How to choose your first automatic watch

An automatic watch winds itself as you move. No battery, no ticking clock on its life — just a small machine that keeps going as long as you wear it.

1. Get the size right

Measure your wrist with a strip of paper. Under 16 cm, look at 36–38 mm cases. 16–18 cm suits 38–41 mm. Above 18 cm, 41–44 mm will feel balanced.

2. Understand the reserve

Power reserve is how long the watch runs off your wrist. 40 hours means it will still be running the next morning if you take it off at night.

3. Pick a strap you'll actually wear

• Leather for desk days and evenings
• Steel bracelet for every day and travel
• NATO for weekends and the outdoors

Start with the Meridian Automatic if you want one watch that does all three.