The choice of an ideal watch is not easy. Factors such as design, color, price and size play an important role. In addition, it is important what type of movement, inside the watch, you choose. In this blog we discuss the pros and cons of automatic watches and quartz watches. Of course, a watch with automatic movement is more nostalgic and an ode to watch technology. In the past there were not even quartz watches, these became really popular in the 70s when Japanese watch brands such as Seiko and Citizen presented their watches with battery and the Swiss watch brands were in crisis.

If you ask us, an automatic (or mechanical) watch is the purest form of watchmaking technology. However, a watch with battery is great for everyday use and a quartz movement is often more reliable in terms of time measurement. Advantages of automatic watches are the historical and technical aspect. In addition, looking at a watch with automatic movement (the back often has a glass window) is a wonderful spectacle. The most prestigious watch brands, mostly from Switzerland, often build automatic movements in their (more expensive) watches. The technique is quite complex so it is actually very special that this technique indicates the right time by means of a combination of wheels and a spring that is tensioned (and relaxes, making the hands "move" or "run"). An important advantage of an automatic watch is that you never have to replace the battery.

An automatic movement immediately ensures that the watch will function (excitement through the crown is also possible with many automatic watches) when the watch is in motion. A disadvantage is at the same time that when the watch does not get enough movement it comes to a standstill. The solution to overcome this problem is a watch winder. A watch winder ensures that wrist movement is simulated in a device (the watch winder), so that the watch never stops. Another disadvantage is that almost all automatic watches are not 100% accurate and in other words have a deviation to a greater or lesser extent. However, this is also the charm of an automatic watch. The vulnerability of an automatic watch must also be mentioned as a disadvantage. The technique is quite complex and when the combination of technology is disturbed the watch can be damaged; stops functioning or get a deviation in time measurement.

Benefits of quartz watches are countless. The battery does the job and when it is empty you place a new battery. The technique is relatively simple and easy to repair. In addition, quartz watches are often more resistant to external influences; shocks, water and dust. If you are very active, a quartz watch is often the better choice. Also in terms of use in water (diving and swimming) a quartz watch often offers better features. An important advantage is that quartz watches are often considerably cheaper than automatic watches. Disadvantages of quartz watches are hardly there. It might be less stylish and original, but that is a matter of taste. We would advise everyone to choose the technique, automatic or quartz, that suits him/her best. Look at the use and your personal taste. Choose quality as well, because this rule will certainly apply to watches; a cheap watches results in an expensive watch.

Should you have questions or comments about the above blog? We are happy to help you and help you.

Choosing a good dive watch is not easy. There are so many brands, models and different prices. What do you have to pay attention to when you want to purchase a dive watch?

Our tips at a glance:

1) Determine which functionalities you find important. Would you like to swim, snorkel or dive with the watch? Or would you like to wear a diving watch because you like the design? When you are active and want to dive at a large(er) depth we recommend a watch with a water resistance of at least 300 meters / 30 ATM. This is enough to easily take the watch to great depths. Also make sure that it gives good light in the dark, otherwise it is difficult to see the time in the water. As a final tip we would like to say that a rotatable bezel (ring) is important so you can measure exactly how much oxygen you have left in your tank/bottle.

2) Determine your budget for the dive watch. There are dive watches in different price ranges. From cheap to extremely expensive. The price can affect the quality, so always pay attention to the type of movement, the brand of the movement, the materials, functions and finish. There are several good dive watches on the market for modest amounts, think of Van Speyk, Davosa and NauticFish. When you look in a slightly higher segment than are interesting watch brands Damasko, Glycine and Fortis.

3) Determine what you like. A watch is increasingly becoming a jewel instead of a timekeeper. It is a shame when you are loosing interest in the looks of the watch within a year. Look at what you think is beautiful now, but what you still like in 5 years. Timeless design is an important concept here. Damasko is a brand that is very strong in this. Contemporary, timeless and qualitatively very strong.

4) Buy the watch at a good shop that gives clear information and has enough choice to compare. Dive watches are not cheap and you can only spend the money once. Therefore choose a shop that has expertise and offers a clear guarantee. You better e-mail or call too many times to ask questions than to be disappointed later. BensonTrade is official dealer of all her watch brands and we have mentioned several brands of dive watches in this article. Each and every one of them is 100% in terms of quality, functionality and design. Although this last aspect is of course taste sensitive.

Good luck with your choice for a beautiful dive watch!

Quality is very important when you're looking for a new watch. After all, you want the watch to last for years and to function as it should. In that case you will soon end up with a German or Swiss watch. Swiss watches are generally more well known and therefore more expensive. In Germany there are several watch brands active that combine quality with a very interesting price. Brands such as Junkers, Zeppelin, Davosa and Elysee. Perhaps watch brands that you have never heard of but brands that make very nice watches. Junkers, for example, produces watches with an appealing design based on aviation, just like Zeppelin. Davosa has a very large collection from sporty to classic and from quartz to mechanical. Elysee has mainly classic watches that are stylish and elegant. For each brand it is important that the price must be affordable for the consumer. As official dealer of these brands we have more than 8 years experience with their watches and aftersales.

If you do not have a budget for a Swiss watch then a German watch is a great alternative. Qualitatively they are certainly comparable, but the price is much more favorable. View our collections of Swiss and German watches so that you can see the differences yourself, not only in terms of brand name but also price.

The Damasko watch company designs and manufactures mechanical wristwatches since 1994. According to their philosophy it has always been the major goal to construct a watch with superior technical characteristics which should represent the highest standard.

During long years of extensive research several dozens of patents have been granted and Damasko feel proud that their watches, now represent a superior technical standard which is hardly to be found in the watch industry. With the main emphasis on the chronograph case and its operating elements Damasko has taken every substantial part of the watch and Damasko has found new ways of improving their performance with special regard to longevity.

After Damasko has changed dozens of elements of the mechanical wristwatch and tested and patented over twenty new super-hard alloys for the case and its components, the Damasko watches now represent a technical standard which truly sets our products apart when compared to any optically related watches. This becomes clearly visible under harsh conditions. The Damasko watches won’t fail you. And that’s a promise.

Damasko thinks that their watches should ‘speak’ for themselves. BensonTrade is official dealer of Damasko watches.

Glycine Incursore watches – pure quality

Glycine's Incursore family is also expanding. Following the launch of the popular base line last autumn, it is now the turn of the Incursore Big Date. The simplicity, functionality and delicate
intricacy of this new model does its family credit. The Incursore Big Date concentrates on the essentials – nothing is too much. For example, a lot of space has been allocated to the unusually large date display. Everything revolves around the date.

Design and finishing

The delicacy of this noble representative of the Incursore line is further enhanced by the conically designed and finely satinated case and the domed sapphire glass. This ensures that the 44-mm diameter watch sits perfectly on the wrist. The glass back allows a clear view of the Big Date ETA 2896 movement. The Incursore Big Date is available for purchase in three dial versions: black, blue and taupe.