Time to buy

Sport

This is a broad church style-wise encompassing everything from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso (originally made for polo players) to a Tudor Black Bay 36, which is a no-nonsense tool watch. What you’re looking for here is something durable; probably in steel or titanium; shock resistant and with a decent water resistance. Take the word “sport” to mean a watch that can be bashed about a bit – so no gold or finnicky bits that could fall off. You can still have sparkles though.

Cocktail

Every woman needs an after-dark number; something small and diamond-encrusted that makes her feel she’s straight out of the Jazz Age. Maisons with added jewellery savoir faire are leaders in this field with the likes of Tiffany & Co; Van Cleef & Arpels and Piaget making some of the most exquisite wrist candy around.

This is where you can indulge your precious stone fetish; experiment with more decadent metals and give your femininity full ebullience. Now is not the time for restraint.

Those are your most common watch styles but how do you decided what to buy? 

Here are some tips from Patrick Graf, chef commercial officer at the Bucherer Group.

• You never go wrong with a steel watch in your collection which you can easily combine to most outfits and occasions. You can dress it up or down.
• Vintage watches with a bit of patina and their own story are the new thing and probably the best way to express your individualism and start an exciting collection.
• Never forget that a watch tells a lot about who you are – therefore choose the brand and watch that makes you feel good and fits your personality and not what others think might be good for you.
• Don’t think too much and follow your emotions and your own taste. And make sure you buy your watch with someone you can trust and who will give you the best shopping experience and service, including after-sales. It’s not exciting but should anything happen to your new acquisition you need to know you can get it fixed.