When assigning a score to a watch under review, we consider both design and tactile experience (so-called “touch and feel”) and technical specifications (materials, technologies, assembly).
Regarding style, we release a subjective evaluation since subjective is everyone’s appreciation.
Our score includes measurable attributes to make our evaluation and comparison as objective as possible.
They comprehend technical specifications, such as engineering, in the benchmark. In a competitive scenario, each brand has at least one competitor.
If, for example, a watch adopts a specific steel with better-than-average properties, our rating will be, on average, higher than that of its direct competitors.
Similarly, two competing watches adopting a similar material or technology can differ depending on build quality, such as better or worse pairings, a more or less effective bracelet’s quick-change mechanism, etc.
The number of stars we assign to a specific voice and model does not depend on the product category. When outperforming the competition, an affordable watch can earn five stars in any area it excels in.
The ranked categories come from our experience; we identify categories that we believe drive a watch’s choice or, else said, what a consumer appreciates and unintentionally rates with the ownership experience.
What we analyze in our reviews
Perceived and build quality
Here is the most challenging topic since it incorporates subjective and objective traits. For instance, a 904L steel offers superior brightness and corrosion resistance than an AISI 316L.
Likewise, a mirror-polishing technique is measurable where one product’s and its siblings’ outcomes differ.
Let’s consider the “zaratsu” mirror-polishing process, which is distortion-free when mirroring objects. Compared to any ordinary technique, it adds value and a superior result.
The same applies to a decoration process when executed manually instead of any industrial technique.
Weight and performance
They are the measurable features par definition and usually appear in the model’s specs sheet.
We execute accurate measurements, such as the case thickness, to finalize our comparison and product evaluation. This list also includes declared timing accuracy and power reserve.
Warranty
Product warranty is a relevant topic, and an extended program is a plus for any consumer, thus adding to a timepiece’s plus. It is related to product quality on paper, yet a medium—to long-term field test is needed to assess it.
Therefore, we compare the different warranty options and brands’ offerings. Still, we do not assess long-term product quality, i.e., reliability and resistance to wear, for which you’ll need product availability and a standardized process.
Comfort
It is as relevant today, making a project succeed or fail, as it is somehow subjective.
There are excellently crafted bracelets. Yet, they are not equally comfortable, and our wrist sizes and shapes are not always comparable.
The same goes for an alligator strap; we can evaluate craftsmanship and how they fit once secured onto our wrist. However, the evaluation process is easier since most straps are so stiff when new and unworn that they hardly taper any wrist size.
Quality-to-price ratio
That’s one of the most disputed yet relevant topics when buying a new (or used) watch. If we can assess the quality of a wristwatch (meaning perceived and build quality), evaluating the price-to-quality comes as a consequence.
The rating includes:
(1 star) below expectations
(2 stars) it fulfils the essential project function
(3 stars) average
(4 stars) higher than average
(5 stars) stand-out performance
