A men's watch is the perfect gift to celebrate a special occasion. A promotion at work, a high school graduation, a 40th birthday or a 25-year anniversary are all good moments to give the gift of time. Watches are a staple accessory, and in a world where our lives are dictated by time, a watch is a universally acceptable gift.

The occasion may determine what type of watch you should buy. An athlete who is about to run his first marathon would benefit more from a sports watch than from a formal watch. Meanwhile, a scuba diver might prefer a watch that features water resistance, dive alarms and a digital compass.

If the watch is a gift to celebrate a business promotion or new job, a formal watch may be a better investment. A gold or silver chronograph watch is the perfect accompaniment to a business suit. Formal watches can even be personalized with colored faces or bejeweled bezels.

Whichever type of watch you choose, there are certain questions to ask before making a financial commitment. Check to see if the watch has a warranty. Some manufacturers offer a one year warranty on the entire watch or individual pieces of it. Since the watch will be worn every day, durability is essential. Is the watch water- or scratch-resistant? Does it easily dent? How long is the battery's life? Does the watch need to be wound? The more questions you can ask in advance, the more confident you will be in your buying decision.