What are your "MUST HAVE" characteristics in a watch?

[iwantagmt]

My Must have characteristics are:

1. MUST be a round dial. I feel that since the hands go around in a circle, only round dials look "right." The bezel does not have to be round (like the octagonal bezel of a ROO) but the dial must be round.
2. MUST be of a brand with a long and distinguished history. I love knowing that the watch I am wearing comes from a brand that has achieved glory (and possible even experienced tremendous failure) before ultimately earning its place on my wrist. This really hurts my appreciation for newer brands.

Some characteristics I Strongly prefer but are not entirely necessary are:

1. A Black dial. I love how black dials contrast crisply with steel/WG/Platinum.
2. A freely sprung balance wheel.
3. Bracelet, rather than a strap.

And here are my Must NOT haves:

1. Yellow Gold or Titanium case. I find these metals highly unappealing for color (the former) and dull hue and unnaturally light weight (the latter).
2. Skeleton dial. I just have never seen one I think is attractive.
3. Tourbillon. I really dislike tourbillons, and the compromises they invariably introduce into the movement, such as decreased balance diameter, increased number of small parts, and decreased theoretical power reserve.

There you have mine...what are yours?

[lorsban]

Hi Iwantagmt,

Must have's:

1. Quality mechanical movement
2. Water resistant/proof
3. Versatile
4. Reasonable cost
5. Brand pedigree (although there are exceptions)
6. Accessible servicing

Preferrence:

I definitely prefer round cases. I also would want more functions such as a date feature plus others. Steel/metal strap since I live in the tropics. Silver, black and blue dials only (in that order).

Stay away from:

I wouldn't buy a gold watch, nor a titanium one. I also stay away from odd colored watch faces: yellow, green, purple, pearl, technicolor etc...I don't like jeweled watches. I also wouldn't want an overly large watch that's more than 45mm. No fashion-brand watches as well.

[DSJ]

Lorsban accurately describes most of my criteria, though I wouldn't stray from a quartz beater (i.e. G-Shock).

For me, the only non-round mechanical watch that appeals to me is the JLC Reverso line.

I think most of us on TRF have given up his #4

[jas55]

Must have's for me would be the date, a dial that is not too 'busy'' and easy to read, something that is comfortable to wear.

[Dan Pierce]

Must haves:
-rotating bezel, preferably w/ 12 hour bezel
-date, preferably w/ cyclops
-screw down crown
-automatic, Swiss movement

Must nots:
-PVD finish
-time only function
-rubber strap

dP

[wantonebad]

Style = Classic
Functionality = Date, accuracy, durable & water tight
Versatility = Dress-up, dress-down
Reasonable = Price, maintenance
Track record = Proven over time

[Zman86]

Must be able to tell time...

[Rebel]

Rolex.

[cody p]

i must like it. i must be able to afford it.

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by Zman86

Must be able to tell time...

Agree and it must have the date.