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5 Types of Watches to Know While Shopping for Your Next Timepiece

August 5th, 2024

A man adjusting his watch band in a plaid suit

A wristwatch is more than just a timepiece— it is a reflection of your lifestyle and personality. In the world of horology, the diverse array of watches available today ensures that, whether your life is one of adventure or is spent in the boardroom, there's a timepiece for every lifestyle. From sophisticated dress watches to robust sports models, our expert staff at La Différence Time Centre are dedicated to helping you find the ideal watch that complements your unique tastes and daily activities. Discover the diverse world of watches and elevate your style with a piece that truly resonates with your life.

Dress Watches

While not strictly defined, dress watches are essentially any timepieces you'd want to wear in elegant or professional settings. These watches are often recognized for their simplicity and innate elegance, exuding understated sophistication. They typically feature slim profiles and minimalist dials, making them perfect for pairing with formal attire or your best suit. Dress watches are usually constructed with precious metals such as 18ct gold or 950 platinum, adding a touch of luxury and opulence to their design. Additionally, they often come with luxurious leather straps or precious metal bracelets, enhancing their refined appearance and providing a comfortable fit for all-day wear.

A man in a dress shirt adjusting his cuff over his luxury dress watch

Sport Watches

True to their name, sports watches are wholly designed with functionality and reliability in mind, making them a popular choice for active individuals. These timepieces feature robust construction to withstand the rigours of various physical activities from running and hiking to deep sea diving and skydiving. Common complications include rotating bezels, which are useful for divers, as well as chronographs for precise timekeeping during sports events. Sports watches also boast impressive water resistance, often up to several hundred metres, ensuring durability in wet environments. Whether you're diving deep or scaling heights, sports watches are built to perform and endure, providing both practicality and style for any adventure.

Chronograph Watches

While they are a popular complication on sports watches, chronographs are also prominently featured on their own timepieces. Chronograph watches are designed with a stopwatch feature that allows wearers to track time down to each second, making them highly functional and versatile for day-to-day life. Depending on the model, these watches may have a single button for timing, known as a monopoussoir, or two buttons to start, stop, and reset the timer. Modern chronograph watches typically feature either two or three subdials, which display elapsed hours, minutes, and seconds. This makes them ideal for various timing tasks from athletic events to everyday activities, combining unmatched practicality with stylish design.

A man on a hike, stopping for a moment on a cliff,  and his watch is in view as he leans against a tree.

Diver Watches

The diver's watch, a pinnacle of precision and durability, epitomizes the fusion of functionality and elegance in luxury timepieces. Designed to withstand the pressures of deep-sea exploration, these watches feature robust stainless steel or titanium cases, unidirectional rotating bezels, and luminous hands for enhanced underwater visibility. Water-resistant up to 200 metres or more, they often include a helium escape valve for professional diving. Beyond their rugged capabilities, diver's watches embody timeless style, making them a staple for both adventurers and connoisseurs alike, seamlessly transitioning from ocean depths to sophisticated settings with unmatched grace.

Pilot’s Watches

While you don’t need a pilot’s licence to wear these watches, pilot's watches are designed to reliably function in the cockpit of an aircraft and aid aviators in tracking time and making complex calculations. These timepieces typically feature large, luminous indices and a distinctive triangle with two dots at the 12 o'clock position to assist a pilot with orientation during flight. Their sturdy straps are designed to go over a pilot's jacket, ensuring a secure fit even in turbulent conditions. Known for their precision and durability, pilot's watches combine functionality with a rugged aesthetic, making them essential tools for both professional aviators and aviation enthusiasts.

A man and woman hugging at sunset while wearing a gold toned watch

Discover the Best Watches at La Différence Time Centre

At La Différence Time Centre, our expert staff are dedicated to helping you find the perfect luxury watch for your lifestyle and personal tastes. From sleek dress watches to robust sports watches, our luxurious location in Markham, Ontario boasts an exquisite selection of luxury timepieces, enabling you to find the ideal timepiece to suit any occasion. Additionally, we offer comprehensive watch services to keep your favorite timepieces in pristine condition for years to come. Whether you need guidance in selecting a watch or require maintenance for your cherished adornments, we invite you to visit our showroom or contact us with any questions you may have.