Today's review is for ladies who are used to controlling their time, and a wristwatch helps them with this, which can look like a stylish accessory that complements the look, or as a “smart” device with advanced functionality. The rating of quality models from these two segments will help to avoid mistakes when choosing and understand which chronometer is better to prefer.
Tips from experienced buyers: before buying a chronometer, you need to accurately determine its purpose and parameters, then most of the unnecessary options will be eliminated, and in the remaining segment it will be easier to choose exactly what you need.
The selection criteria, according to experts, are as follows:
- Functional. Initially, you need to decide what kind of watch there are, and which one you need - a traditional chronometer or a smart device paired with a smartphone and a computer that can not only measure time. Choosing the traditional option, we immediately decide on the subparagraphs:
- Time display method: analog version with arrows or electronic, with digital LCD display;
- Movement: Battery powered quartz watch is more accurate. Mechanical options are considered more reliable and durable, but, as already mentioned, they have a slight error in the accuracy of determining the time.
- Bracelet material: it can be precious metal, steel or leather, natural or artificial. A relatively new material used to make bracelets is rubber. Rubber bracelets look expensive and original, retaining their original attractive appearance for years. They are moisture resistant, flexible enough and resistant to abrasion and cracking.
Silver and gold bracelets need additional care - treatment with special agents to polish scratches and tarnishes. Their appearance is inevitable, since silver and gold are rather soft metals. Steel retains its original appearance longer, is resistant to abrasion and scratches. In addition, it is easy to work with rubber, creating any texture in any color and for any style - from sports to fashion. And the low cost of this material practically does not affect the final price of the finished product.
As for the straps: the version made of artificial leather sometimes lasts longer than natural, so there is no point in focusing on leather. This is due to the fact that manufacturers additionally seal an imitation leather strap with synthetic layers that increase the strength of the bracelet. And in the natural version, leather of poor manufacture can be used - such a bracelet will quickly lose its appearance, stretch and over time can break.
- Price. The principle “Expensive means high quality” does not always work, unfortunately. This especially applies to the new generation of watches, which are called smart. In order not to overpay "for the logo", it will not be superfluous to look at the descriptions of several models from different price niches with the same functionality and read the reviews of those who have already purchased them. So you can choose an option that is an order of magnitude lower than the branded analogue, while its characteristics and functionality will be no worse.
Content
Traditional
As always, we start with the pleasant. The rating is opened by budget models of good quality, then the price goes up. The best manufacturers were selected based on customer reviews and recommendations from those who have tested their products for more than one year.
Russian Style Factory (RFS)
The Russian watch brand produces inexpensive analog chronometers powered by batteries. The case is made of stainless steel or plastic, reinforced with steel inserts, depending on the style of the model. Strap material: wear-resistant PU leather or silicone. Variety of options, from strict conservative to trendy youth, in different colors. Interesting is the Russian-imperial collection in a retrograde refined style, and the new Skeleton collection. The peculiarity of the latter is a transparent case back, which allows you to make sure that the mechanism, by the way, is made in Switzerland, works flawlessly. Japanese and German mechanisms and components are also used in the brand's models.
Advantages:
- Average price: from 2.700 to 6.000 rubles;
- Mechanical and quartz (battery operated);
- The brand's products are presented in chain watch stores and on Internet sites;
- Waterproof.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Swatch
Swiss Watches. The merger of Omega, Longines, Tissot and Breguet into one Swatch brand and the expansion of the sales segment (from luxury to mid-range) helped the brands to get out of the crisis, producing precision watch movements in stylish, unusual design and at affordable prices. At the same time, the famous Swiss quality has remained unchanged - the watch is given a lifetime guarantee, subject to compliance with all operating rules. Each chronometer is accompanied by a description listing these rules.
Case material: high-strength plastic, steel, silver. The bracelet can be made of stainless steel, silver, silicone or leather with a textile tapestry overlay. Original, bright, unlike anything else - this is about Swatch watches. An unimaginable choice of colors, modifications and design solutions - in any of the numerous collections, numbering at least 40 models, everyone will be able to find “their own” watches, perhaps not alone.
The collections contain smart devices with an identification function - for example, they can be programmed as a pass, which the owners of ski resorts use successfully. There are also models that run on solar energy or can replace a mobile phone, for example, on the same ski slope, on the beach or in any other place where it will not always be convenient to drag a smartphone, wearing a watch instead, especially shockproof and waterproof.
An interesting fact: in 2010, on the spreads of glossy magazines, one could see a photo of Andrei Konchalovsky, on whose wrist was a watch of this particular brand.
Advantages:
- Shockproof, waterproof;
- Removable, replaceable bracelets;
- Really buy at a price of 3,000 to 15,000 rubles, depending on the materials used in the manufacture. There are luxury collections with prices ranging from 30-40 thousand rubles.
Disadvantages:
- There are many fakes on the Internet, brand stores are safer.
Pierre lannier
The French brand, which initially specialized in the production of exclusively female chronometers, then expanded its range with male and unisex models. Style directions: fashion, classics and sports. The case is made of stainless steel, the strap is made of genuine leather or steel with an abrasion resistant PVD coating. The dial can be mother-of-pearl, carved, painted with the finest ligature. The collections include evening pieces adorned with semi-precious stones and crystals. The average price is from 6,000 to 20,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Manifold;
- Design.
Disadvantages:
- The warranty period is from 1 to 5 years.
Donna Karan, New York (DKNY)
New York chic, style and quality distinguish the models of this brand. The line contains interesting items - for example, ceramic watches with sapphire crystal.Ceramic is one of the strongest materials, lightweight, scratch and chip resistant. It is almost impossible to break a bracelet or case made of this material. There are also more traditional options in steel, leather, steel or rubber straps. The mechanisms are used by Japanese, made by Seiko. There are collections made in a practical style. There are also samples that can be classified as jewelry with a time indication function.
Advantages:
- Diversity;
- Quality;
- Sold in chain watch stores and on Internet sites;
- Acceptable price - from 8.000 to 35.000 rubles.
Disadvantages:
- There is no official chain store.
Swarovski
In addition to jewelry, the brand produces analog chronometers, which in themselves are already jewelry. They can be purchased at prices ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles. The main features of the collections: branded crystals, genuine leather and stainless steel with PVD coating in several colors. You can pick up "silver" or "gold" watches, no less popular are "champagne" and "rose gold". There are trendy models in which the bezel (bezel) and glass are carved from a single crystal with more than 60 facets that refract light.
Advantages:
- They look expensive and sophisticated.
Disadvantages:
- The warranty period is 24 months.
Sokolov
Russian brand specializing in the production of jewelry and watches. Japanese quartz movement from Miyota company, crystals, leather and precious metals are the main components. Glass - sapphire or mineral with sapphire coating. Mineral glass is easy to scratch, but does not shatter on impact. The sapphire crystal is scratch resistant, but can break. Stylish silver or chic gold chronometers can be purchased for 15,000 to 120,000 rubles. This is not just an exclusive accessory, the quality and characteristics of which are comparable to the samples of Swiss premium brands - it is a charismatic touch to the image, a continuation of the owner's character, guessed in the smallest design details of each model.
Advantages:
- The warranty period is 3 years;
- Choice.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Smart watch
For those who consider mechanical or quartz chronometers archaic, modern technologies offer smartwatches with many useful functions that fit into a small case on a strap.
Xiaomi
The popularity of the models of this Chinese brand is explained by the ratio of price and quality, which allowed it to establish itself in the Russian market over the past 3-4 years, at the same time ousting manufacturers that worked in the same price segment, but produced models with lower quality characteristics. Xiaomi waterproof devices have a light sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope. Track your steps, sleep duration and heart rate. Case material - ceramic or steel. The silicone or metal strap is adjustable to the width of the wrist.
Advantages:
- IOS and Android support;
- Navigation: GLONASS, GPS;
- Duration of work - 120 hours;
- Touchscreen;
- Price from 3.500 to 11.000 rubles.
Disadvantages:
- Not all models have voice guidance and an NFC module for contactless payments.
Smartwatch
The most popular models in the brand's lineup are H1 and GT08. Н 1 - graceful and sophisticated women's smartwatches in different colors, with crystal-shaped glass with a diamond cut. The functionality is designed specifically for women. In addition to the standard functions of a pedometer, stopwatch and other things, H1 has a calendar of the menstrual cycle and ovulation, an alarm clock for taking medications, drinking water, and a reminder of appointments. Support for 11 languages, including Russian and English, and the ability to take remote photos. Fans of Apple Smart Watch who are unable to purchase a watch from their favorite brand are advised to pay attention to the popular SmartWatch GT08 model in different colors. Stylish, colorful, they are suitable for active girls. The replica almost exactly repeats the well-known Apple Smart Watch, slightly inferior to them in functionality, and costs only about 2,000 rubles.These are the most popular models in the brand's lineup.
Advantages:
- Price from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model;
- Emphasized "feminine" design;
- The best customer reviews;
- Bright high definition IPS display and many screensavers.
Disadvantages:
- Only in online stores.
KingWear
Android-based device with audio playback function and support for flash cards up to 16 GB - there is a slot for them, just like for a micro SIM card. Touchscreen display with a resolution of 240x240 at 180 pixels per 1 inch. Lots of colorful themes for the screensaver on the display. The menu is functional and convenient. Navigation - GPS. As additional functions, all the same pedometer, gyroscope, altimeter, there is a heart rate monitor, stopwatch and even a compass. Calendar and alarm - with reminder function, voice recorder and the ability to take photos remotely. Operating time in active mode is 48 hours, in standby mode - 168. Case material: steel or zinc alloy with metal spraying. Strap: silicone, leather or metal.
Advantages:
- Average price - from 3.000 to 10.000 rubles;
- Shockproof, waterproof;
- Microphone, speaker - available.
Disadvantages:
- Model KW10 has a weak magnetic fastener.
Noerden
A present from the Swiss brand for connoisseurs of neoclassicism. Outside there is a stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a dial with luminescent hands and graduations, similar to an analogue one, and a silicone, leather or steel strap. Inside: Swiss movement, G-sensor activity sensor, pedometer, calorie controller, sleep duration and heart rate, task scheduler for any period - from 1 day to 1 year. Vibration notifications about events, calls and sms.
Advantages:
- Unisex;
- Body color: white, black, steel;
- Replaceable strap;
- One year of work without charging;
- Price from 6.000 to 19.000 rubles.
Disadvantages:
- No touchscreen monitor, control via an application downloaded to the phone.
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Stylish and smart device for Android with Tizen operating system. Case material - stainless steel, strap - silicone or leather, you can change it yourself. Using the rotating bezel, you can control the operating system, zoom in and out, and control characters in toys. GLONASS and GPS navigation, dual-core processor and 4GB of internal memory. Operating time in active mode - 96 hours, in standby mode - 168. Light sensors, altimeter, heart rate monitor, timer and much more.
Advantages:
- Reliability and quality;
- IOS and Android support.
Disadvantages:
- According to buyers, the price for the latest modification of Watch-Active 2 is somewhat overstated - from 15,000 to 18,000.
Apple Watch
A nice bonus from Apple for its customers is an iPhone watch based on iOS. The rectangular aluminum case houses a dual-core processor, pedometer, gyroscope, and more. The manufacturer, as usual, has provided everything necessary for the convenience of the user: the watch can answer a phone call, receive sms and mms messages. Heart rate monitoring, physical activity level and calorie consumption are also available to the gadget. There is a built-in calendar, email and other useful features.
Advantages:
- Detachable PU, leather or nylon strap;
- Colors: black, silver, beige;
- Touchscreen;
- Many functions can be used separately from the phone.
Disadvantages:
- The average price is from 25,000 to 50,000 rubles.
For most people, a wristwatch is an accessory that changes once every few years, and in some cases even decades. Therefore, when choosing, you must be guided, first of all, by your own taste and preferences. Fashion is secondary, it arises from an individual style, picking it up and turning it into a trend. Therefore, when choosing a traditional chronometer or a smart device, choose it for yourself, and not for the sake of a trend, then it will harmoniously fit not only into your image, but also into your lifestyle.
