Sports watches are the special purpose watches that are generally used by men who are the active type. The reason for grouping these watches under a different heading is that there are a few general characteristics that are necessary to belong to this group. People who prefer such sports watches go for performance rather than the look. Currently, these sports have also made to the casual wear heading, as most people prefer them to the more conventional ones.

To make it to the sports watch category, watches need to have some special features. One of the most commonly required features is the durability. Watches need to be so durable that they should resist any sort of torsion and impact. Falling down, banging the watch to a hard surface, dropping it from heights are all common features with sports watches. So, these should be able to resist such impacts. The next common feature that needs to be present is being waterproof and sweat proof. As sweat is a common factor with most of the strenuous activities, it is essential that the sports watches are resistant towards the sweat factor. This essentially means they can remain unaffected even on prolonged contact with salt water.

Another important requisite with sports watches is the presence of extra accessories and features. As these watches are generally used for outdoor activities like sports, trekking, camping trips, expeditions into extreme climates and jungles, climbing high mountains, etc. these need to possess a few extra features. For the outdoor activities, it is preferable if the watches have a compass, are GPS enabled and have an inherent torch, etc. These features are necessary when going to unknown and less frequently visited places.

For the sports varieties the extra features demanded are different. For this type, sports watches need to have stop watch, lap measurement, heart rate measurement, speed and distance calculation, etc. Having inherent storage facility is also preferred because with such sports watches there is no need for extra recording devices.

Generally sports watches are of three types: the first is the conventional variety, whose only work is to indicate time. These are watches that are plain, with no additional accessories but yet are strong and durable. They are also generally water proof. The next type of sports watches are those that have one or two extra features, other than indication of time, that are specific to the type of activity. The underwater models and the ones useful in higher altitudes are an example of this type of sports watches. The third variety are the feature packed versions that have all types of desirable extras and are the most sought after variety.

Now that we have gone through the most common types of sports watches available, it is time to concentrate on how to go about purchasing one. What are the factors that are to be considered when choosing sports watches?

The first consideration is always for quality. With so many watches, and ones which offer different extras, it might be hard to decide what to make a priority. But it should always be remembered that quality of the watch always occupies the first place in selecting a watch. After all, what is the use of having choicest features if your watch doesnt even work?

The next thing is the compatibility. You need to always go for such a watch which you are comfortable with. The next essential feature is your needs. What are you looking for in a particular watch? It is a fact that the preferences of no two persons are alike. So, you should search for such a watch that fits your lifestyle and lifestyle the best. The watch you need to buy should have the maximum features but all the features should be such they need to be useful for you.

Finally, the most common misconception among people is that sports watches cannot have the looks too. But in case you shop around a bit you will understand that it is possible to purchase such watches that have all the features you prefer, is good to look at and also suits your budget!

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