My Advice for Choosing a Practical and Fashionable Watch.

When you have a little one, time is everything - although it's usually running away from me! Encouraging a three-year-old to do the right thing at the right time isn't always easy. But we usually manage to stay roughly on schedule throughout the day. If we want to keep to our routine, though, I need to be aware of the time. Checking your phone is often the preferred way of telling the time these days. But it's not quite as convenient as looking at the watch on your wrist, which you don't have to hold in your hand. I think watches are still great accessories, and they're practical too. Choosing one that you want to wear all the time can be difficult though, so here are my tips.

Watch Purpose

Before you pick a watch, you need to decide what you want it for. Perhaps you want it to tell the time during your everyday activities, whether it's going to work or ferrying the kids about. You might want a watch for sports, which could range from going for a run to rock climbing and watersports. Of course now, your watch could run your whole life for you if you want it to. A smart watch could enable you to answer phone calls, set alarms, track your fitness levels, and more.

 Yasunobu Ikeda

Smart, Digital or Analogue? 

Watches have come a long way since they were first invented. Once you've decided what you need your watch for, you can decide what type you want. Analogue watches might be basic in comparison to more modern styles, but they're still great. They can look incredible, so they make an excellent fashion accessory in the way that digital or smart watches don't always do. Plus, they do the main thing you want from a watch, which is telling the time. But if you need extra functions, you might wish to look at sports watches or smart watches. If you find sports watches a bit chunky, you can find more delicate designs.

Strap Type 

You can choose from lots of different styles and materials for your watch strap. If you want a smart strap, leather is a great option. You can get a range of different styles, as you can see from the range of Shinola watches. They run from chunky bands to thinner straps that are more like bracelets. You could also have a metal strap with links that extends from the watch case or a loose bracelet. Your strap could also be made of nylon or rubber for practicality.

Price 

Setting a budget to buy your watch is entirely up to you. You could buy something cheap and simple, and it should last you a while. You could choose to buy several cheaper watches so that you can swap them around. A designer watch will cost you a pretty penny, but it should last you a lifetime too. Then there are mid-range prices, which most people prefer.

If you struggle to stay on time, maybe all you need is a watch. It can be an overlooked accessory, but it's still both useful and fashionable.