A watch is a timepiece worn on the wrist. It is one of the few accessories that is both functional and decorative. Watches tell time, but they also signal taste, status, and sometimes profession. A diver's watch, a pilot's watch, and a dress watch each carry different associations. The category spans from cheap digital models to mechanical pieces worth millions.

Types vary. Analog watches have hands and a dial. Digital watches show numbers on a screen. Quartz watches use a battery and a vibrating crystal for accuracy. Mechanical watches use gears and springs, powered by winding or movement. Automatic watches wind themselves through the motion of the wrist. Chronographs include a stopwatch function. Dive watches are water-resistant and have rotating bezels. Field watches are simple and rugged. Smartwatches add fitness tracking, notifications, and apps.

Materials and construction matter. Cases are made of stainless steel, titanium, gold, or ceramic. Straps may be leather, metal, rubber, or fabric. Sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant and common on higher-end watches. Water resistance is rated in atmospheres or meters. A watch rated to 50 meters is fine for hand washing. One rated to 200 meters can be worn for diving. Care depends on the type. Mechanical watches need servicing every few years. Quartz watches need battery changes. Leather straps wear out and should be replaced. A well-maintained watch can last for generations.

Common types

• Analog and digital
• Quartz
• Mechanical and automatic
• Chronograph
• Dive and smartwatches