If you know anything about luxury watches, shopping for one is a challenging task! Watches are a way you can better express yourself. The watch you wear is a definition of your style, your preferences, and even the type of person you are.
Why is it so difficult? Buying a watch is difficult as many factors dictate your decision. You can always pick up a budget watch judging just by how it looks. However, things change when you move up to the luxury side of things.
When you want to buy a luxurious watch, your primary goal should be to pick one that completes you. It should just be a timepiece on which you write but an extension of you. So, here are 5 things you must check before buying a luxury watch!
A Quick Look: 5 Things to Check Before Buying a Luxury Watch
- Set A Budget
- Check Your Personal Preference
- Check The Movement
- What About the Build Quality and Materials?
- Look For Watch Complications
- Check Authenticity
6 Things to Check Before Buying a Luxury Watch
Luxurious watches come in many different shapes, sizes, and complications. So to simplify the process make a checklist of these 5 things to narrow down your search.
- Set A Budget Beforehand
The first thing to check when buying a luxury watch is whether you have the budget to cover it. When you decide on how much you’re prepared to spend you can eliminate the options that are out of budget. You should also set how flexible you want your budget to be in case you have to spend a little more.
Since you won’t buy one every other month, it’s best to keep some headway when choosing one! An entry-level luxury watch can start from a low US$2000. Although there is no ceiling to the price, an ultra-luxury watch can fetch up to US$ 1 Million.
- Personal Preference
When buying a luxury watch, what you should prioritize is your style and taste. As we mentioned before, a watch is an extension of you. So it is essential to stay true to yourself. Try to not listen to recommendations from others unless you’re sure you want a certain watch. Watches should not just be treated as a fashion accessory, they should also be equally functional.
Look into these factors when choosing your next watch.
- Dial Color and Customizations: Modern watches come in many dial colors, styles, and complications. If you think you want a neutral-colored one, you can customize it by picking different colored strap options. Some luxury watch brands have quick-change straps to make the process easier.
- Size And Shape: Another thing to consider is the size and shape of a watch. Traditional round watches are timeless but that may not float your boat. Look into different watch shapes like vintage tonneau, rectangles, squares, or cushion shapes. They may not be for everyone but you won’t know if you do if you don’t try them on!
- Watch Based on Lifestyle: Instances where you wear a watch should dictate what you buy. For example, if you scuba dive frequently, you can look into watches that have great high water resistance. Similarly, if your passions include racing or aviation, there are watches with a tachymeter. For hikers or mountain climbers, watches equipped with altimeters and a compass point can come of great use!
- Quartz, Mechanical, or Automatic Movement?
The movement of your watch is another thing to consider when buying a luxury watch.
- Quartz: Quartz movement is battery-operated. As long as the batteries have juice, they can be left out for months and still maintain perfect time. The batteries in most quartz watches need to be changed every three to five years.
- Mechanical: Mechanical watches ought to be at the top of your list if you value the subtleties of watch mechanics. These timepieces reveal the internal mechanisms of a watch. You get to witness the hundreds of components interacting with one another.
- Automatic: Automatics, as the name implies, wind the mainspring as you move your watch. The watch will shut off when its power reserve runs out. Most automatic watches have a 42–72 hour power reserve.
- Assess Build Quality and Materials
When selecting a watch the material used can add to the overall aesthetic. Platinum and gold are the most sought-after in luxury watches. However, stainless steel is a wonderful choice for regular use. Titanium is another excellent choice if you are looking for a rugged watch. It is lighter than steel and more scratch-resistant.
Other lightweight materials include advanced carbon fiber, ceramics, and different alloys. Many high-end companies now utilize sophisticated alloys and custom materials to make their timepieces more durable and lightweight. Remember that the material used can impact the cost and resale value of a watch greatly.
- How Complicated Do You Want A Watch to Be?
A watch is a great example of craftsmanship. It is truly remarkable how one can fit so many working pieces into a space so small. There are many different types of watch complications you can choose from. Remember, the more complicated a watch, the more price it will be! Most watches either come in one or a combination of the complications mentioned in the table below.
| Complication | What It Does |
| Simple Calendars | Displays the date, day, or month. |
| Complex Calendars | Track time over long periods, including perpetual calendars that account for leap years and can track dates accurately for centuries. |
| Annual Calendars | Only needs adjustment once a year, at the end of February. |
| GMT Watches | Display a second time zone, useful for travelers. |
| Dual Time Zone Watches | Show two time zones simultaneously. |
| World Time Watches | Indicate the time in 24 different time zones. |
| Chronographs | Comes equipped with a stopwatch function. |
| Pulsimeters | Comes with scales for measuring pulse rates useful for monitoring heart rate. |
| Moon Phase Indicators | Show the current phase of the moon. |
| Tourbillon | A mechanism designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch’s accuracy. |
| Power Reserve Indicator | Shows the remaining power in the watch’s mainspring. |
| Minute Repeaters | High-end complications that chime the time on demand. |
| Tachymeter | A scale used to measure speed based on time traveled over a fixed distance. |
| Depth Gauge | Found in diving watches, it measures the depth of water during a dive. |
| Slide Rule Bezel | Used for various calculations, such as fuel consumption, flight time, and conversions. |
| Altimeter | Measures altitude, useful for hikers and pilots. |
| Barometer | Measures atmospheric pressure, helping to forecast weather changes. |
| Thermometer | Displays the temperature, adding another layer of functionality. |
| Compass | Assists in navigation by showing directional headings. |
| Audible Chimes | Watch mechanism that chimes the time every hour or quarter-hour. |
| Built-in Alarms | Watches with built-in alarms can alert you at a set time, much like a traditional alarm clock. |
- Check Authenticity
In the world of online watch shopping, trust is essential. Images don’t always reflect reality. Buying something solely based on its appearance can be misleading. You don’t want to receive a fake after spending thousands of dollars on a collectible.
So only buy from accredited retailers or reliable watch consultants to guarantee a reliable purchase. Be well versed on their money-back guarantee policy and read through client testimonials.
Why Buy a Luxury Watch?
Investing in a luxury watch offers numerous advantages over purchasing budget watches. Here are some compelling reasons to consider:
- Equivalent to Assets: Luxury watches often retain or even increase in value over time. Watches from Patek Philippe and Rolex are a great investment for the future. Their watches remain in high demand, making them both a stylish choice and a smart investment.
- Fashion Statement: A luxury watch expresses your style and can be chosen by you based on the design, style, color, and strap. A watch must represent their style because watches can reveal a lot about a wearer.
- Great Conversation Starter: Luxury watches can be a great conversation starter among enthusiasts and casual admirers alike.
- Can Be Family Heirlooms: A luxury watch can be passed down through generations creating a link to the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What luxury watch is worth buying?
If you are looking to invest in a luxury watch, check out timepieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and Audemars Piguet. They are beautifully made and are capable of lasting for generations.
Which watch holds value the most?
Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet are three brands that have held their
value the most through their collection of limited production offerings.
Are You Ready to Buy a Luxury Watch?
So, there you have it! These are the five things to check before buying a luxury watch. Buying a luxury watch is more than just a purchase; it’s an investment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or expanding your collection, you must own at least one luxury timepiece in a lifetime. Find the perfect watch for you by browsing Great Lakes Watch’s extensive selection of high-end luxury timepieces!
