How to Buy a Watch Online

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 10, 2020

In the market for a new watch? You can save yourself time, effort, and money by buying online, directly from a brand or from reputable third-party retailers. By using a trustworthy site and determining exactly what you want from your watch, you’ll find the watch of your dreams in no time—and get it delivered straight to your door.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Finding an Online Seller

1
Buy only from reputable watch stores and brands. To avoid scams or fake watches, it’s best to choose your watch from a store that you’re familiar with. You may also want to order directly from the watch brand. The price might be higher than from a third-party seller, but it’s a way to ensure that you’re getting the product that you want.
- Read reviews online and look at a few watches to get an idea of a brand’s style. Compare a few brands and styles before choosing what site to buy from.
- Popular watch brands include Timex, Citizen, and Orient.
2
Make sure that the dealer is authorized to sell their offered brands. Buying from an authorized dealer (AD) of a brand will help protect the warranty on your watch. It’s also another guarantee of your watch’s authenticity. You can check if a site is authorized by checking on the watch brand’s website.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Authorized dealers, both brick and mortar stores and online retailers, are typically listed on the “Authenticity” or “Where to Buy” pages.
- You don’t have to buy a watch from an authorized dealer, and prices will often be lower if you don’t. However, you’ll have more of a chance of buying a fake and won’t have the same purchase and warranty protection that buying from an AD affords.
3
Steer clear of a seller that offers watches at very cheap prices. Third-party sites can typically mark down their watch prices some, especially since online retailers have less overhead prices to cover. However, if the price of a watch seems too good to be true, you may want to give it a closer look, or even steer clear altogether. If a price is marked down by more than 50% from its brand price, it may have technical issues or could even be a fake.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Deep discounts may be legitimate if they’re offered on the brand’s official site.
Tip: When you’re zeroing in on a watch, double-check its price against the brand site and other retailers. If the prices are comparable, it’s likely a good site. If your site is markedly lower, though, you may want to look elsewhere.
4
Read reviews to check the watch and seller quality. Reviews can tell you a lot about a watch’s look and performance, as well as the site’s credibility. Check the reviews to see if a watch functions well, looks like it does in photographs, and will suit your needs. Remember that sellers can filter reviews on their own website, but not on third-party sites like Amazon and eBay.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Reviews can also tell you whether a site ships quickly and safely or is helpful with returns and other issues.
- Fake reviews are always something to look out for. Each review should sound unique and authentic, and offer different views on the product.
Carefully review all of the retailer’s general logistical policies before making your purchase. Read up on the seller’s policies on making returns, just in case you don’t like the watch, and look at their warranty policy as well. If there’s a problem with your watch, you’ll likely need to send it either to the brand or back to the retailer, so check to see where to send it, and whether you’ll need to pay shipping.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing a Watch Style and Fit

1
Choose an automatic watch for ease and style. Automatic watches are considered the highest caliber of watch. They wind themselves automatically, using power from the movements of your wrist, and the second hand moves in smooth movements, rather than ticking. If a watch is automatic, it should be listed on the product description page.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you take off your automatic watch, it will eventually stop working after a few days. You’ll need to rewind it before it starts again.
2
Go with a quartz watch for greater accuracy at a lower price. Quartz watches are powered by a small crystal, a battery, and a few small motors. Though they’re now considered less high-end than automatic watches, quartz watches are still perfectly serviceable, and they actually keep time more accurately than automatic watches. They tend to be slightly cheaper as well.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- The second hand in a quartz watch will move forward in short jerks, making a ticking noise.
- You’ll need to replace the batteries in your quartz watch every few years.
- Check the product description to see if a watch is quartz.
3
Pick a watch style, like sport or dress, that fits your needs. Watches are made for all different types of lifestyles and needs, with several “genres” to choose from. One of the positives of shopping online is that you’ll get to look at and consider all of the different genres before committing to one! The main styles you’ll want to consider are:^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Diving watches, which are 100% waterproof, are designed to work under heavy water pressure, and have luminous dials and hands.
- Dress watches, which are used more for adornment than for function. These watches will be understated, with a simple face and strap, and are often made from precious metals.
- Aviation watches, made for pilots, which often convey large amounts of information in addition to the time, such as altitude. Some aviation watches also include a second hour hand so pilots can tell the time in 2 time zones at once.
- Driving watches, which typically include features like a stopwatch and “tachymeter” for measuring speed.
4
Choose a durable, scratch-resistant watch if you plan to wear it on a daily basis. Keeping the face of your watch scratch-free can make it look clean and new even after years of wear. Look for sapphire crystal for the strongest scratch-proofing power, or choose mineral crystal for a scratch-resistant watch. Acrylic crystal is cheaper, but prone to light scratching.
- Look for this information in the watch’s product specifications tab, under “dial window material type.”
The strap, or bracelet, of your watch will have a big impact on its overall look. A metal bracelet is held together by links, giving it a shiny gleam that looks great with heavier-looking watches.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Tip: Some watches allow you to remove and change straps if the one it comes with isn’t to your liking. Check the watch’s information page to see.
A leather watch strap looks great on formal, dressy watches. It’s understated and quietly classy, making it a timeless, classic choice when you’re dressing up. When buying online, you won’t be able to feel the leather first, so look at the watch’s description and any reviews to get an idea of how it’ll feel on your wrist.^{[9]
X
Research source}
7
Size your wrist and choose a case and bracelet that will fit. You won’t be able to try on your watch before buying it, so it’s important to know exactly what case diameter and strap size you’ll need. All sizing information should be available on the watch’s page, and the retailer may also offer a strap sizing chart, as sizes can vary between brands. Sizing information is measured in millimeters.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If your wrists are smaller, a 34-40 mm case diameter will be fine. If you have larger wrists, try a diameter closer to 46 mm.
- A regular strap length (neither “extra-long” nor “extra-short”) should work for most people. You can also use a tape measure to determine the width of your wrist and buy a strap that’s several millimeters longer, or consult the brand’s sizing chart.
- If you buy casual or formal watches, you can size your watch by adding or removing links.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Looking for Extra Features

1
Get a watch with a calendar window to tell the date. Choosing a watch with a calendar function allows you to tell the date and time at the same time! When buying online, you should be able to tell that a watch has a calendar window just by looking at the picture. The retailer should also list it under the watch’s general description.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Some watch calendars tell only the day and month, while others include the day of the week.
Many people with watches like to be able to use them as timers as well, especially for sports. A watch with a stopwatch function will typically have an extra button or two on the side, and the capability should also be listed on the website under the watch’s description.^{[12]
X
Research source}
Most high-quality watches are water-resistant to some extent, but it’s good to make sure by checking the watch’s description on the product page. You can choose a watch that’s just water-resistant, or one that’s completely waterproof, like most diving watches.^{[13]
X
Research source}
4
Find a watch with an extra time zone if you travel frequently. Some watches include an extra hour hand or additional writing and labels around the face to indicate the time in other parts of the world. This can be helpful if you travel often, or if you’re just interested in knowing the time in other areas around the globe.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- When buying online, you should be able to tell if a watch has this capability. Look for time zones written around the edge of the clock or an extra, smaller clock face within the main one.
Altitude measurements, first added to watches to aid pilots, might not be very relevant for the modern watch-wearer, unless you fly frequently. However, it can make your watch look more appealing and the measurement itself might be interesting to know.^{[15]
X
Research source}

Tip: Other interesting features you can look for include star charts and moon phase indicators.

Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Do not hesitate to ask any questions about a particular watch if the specs are not fully listed. Remember that you will not be able to personally evaluate the watch until it reaches your doorstep.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0