor engraving, or a suspiciously low price.