A watch is a symbol of who you are. It sends a message of status, individuality and self-esteem. Not only do you use a watch to tell time, but your watch tells a lot about you as a person.

Buying a fine watch is an interesting avenue of self-expression. In today's lifestyles, where people often want to express different sides of themselves at different times, owning a watch wardrobe has almost become commonplace. The average individual owns three or four watches, a number that is on the rise.

Prestige watches are a particularly popular category, with everything from sport to dress to dramatically different timepieces in the hot spot. With almost 1.2 billion watches produced annually, selecting the right watch for a particular lifestyle can be a challenge.

Here are some important facts from the Jewelry Information Center:
Understand the Technology
Quartz watches make up about 90 percent of all watches produced today. They are perhaps the easiest, most low-maintenance timepieces one can buy.

The watch is powered by a quartz crystal and a battery. The brain of the watch is the integrated circuit; the source of energy consists of a miniature battery that typically lasts two to three years before needing replacement. Quartz watches are extremely accurate, varying only about one minute per year.

For those who want perfection and craftsmanship, mechanical timepieces hold a special allure. A mechanical movement typically consists of at least 130 individual components on a frame with an escapement, balance wheel and hairspring to drive the watch.
A manual (self-wind) movement requires the wearer to wind the watch. An automatic movement keeps itself in sync by a motor that turns by the force of gravity from regular movements of the wearer's wrist. Mechanical timepieces, just like a fine car, need oil and lubricating every few years to keep them in optimum running condition.

Consider the Metals Used
Generally, fine watches are offered in either steel, 18-karat gold, or platinum, or combinations. Each metal provides different benefits. Gold is softer than steel and in rugged conditions, gold might scratch. It is, however, the top metal of choice for fine watchmaking, as it offers elegant appeal.
Platinum, too, is often used by the top brands as a warm alternative. Stainless steel and titanium are durable materials that work great as bracelets on sportier watches.

Look at Variable Cost Considerations
Often 50 to 75 percent of the cost of a watch comes from what's inside. If it's a mechanical timepiece or a complicated timepiece that offers additional functions, it can have as many as 600 or more individual parts. The price will be significantly higher because of the work that went into creating the movement.

Know About Durability and Reliability
Reliability is a key factor in choosing a watch, especially a sport watch. To be deemed water-resistant, most fine watches are subjected to a pressure test equivalent to a diver's depth of 100 feet. If the watch shows no sign of internal humidity or damage, it can be called water-resistant. Degrees of water resistance vary: 50 meters is almost standard, but many watches are resistant to several hundred meters or more.

Chronometers that are tested in a Swiss Observatory under stringent conditions are considered among the more reliable and durable wristwatches.

Look for Warranties/Guarantees
Every watch manufacturer offers some warranty. Typically the warranty is for a year, but some companies offer several years and some even offer extended warranties that cover the case or bracelet as well as the movement. Make sure the watch comes with its original packaging, boxing and informational materials.

Also, be sure the professional jeweler or watch dealer is authorized to sell the brand. The watch warranty or guarantee is not considered valid by the watchmaker if the dealer is not authorized. This is especially true for luxury watches.

Ask About After-Sales Service
Before buying, know about the back-up support of the brand and the retailer. Be sure to find out if the retailer has an after-sales service facility on the premises and if there is a U.S. service center.

This article has been reprinted with permission granted by the Jewelry Information Center, 52 Vanderbilt Ave., New York, NY 10017