Are you planning on buying a watch for a friend, co-worker or family member? However, you aren't sure what types of watches are available or what would be best for him or her? Then, read these suggestions and hopefully you will have a better idea of what to get.

Watches come with two different types of displays, analog and digital. The analog has a numbered dial, upon which are include a rotating hour hand and a longer, rotating minute hand. Some analog watches also include a third hand, for showing the current second of the minute. A digital display simply shows the time has a number, instead of pointing hands. Today, most watches with digital displays are typically used for timekeeping activities, such as running. There is very little demand for them as a fashion accessory.

Most watches essentially have the same basic functions; however, some may have more features than others. All watches provide the time of day, giving the hour, the minute, and usually the second. Many watches now also include the current date and the day of the week, as well. Some watches also include alarms.

It's usually fairly easy to tell the difference between a men's watch and woman's watch. A men's watch is typically larger, in both the face and the band. Women's watches are usually trimmer and more feminine appearing. When purchasing a watch for a gift, you should know how the person plans on using it. If they plan to simply use it as a timepiece, and aren't concerned with fashion appeal, then it wouldn't make much sense to spend a large amount on buying a high-end fashion watch. For them, a cheaper analog or even digital watch would probably serve its purpose just fine. If the person plans to use the watch while walking, jogging or running, then they may actually prefer the digital watch. Some watches have even been made to be waterproof, so you may wear them while swimming, as well.

However, if the person does plan to use the watch as a fashion piece, then you may want to shop around more closely and compare prices, as they will vary greatly depending on the brand and the material the watch is made of. The most common materials watchbands are made of are leather, silver, gold, synthetic, fabric and titanium. They also come with different types of dials, including round dials, square dials, oval dials and more. So when purchasing a fashion watch, you will probably want to take the personality of the individual and how they typically dress, in consideration.

Hopefully you find these suggestions helpful in planning to give a watch for a gift.