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Watches - this Season's Hottest Accessory

Watches are so much more than just a way to arrive on time. They are also a fashion statement, both for men and women. A watch can be a major investment, and it is also something you'll wear every day. When choosing a watch, consider style, technology and price. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect watch.

First, decide on the style you prefer. Do you like the classic look of a leather strap, or do you prefer the more modern metal strap? Is a sporty feel more your style, or are you going for something more elegant? What type of face do you like? Some people prefer the traditional look of an analog watch, while others appreciate the ease of reading a digital face. Consider fashion trends as you look at watches. "Right now, we're seeing a big trend toward large watches with diamonds," says Natalia Sokolova of Bidz.com, an online auction site that specializes in jewelry.

The movement of the watch determines its accuracy and reliability, and is another factor to consider. A mechanical watch needs to be wound manually. An automatic watch has a movement that is similar to a mechanical watch, but it self-winds using the movement of the wearer. A quartz movement provides a very precise and accurate time measurement.

Which functions do you want? Today's watches offer everything from the day, date and dual time to alarm. Would you use a stopwatch function? Is it important for your watch to be waterproof?

Now that you know what style and functions you prefer, you can see what's available in your price range. Watches can be an expensive purchase, but there are ways to find a good deal. Web sites like Bidz.com offer a wide selection of watches and let you set your own price.

The easy-to-use Web site uses an auction format to give buyers the best price on quality jewelry. "We search for beautiful jewelry at the best price possible," says Sokolova. "We buy close out and overstock items and then pass our savings along to our customers."

All auctions on the site are live and interactive, making for a fun and exciting experience. Even better, the starting bid for all items is $1. "There's no hidden 'trigger' price as there is on other auction sites," says Sokolova. The site also features "3 minute auctions," where you have to act fast to win your bid.

"We have a reputation for offering hot new styles at the best possible price," says Sokolova. The Web site has provided customers with quality jewelry since 1999. Because Bidz.com purchases and retains its entire inventory on site, customers can rely on timely delivery of their purchases.

If bidding online for jewelry makes you nervous, don't worry. The company offers a full money-back guarantee on your purchases. You can pay using a major credit card, via your Pay Pal account, with check or money order, or you can use the convenient "bill me later" option.

In addition to fine jewelry, the site also auctions art, antiques, collectibles and more. Find your perfect watch at Bidz.com.

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