Buying a new wristwatch can be a fairly large purchase, so it is important to research all of the different watch features available before choosing a watch model. Many watches can incorporate one or more of these features together although watches with more features can be more expensive and will be bulkier.
1. Alarm
Watches with alarms can be either digital or analog although it is a feature that is more commonly seen in digital watches. Similarly, a digital watch can occasionally accommodate more than one alarm setting, but analog watches may only be able to have one alarm programmed at a time. Having an alarm on a wristwatch is extremely useful for frequent travelers who may wish to nap in transit or for those who need to frequently check the status of anything after a specific amount of time. Watches with alarms will be very useful, but most dress watches do not have this function.
2. Atomic and Radio Controlled
Watches, whether they are digital or analog, can slowly become less accurate over time. A watch may need to be adjusted every few years or even daily to keep it on time. However, atomic and radio controlled watches will always be correct down to the second. Atomic clocks use the energy of atoms to accurately mark time. Radio controlled clocks frequently receive signals that will constantly adjust and reset the watch to the exact time. These watches are useful for frequent travelers who want to ensure that their watches are always correct. This is also a good feature for those with jobs or hobbies that have very specific time windows. While a watch that adjusts itself automatically will appeal to those who do not want to have to worry about changing the time on their watches, not everybody will find that this feature is extremely useful. The level of accuracy in these watches is beyond what most people need on an everyday basis.
3. Date and Day Dials
Watch dials that display the date or day of the week are some of the most common and popular features on new wristwatches. Those who tend to be disorganized or forgetful will appreciate their watch being able to remind them of the date. Businesspeople or those with busy schedules can use this feature to help remember events and tasks that need to be completed. Date and day dials are a very versatile feature. They are used on both digital and analog clocks, and they are also one of the few features that is commonly seen in both casual and dress watches.
4. Stopwatch
The stopwatch feature lets a person accurately measure short amounts of time. Watches with a stopwatch feature are popular with athletes who want to measure and track their performance. Stopwatches can also be used in a way similar to alarms for those who need to perform a specific action after a set duration of time. Students can use stopwatches along with other study aids like flashcards to practice speed and information recall. Stopwatches are very common on digital watches, but they are rare on analog watches. Often, watches with a stopwatch feature have two prominent buttons that make it easy to quickly start and stop the timer function. Because of this, wristwatches with a stopwatch can be bulkier and larger than other watches.
5. Light
The light feature is another of the most popular watch options. Watches with this feature have a small button that, when pressed, will light up or glow so that the time can be read. A light feature is easily incorporated into both digital and analog watches, so it is easy to find a watch with a light no matter what watch style a shopper prefers. A light on a wristwatch allows a person to easily check the time even in the dark, which is convenient for those who may go camping or hiking often or for those who schedule work or activities at night. Lights are commonly a soft blue or green color although a person may be able to find other colors with some searching.
6. Heart Rate Monitor
Heart rate monitors can even be built into wristwatches. This feature is ideal for athletes who want to keep track of their heart rate and use that information to adjust and improve on their workout routine. The heart rate monitor can provide readouts that tell the wearer how quickly their heart is beating. Generally, athletes will aim for different ranges of speed to achieve different workout results. Wearers with heart problems can also use a heart rate monitor in a wristwatch to make sure that their workout routine is safe and does not stress their heart too much. Heart rate monitors are only seen in digital watches, but these watches are also usually water resistant, which makes them perfect for any type of workout.
7. Multiple Time Zone Dials
Some watches will include smaller dials located either on or next to the main watch dial. Users can set these other dials to the time in different time zones. Frequent travelers can use this function to help themselves adjust to a new location or to keep in touch with colleagues or family back home. Some digital watches can also have this feature, and it can be in the form of a separate digital readout or as a screen accessed by a button or switch.
8. Compass
While both digital and analog watches can include a compass feature, it is more common on digital watches. This feature is usually not the traditional compass that features a needle on a dial. Instead, it will offer a digital directional readout that can be read directly on the watch's dial or by pressing a button. This function is best for those who enjoy hiking, camping, sailing, and other outdoor activities. Often, this function is combined with other functions like water resistance. Not all compasses are equal. Some will only give a vague directional readout, but others will be able to display more specific degrees.
9. Water Resistance
Many watches are treated to resist water. However, these levels of water resistance will vary. Most watches are slightly water resistant, meaning that they can withstand a few drops of water but should not be submerged. Other watches are water resistant up to a depth of 100 meters, and other watches are resistant in even greater depths. This feature can add cost to wristwatches, so consider whether this level of protection is a vital feature. Most people will not need watches that can resist water deeper than 100 meters, but athletes and those who enjoy water sports or boating will appreciate the added security of lower levels of water resistance.
Finding New Wristwatches on eBay
To find new wristwatches on eBay, start on the main page and look for the list of item categories on the left. Hover the cursor over the option to see all categories until a popup menu appears. From that menu, select the link for the Jewelry & Watches category. From that page, click on the link for Watches, and then follow the link for Wristwatches. This category has thousands of items, but it is easy to further narrow down the results. Use eBay's navigation menu to the left of the page to winnow down results based on brand, price, condition, style, band material, display, and features. To see all of the watches that include a specific features, simply check the box next to that feature. For example, shoppers can look for watches with an Alarm or that show the Date. To search for watches with more than one desired feature, click on the option to choose more, and a popup menu will appear. This menu will allow shoppers to select as many feature options as they want.
Conclusion
Choosing from the many wristwatch features can be a difficult decision for some. Most shoppers will find it easiest to choose one or two favorite or indispensable features and then narrow down their watch options. Remember that, in general, digital watches will have more features, and analog watches will gain bulk and weight with more features. In the same vein, casual watches tend to have more features, and dress watches tend to have fewer options in terms of features. Choosing the desired features for a new wristwatch can help a shopper narrow down their options and find the perfect accessory.
