What to Consider When Buying a Watch - Materials, Plating, and What Truly Justifies the Price

In today’s world, a watch is more than just a timekeeping tool, it’s an expression of personality, design, and craftsmanship. But with countless options in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

At Meridian, we believe a great watch should do more than look good, it should feel right, perform reliably, and stand the test of time. From the materials and plating to the movement and crystal, every element plays a role in defining value.

Here’s a guide to help you understand what really matters when buying a watch, and what justifies the price you pay.

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1. Case Material, The Foundation of Durability

The case is the backbone of a watch, it dictates how your timepiece feels, wears, and ages.

316L Stainless Steel: Used in many Meridian watches, this is the gold standard for durability. It resists corrosion, holds its shine, and feels reassuringly substantial on the wrist.

Alloy Cases (in our more affordable models): A lighter and cost-efficient material, alloy can still deliver an excellent finish when crafted and plated well. At Meridian, we ensure even our alloy cases undergo strict quality control and premium PVD plating, giving them a solid, premium look and feel.

Our philosophy: durability and finish come first, whether it’s alloy or steel, every Meridian is built to last.

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2. Plating & Finishing, Where Craft Meets Longevity

Plating determines not just how a watch looks, but how long it stays looking that way.

At Meridian, we use PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), a premium vacuum-plating process that bonds color molecules at a microscopic level. This makes the coating highly resistant to scratches, sweat, and daily wear.

This is why a Meridian rose gold or gunmetal case maintains its tone even after years of use, while standard electroplating tends to fade quickly.

Why it matters: a well-executed plating process isn’t just aesthetic, it’s a promise of longevity and craftsmanship.

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3. The Movement, The Heart of Precision

The movement, or “caliber,” is what brings a watch to life.

Every Meridian is powered by reliable Japanese Miyota movements, renowned for accuracy and dependability.

Quartz Models: Battery-powered for precision and minimal maintenance, ideal for everyday reliability.

Automatic Models (like the Equinox): Powered by the motion of your wrist, built with intricate mechanical craftsmanship, blending artistry and engineering at an accessible price point.

At Meridian, we invest in the best movements in each price segment, ensuring every watch performs as beautifully as it looks.

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4. The Crystal, Protecting What Matters Most

The crystal is the transparent shield that guards the dial against scratches and impact.

Hardened Mineral Glass (used in our affordable collections): A reinforced crystal designed to resist everyday scratches and maintain clarity.

Sapphire Crystal (used in our premium collections like Equinox): One of the hardest materials used in watchmaking, highly scratch-resistant and exceptionally clear.

Whether it’s hardened mineral glass or sapphire, our goal is simple, offer the best possible specification for the price.

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5. Detailing & Finishing, The Mark of True Craft

The finer details are where true craftsmanship reveals itself.

Every Meridian watch is thoughtfully designed, from engraved rehauts and applied indices to carefully polished hands and brushed surfaces. We obsess over proportion, alignment, and subtle contrasts, because refinement lies in precision.

Our approach: create watches that look premium, feel premium, and are made to endure, without inflated markups.

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6. What Really Justifies the Price of a Watch

A watch’s value isn’t defined by its logo, it’s the sum of its materials, build, and finishing quality.

At Meridian, here’s what you’re paying for:

• 316L stainless steel or high-grade alloy cases (crafted and plated to perfection)

• PVD plating for lasting color and resistance

• Japanese Miyota movements for reliability

• Hardened mineral glass or sapphire crystals depending on the collection

• Consistent finishing, detailing, and brand-backed after-sales support

We design every watch with one belief, to deliver unmatched quality and specifications at a price that feels fair.

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Final Thoughts

When buying a watch, look beyond the design or price tag. Pay attention to what it’s made of, how it’s finished, and the philosophy behind it.

At Meridian, every timepiece is a blend of engineering and emotion, designed to last, refined in every detail, and built on a foundation of trust and value.

Because to us, time is what we make it, and every second deserves to be beautifully measured.