A common question we get at TrueFacet is, “How do I know if a watch will fit me?” Here is a video tutorial to show you how to measure a watch and understand the key measurements that may influence the overall fit of your watch.

To summarize, there are three key watch measurements will affect how your watch fits you:

Watch Case Diameter
The watch case diameter is the width of the watch, as if you were to place a ruler across it from the 9 o’clock to the 3 o’clock. The diameter is measured as the full width, from the bezel edge to the opposite bezel edge, but does not include the crown.

Watch Case Thickness
The case thickness is how big or slim the case is if you were to look at the watch from the side. Watch case thickness is usually just a personal preference, some wearers prefer a thinner case that can slip under a button-up or suit jacket while others like the impressive look of a thicker watch case.

Bracelet Length and Wrist Size
Perhaps the most important watch measurement is the length of the watch band so it sits comfortably on your wrist. The golden rule for how tightly a watch should sit on your wrist is: the watch should not slide up or down more than an inch when you move your arm. That said, some wearers simply prefer a looser fit (like Max in the video) while others like the secure feeling of a tighter fit.

To measure your wrist size for your watch:

1. Print and cut out TrueFacet’s Wrist Sizer. (Download link here.)

2. With the number markers on the outside, curl the wrist sizer in a circle and carefully insert the pointed end just through the small opening.

3. Place your hand through the wrist sizer and gently pull the pointed end through the slit until the wrist sizer fits comfortably around your wrist.

4. The number that lines up with the arrow is your wrist size. If the measurement is between two sizes, refer to the larger size.

The watch on your wrist says a lot about you. It demonstrates your taste and your style, and maybe even your hobbies. While it’s nice to own a legacy-type watch brand (think Rolex, Omega, and Audemars Piguet), there are a host of really impressive, relatively inexpensive Swiss watches on the market that modern and new collectors should investigate. Here we round up our five favorite impressive and affordable Swiss brands to consider as you gear up to buy your first watch!

Oris Big Crown

Oris offers diving watches, auto-inspired watches, and a host of specialty watches. However, its pilot and aviation-inspired timepieces are stealing hearts around the world, thanks to their vintage-inspired dials and easy readability. The Oris Big Crown is a particular favorite as it comes in a variety of dial colors, including forest green, khaki green, blue, and silver. The watches feature the oversized crown that harkens back to the Oris pilot watches first made in 1938. The watches house automatic movements and feature a right red pointer date hand. Even better: they are offered in stainless steel or in the more coveted bronze cases. They retail new for just about $2,000, but this is such a classic watch, that you should be able to find a great second-hand model.

Tag Heuer Formula 1

If you love racecars and automotive sports, you may turn to the coveted and affordable TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection. This collection was first released by the brand when Heuer was purchased by TAG (Techniques d’Avant Garde) in 1986. The watch was a simple quartz timepiece with a synthetic case in bright colors. Over the years, the collection has evolved, and is now offered with more racing appeal than ever. Versions include three-hands with date indication and chronographs with tachymeter bezels for measuring speed. Made in stainless steel, titanium and titanium carbide, the Formula 1 watches are powered by either quartz movements or automatic movements. The racecar-inspired dials and straps round out the urban chic look of the watches. New, these watches carry a price tag of between $1,150 to $3,000 depending on the model but you can find a nice selection of vintage Formula 1 pieces for even less and still look totally contemporary.

Tudor Black Bay

The little brother of Rolex, Tudor has its own long and storied past. The brand was founded by Rolex founder, Hans Wilsdorf, in 1926, and was designed to offer the same quality craftsmanship as Rolex but at a more affordable price. The most coveted collection is the Black Bay, which is inspired 20th century Tudor watch. Crafted in steel and offered with either a bracelet, an aged leather strap, or a fabric strap, the Black Bay watches are all black or feature blue or burgundy color accents for the bezel and strap. The versions offered include a GMT, a 200-meter water-resistant dive watch; a chronograph; and a simple three-hands with date. Each Tudor Black Bay is a COSC-certified chronometer and offers incredible luminosity for hands and markers. New they retail for $3,000 to $5,000, on average. Still considered the cool kid sibling of Rolex, you just can’t go wrong with any watch in this collection.

Hamilton Khaki Field

The Hamilton Khaki Field collection is ideal for the well-prepared outdoorsman. The series offers top quality Swiss movements for prices that range from $395 to $1,600 for new models and you can do even better price-wise with a second-hand version. The Khaki Field watches are inspired by outdoor adventure and by the military watches of the 1940s, so they are rugged and durable. Most are crafted in stainless steel and offer 24-hour military indications as well as the traditional 12 numerals on the dial. Some versions also indicate date, or day/date. With military-colored dials ranging from tan to green, blue and black, the Khaki Field watches are powered by either quartz or automatic movements and are offered with fabric straps, leather straps and bracelets for comfort in any climate. The military and vintage-inspired look of these watches will have everyone wondering if it was handed down to you from a loved one.

Raymond Weil Maestro

For those who like a less sporty and more classic look in a timepiece, Raymond Weil watches may be the way to go. Sleek and sophisticated without breaking the bank, these Swiss-made watches feature beautiful dials and elegant finishes. Of particular note is the Maestro collection. This line was first unveiled in 2010 and it continues to grab attention because the mechanical watches offer useful functions, including date indication, calendars, chronographs, and more. This is the perfect pairing if you love music and want to show off your stylish side. Most Maestro watches retail for less than $2,000, but, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a better deal in the pre-owned or vintage market.

The primary birthstone for December is turquoise.

The Origins and Cultural Significance of Turquoise
Archeologists have traced turquoise as far back as 3,000 BCE when ancient Egyptians set turquoise in gold necklaces and rings. Oftentimes, the turquoise inlay was carved into the shape of a scarab beetle. Scarabs were often associated with the morning sun and Khepri, the God of the rising sun, and were a common motif in amulets throughout Egypt.

In terms of its availability, turquoise is one of the most ubiquitous gemstones, found around the world, from regions of ancient Persia (modern day Iran) and Turkey to the southwestern United States. Each region has assigned a different meaning and significance to turquoise.

Ancient Persians would often use turquoise in its palace domes as the gemstone’s blue color resembled the sky and heavens above. They also believed turquoise would offer protection by changing color to forewarn the wearer of pending danger, so turquoise frequently decorated dagger handles and accented necklaces and turbans.

While Native Americans had worn and traded turquoise and Apache tribes, specifically, made their bows with turquoise, believing it improved their accuracy, turquoise jewelry became popular throughout North America in the 1880s after a Navajo craftsman fashioned a silver coin into a setting for a piece of turquoise jewelry. This set the standard for the turquoise jewelry we’re most familiar with in the US today.

Notable Turquoise

Because of its long and far-reaching history, there are many examples of important pieces of turquoise but perhaps the most well-known is the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in Agra, India, commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The impressive structure took 21 years and 20,000 artisans to complete and cost an estimated $827 million USD in today’s currency. The historical heritage site is largely made of white marble but prominently features ornate details and mosaics made of inlaid turquoise, imported from Tibet.

Another exceptional use of turquoise is found in the death mask of King Tut. The Mask of Tutankhamun is the ornate gold burial mask placed over the ancient Egyptian pharaoh’s sarcophagus. The detailed mask has two layers of gold and features inlays of precious gemstones including lapis lazuli for the eyes and eyebrows and rich turquoise to decorate the broad collar.

The Properties and Hardness of Turquoise
Turquoise ranks as a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale, only slightly above window glass. Turquoise used in jewelry is heavily polished to give it a nice smooth finish and lustrous shine.

The most distinguishing characteristic of turquoise is its pale blue color—that said, turquoise can be found in a range from blue-green to yellowish green. Its distinctive color is a byproduct of its idiochromatic copper (or the mineral’s actual composition). The spidery veins that run through turquoise are actually made of limonite. Turquoise can also sometimes have flecks of pyrite in it, too.

If you are gearing up to resell some pieces from your jewelry collection, you may be surprised to see that the resale value is lower than what you think the piece is worth. Your diamond earrings were insured for far more than a jeweler is quoting you for right now.

But don’t be dismayed! The jeweler is not short-changing you!

We explain what distinguishes the resale value from the insured value of your jewelry and what accounts for the price difference between the two.

What Is the Insured Value of My Jewelry?
Many people have their most sentimental jewelry items insured (think engagement rings, wedding bands, family heirlooms). Jewelry or luxury insurance can easily be added to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, and the first step to getting coverage is to have your jewelry appraised by a jeweler.

The jeweler will give you a report that lists the piece’s specifications—like the metal type, metal purity, stone size and clarity—and the retail replacement cost. You turn this certified report over to your insurance agent and they will finalize your policy.

If you’re interested in learning more about jewelry insurance, take a look at this blog post where we break it down.

What Is the Resale Value of My Jewelry?
The resale value is valuation of your jewelry and the cost dictated by the market. Jewelers and jewelry resellers will compare how much are similar items being sold for. The resale value will factor in the brand name, cost of raw materials, and the depreciation of your item. In short, the resale value is a reflection for how much someone is willing to pay for your item.

Why Is There a Difference Between the Resale and Insured Value of My Jewelry?
More often than not, the insured value of your item will be greater than the resale value of your piece. It can be confusing (perhaps even alarming!) to see a disparity between those two valuations.

The insured value of your jewelry is usually around the retail replacement cost, not the resale price. Most insured jewelry has an inherent sentimental value which makes it difficult or very costly to replace. Therefore, the insured value accounts for the actual cost of replacement and the intangible personal value of the item. The resale value, meanwhile, largely ignores the intrinsic value of your item.

Frederique Constant is a comparative newcomer to the centuries-old Swiss watchmaking world. With their introduction in 1988, Frederique Constant set out to make classic watches at an affordable price point to effectively open up the world of watchmaking to a new and younger clientele, in particular expanding their collection to appeal to the growing audience of female shoppers.

Here, we pick our favorite Frederique Constant women’s watches for every style type, from the hyper glamorous Slimline to the minimalist Frederique Constant Classics.

1. Frederique Constant HB FC-310HBAD2P4 34mm Womens Watch

This Frederique Constant “Heart Beat” watch is a beautiful conversation piece. Its trendy rose gold watchcase puts a contemporary twist on its classic mother-of-pearl dial. But the real focal point is the aperture at the 12 o’clock that showcases the “Heart Beat” automatic movement inside.

2. Frederique Constant Smartwatch FC-281WH3ER2B 34mm Womens Watch

From the looks of it, you’d never guess this Frederique Constant watch is a cleverly disguised Smartwatch! Frederique Constant developed the original horological Smartwatch and have since mastered its form and function. With this Frederique Constant Smartwatch, you can track your steps, sleep hours, and pair it with your phone to receive call and text notifications.

3. Frederique Constant Classics Quartz FC-259ST5B6

While the Frederique Constant Classic is classified as a men’s watch, it’s perfectly suitable for women, too. The minimalist and oversized dial makes this an ideal no-nonsense watch for work. Our one word of caution: for that perfectly oversized look (and not just that too-big look), make sure the lugs of this sleek watch don’t go past the width of your wrist. Read more about how to find the right fit for you here.

4. Frederique Constant Slimline Auto FC-703SD3SD6B 38.8mm Womens Watch

We love this elegant watch’s subtle use of brilliant diamonds. The thin diamond bezel and hour-markers make for a beautifully understated watch that is perfect for evening and still low-key enough for daytime wear. Plus, the classic moon phase display at 6 o’clock heightens the luxe appeal of an already sumptuous watch.

5. Frederique Constant Ladies Auto FC-303WHF2PD2B3 34mm Womens Watch

This women’s watch has a little bit of everything: a trendy two-tone rose gold and stainless steel bracelet; a diamond bezel and hour markers; and a classic guilloché dial. Together, these classic details make for a very striking design that feels remarkably fashion-forward.

While more traditional brands typically prefer reserved styles, Ernst Benz is known for leaning into dramatic details and creative flourishes like over-sized and brightly-colored dials, vintage and over-sized hands, and vibrant hour markers.

It’s this rebellious approach to watch design that has distinguished Ernst Benz in finding that unique footing between the fashion world, which celebrates creative and avant-garde designers, and the proud tradition of watchmaking.

And it’s this rebellious approach to watch design that drew together Ernst Benz and fashion designer John Varvatos, renowned for his signature rock ‘n’ roll style. Here we explore the partnership between Ernst Benz and John Varvatos and their various limited-edition collaboration watches.

How the John Varvatos and Ernst Benz Collaboration Began
Before partnering with Ernst Benz in 2012, John Varvatos boutiques carried only vintage and IWC watches. However, Varvatos’s interest was piqued by Ernst Benz’s aesthetic, and the designer felt that Ernst Benz watches sat well among his main collection of leather biker jackets, t-shirts, and straight-leg joggers.

After a few years of carrying the watches in his boutique, Varvatos was approached by Leonid Khankin of Ernst Benz to collaborate and design a limited-edition watch. The two bonded over their shared interest in watches and, in Varvatos, Khankin found a partner who was willing to push the envelope of conventional watch styles and designs. From there, the two decided to release a limited-edition Ernst Benz x John Varvatos watch.

The First Ernst Benz x John Varvatos Watch
The first watch the newfound partners revealed, the John Varvatos Chronoscrope, features an olive dial and a silver-colored case that perfectly complements the handmade leather band. The hands are of particular note: they were modeled after an old gauge Varvatos found. The overall look is a rugged, vintage military-inspired watch with detailed finishes (like the angled bezel and lugs) that elevate it into a polished dress watch.

Varvatos personally considers this inaugural design his favorite of all the watches he and Ernst Benz have collaborated upon. Khankin, meanwhile, was wearing the prototype of the watch as his personal everyday watch after the collection was released because he loved the watch so much.

Since Ernst Benz and John Varvatos launched their collection, the two have released eight watches, each a cool iteration of the duo’s original Chronoscope that is a slick representation of both brands’ edgy and daring styles.

Learn more about Ernst Benz’s other creative collaborations with the likes of Dan Marino and artist Anthony Liggins in our post here!

Jewelry easily ranks as the most sentimental gift to give your partner this (and any) holiday season. However, if you’re looking for a piece of jewelry with an even deeper and heartfelt meaning, we explore some of the most romantic jewelry collections, beloved for their touching history and symbolism.

1. David Yurman Cable Classics
We’ve always loved the Yurman Cable Classic bangles for their cool look and stack-friendly appeal. However, this iconic design has a remarkably romantic backstory: designer David Yurman met his wife Sybil while the two were working in a sculptor’s studio in 1969. Their romance blossomed and Yurman began designing sculpturally-inspired jewelry for her. As Yurman’s homemade pieces began catching the eye of some in the fashion circle, Yurman and Sybil married and launched their namesake brand. Today, Yurman still considers Sybil his muse and the two closely collaborate on his designs, some of which are based on those early designs Yurman created just for her.

2. Roberto Coin Jewelry
Italian jewelry brand Roberto Coin is known for its elegantly feminine fine jewelry, but the true signature of the brand is a hidden inset ruby. The concealed ruby that appears on every Roberto Coin piece is meant to be worn close to the skin to bestow the wearer with a long, happy, and healthy life. This secret detail makes a gift of Roberto Coin jewelry immediately feel personal and heightens its romantic appeal.

3. Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Open Heart Pendant Necklace
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti drew inspiration from lots of organic and fluid shapes—think leaves and tear drops—in developing her elegantly curved jewelry designs. One of her standout pieces is the Open Heart Pendant which features a delicate and slightly abstract heart shape. We love this artful heart-shaped piece as an alternative to a more obvious heart pendant, which can feel too young for some wearers.

4. Chopard Happy Diamonds Collection
The Happy Diamonds collection is a signature of the French jewelry powerhouse Chopard. Happy Diamonds are free-floating, gold bezel-set diamonds that are placed in between two sapphire crystals so the wearer can see the stones glide back and forth and beautifully catch and reflect light. This is a delightfully sweet gift to surprise your loved one with, and it is sure to make them smile.

5. Cartier Love Bracelet
Aldo Cipullo, the original designer of the Cartier Love Bracelet, said he drew inspiration for his signature design from the folkloric chastity belt. However, Cipullo’s interest was focused more on the symbolism of the (admittedly less-than-romantic) chastity belt and considered it a symbol of intimacy and devotion. In turn, we’ve come to associate the Cartier Love Bracelet—which features a screw closure that only your partner can unlock—with this much more sentimental meaning, making it a surprisingly sweet gift to give.

This past weekend, Pascal Raffy of Bovet received the Aiguille d’Or Award at the Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Geneve awards in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Grand Prix d’Horologerie de Geneve is the most coveted awards in the world of haute horology. Recipients are selected by a jury of the world’s leading watchmakers, journalists, collectors, and retailers. This elite panel scrutinize the nominated watches for how the watchmaker blends together the fine and proud craft of watchmaking with decorative arts. Based upon this core criteria, it’s little surprise that Bovet received the evening’s most prestigious award and grand prize, the Aiguille d’Or, for its standout horological wonder, the Récital 22 Grand Récital.

This jaw-dropping watch features an overhead view of the world, as if you were floating above the brand’s headquarters in Motiers, Switzerland. This elaborate watch also features a flying tourbillon as the sun and a three-dimensional moon that travels around the watch’s globe miniature to display the moon phases. It is a marvelous piece to behold that watch fanatics and causal hobbyists alike can appreciate. The highly elaborate Récital 22 Grand Récital is made up of 705 components and includes a retrograde perpetual calendar (a proprietary design by Bovet) and a patented flying tourbillion complete with a power reserve of over nine days.

As if the mechanics alone were not impressive enough, Bovet’s artisans spent two weeks painstakingly creating the Earth, sun, and moon figures alone, perfecting the finest details like exactly recreating the moon’s topography in this tiny replica.

We congratulate our brand partners at Bovet 1822 on their win of this distinguished award and eagerly await to see how their creative minds could possibly top this fantastic design!