5 Common Watch Buying Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying that new watch should be an exciting experience. It’s a moment of self expression, of making a personal statement, and a glimpse of your character that’ll be worn proudly on your wrist.
However, the experience of buying a watch can - more often than I’d like to see - get hijacked by misguided judgment and rushed decisions.
I’ve seen it too many times. It’s the guy who bought a watch too big which now looks like a dumbbell balancing on their wrist. The collector that convinced themselves that the “hype piece” will go up in value or the first time buyer who got overcharged for a glorified paper weight.
I’ll be the first to admit I’m also guilty of these. It stems from hurried buys, regretful purchases and that sinking feeling that you spent just a little too much on something that doesn’t feel right. And let me tell you, if you can’t convince yourself that the big purchase was a good idea, good luck convincing anyone else.
It shouldn’t have to be this way…
Here are 5 common mistakes when buying a watch and how to avoid them to ensure your watch buying experience is as good as that well aged whiskey you had one time in an inner city dive bar.
Case Size & Fit
The mistake: Thinking that bigger is better
In this situation, size does matter. There’s a reason why some watches just feel right on the wrist while others leave you fighting for justification. Case size & thickness, lug to lug distance, and strap width all matter.
Don’t always take product images and website dimensions for gospel. Brands do an unreal job at beautifying their watches in pictures and that 41mm diver may look sleek and refined on the website however, it could look more like a tyre on your wrist when you receive it.
How to avoid this mistake
Measure your wrist and remember the size (please just do it, it’ll save you time, I swear). Knowing your measurements lets you compare watches more accurately by checking how they look on others with similar wrists.
Understand that case size is only one aspect of a watches true “wear size”. Take into account lug to lug and thickness.
Try before you buy, or at the very least see images of the watch on someone wrist that is similar to yours.
The quick fix: If you have smaller wrists a safe zone will generally be 36mm-40mm and if you have the forearms of a terminator, sure - go bigger.
Remember, a well fitting watch will compliment you while a poor fitting watch won’t let you forget it’s there.
Buying a watch for the hype
The mistake: dropping cash on a watch because you heard it was hot right now or you saw some 6’4 guitar prodigy wear it on stage
We can all agree, the Rolex Daytona, Patek Nautilus and AP Royal Oak have been beaten into our brains like it’s meant to be common sense. Now, don’t get me wrong, you give me a Patek 5726/1A and I’m running with that thing. But, a watch isn’t a flex if it doesn’t feel like you. If it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, taste or your damn wrist then you might as well call it a Ad screaming “look at me!”
How to avoid this mistake
ask yourself, do you like the watch or have you been told to like the watch
Try on as much as you can to see what style and brand suits your preference and lifestyle.
If you’re not diving head first into the watch game for resale purposes - and please, don’t get into watches just for that - buy what you’ll truely enjoy wearing.
The quick fix: Buy the watch that speaks to you. A well worn Seiko is a flex, it has character and stories behind it. Be proud of that.
Overlooking the movement type
The mistake: Not caring about what’s on the inside (it does matter!)
Much like your heart pumps life into your body, the movement ticks life into your watch. And much like a heart there’s unique aspects to each movement.
From quartz, automatic to mechanical / hand wound - each have its own unique quirks, charm and maintenance requirements.
Some people just want to know the time and don’t really care all that much with what’s going on behind the scenes, so quartz will probably be your best bet.
Others who prefer the romance of winding their watch each morning might find that an automatic or manual piece may suit them better.
How to avoid this mistake
Quartz: Accurate & reliable. A true set and forget - just maybe set that reminder to change the battery every few years.
Automatic: As the term states, this type of movement will automatically wind itself through kinetic energy (motion) and will need occasional servicing.
Mechanical / hand wind: This style is an old school as it gets. It’s charming but needs attention. Almost daily attention with the need of winding it to keep the watch ticking. Think of this style as a vintage car - treat it right and it’ll serve you well.
The quick fix: If you just need the time and don’t want all your daily notifications on your wrist then go for a quartz. If you care about the mechanisms and inner workings of a watch - as well as the aesthetics - throw on an automatic or mechanical timepiece.
Not considering versatility
The mistake: Buying a statement piece first
That 44mm dive watch that looks epic with a pair of boardshorts - good luck stuffing it under a dress shirt. That bright purple dial on the gold chronograph - looks epic until it doesn’t work with 90% of your wardrobe.
How to avoid this mistake
Dial colour: Find a dial colour that works with most of what you wear. A safe bet (yes this will sound boring) is white, black or navy.
Straps: Rubber is great for summer beach days but can be much more on the casual side. Leather can be a classy all rounder but starts getting a little too dressy when you dip your toe into anything exotic like crocodile texture. A metal bracelet - classic - this feels like the safe bet option.
The quick fix: Find yourself a watch that you love the look of and can see yourself easily heading out for a beer at the pub or suited up at your mates wedding.
So, If you’re looking for a one watch collection or are just getting started then something that compliments you and is understated is far better than any over the top statement piece.
Skipping research and getting scammed
The mistake: buying blind
This is how people end up with fakes, Frankenwatches (where different parts are stitched together like Frankenstein's monster), or paying double what something is really worth.
How to avoid this mistake
Buy from authorised dealers, trusted retailers, or well-reviewed pre-owned platforms.
Check serial numbers, movement specs, and reference numbers.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
If the deal is happening online, ask the dealer to send a photo of the watch set to a particular time. If they can’t do that, they probably don’t have the watch and are trying to scam you.
The quick fix: Do your homework. A quick Google search, a dive into watch forums, and a few questions to the seller can save you thousands. And if you're ever unsure-walk away.
Final Thoughts
Buy Smart, Wear Proudly
A good watch is a companion, not a regret. It should feel like an extension of you-not a reminder of a bad decision.
The key? Buy what you love, do your homework, and make sure it fits your wrist and your life.
Now, tell me-what's the worst watch-buying mistake you've made? Drop it in the comments. Let's make sure nobody else makes the same one…