The 6 Best Watches of Spring 2012

Bulova Precisionist Champlain Collection

Precisionist Champlain Collection by Bulova

Rule #1: A watch with a quartz movement is simpler and far more accurate—and if the battery dies, you simply replace it. But if you’re looking for an heirloom, consider a mechanical watch with automatic movement. It’ll run you at least $600.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500m

Aquaracer 500m chronograph by Tag Heuer

Rule #2: Bigger is better, but only to a point. The face shouldn’t be wider than your wrist; something in the 42-to-44-millimeter range should be about right.

Seiko Sportura Alarm

Sportura Alarm chronograph by Seiko

Rule #3: Life is complicated enough. Don’t make it worse with a bunch of gauges and dials you won’t ever use.

Bell and Ross BR02-92 Phantom Rubber

BR02-92 Phantom Rubber by Bell and Ross

Rule #4: Speaking of which, unless you’re a scuba diver, anything more than ten meters of waterproofness is just for show.

Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Automatic

Airboss Automatic by Victorinox Swiss Army

5. A rubber watchband is great because it can expand and contract as the temperature fluctuates. Just make sure it’s hypoallergenic.

Oris Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series

Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series by Oris

Rule #6: For the bezel, steel is your best option. And remember this phrase: 316L surgical-grade. The superlow nickel content really is better for your skin. It’s not marketing hooey.

Rule #7: Neither is the superiority of a sapphire crystal. It’s the hardest and most scratch-resistant next to diamond.