Figuring out where and how to buy your first luxury watch can be overwhelming. Besides, spending a lot on a big ticket item, leave alone many mechanical nuances, can be intimidating.
But whether or not you are a beginner, the process is fun, as you don’t need a professional to appreciate a watch’s value, quality, and craftsmanship.
Knowing where to begin your search will be half the battle. Shape, size, and brand are the common factors you may start concentrating on during your search. And the more you read articles related to luxury watches, the more you know what makes top-tier watches unique.
What Makes a Watch Luxury?
Although there are no agreed formal definitions of what luxury watches are, the overall consensus is that they are those manufactured to a high standard. Usually, they use high-quality components, like precious jewels, platinum, silver, and gold, although some desirable models have cases made of stainless steel.
In addition, a luxury watch is made limited in manufacturing to create scarcity, thus maintaining high demand and commanding high prices. But these aren’t the only aspect that makes a watch luxurious. Other aspects may include the following:
- Functions and features
- Style
- Longevity and quality
Why Buy One?
For classy men, luxury watches are an overt expression of persona and are among the few accessories accepted socially. And for women, they are part of their fashion ensemble or jewelry, requiring coordination.
Some people choose to wear luxury watches because they feel like it. This group of people considered it an art. Other people are also thrilled about the engineering of complex mechanics in luxury watches that contribute to their authenticity, longevity, and quality.
Pro Tips for Buying
Luxury timepieces are significant purchases not just in price point but also in terms of investment. Perhaps you want to mark a birthday milestone or have seen an opportunity for investing. Whichever the case, many things, like personal decisions, will remain unchanged for every watch buyer.
As far as choosing your first timepiece is concerned, it is normal to be excited or overwhelmed. The choice of technology, styles, and brands can make things difficult for you to make the right choice based on your lifestyle. But to help you make the right decision, the following are tips to look at:
- Consider the Material
Many materials are used to make luxury watches. But among the popular options for luxury watch materials include titanium, gold, and stainless steel.
Titanium isn’t just durable. It is also resistant to corrosion and lighter than gold and stainless steel, while gold is the most commonly used material for luxury watches. However, gold is at great risk for corrosion, unlike titanium and may cause allergic reactions on the skin.
Lastly, most people opt for stainless steel as the ideal material for their watches for a good reason. Stainless steel is both lightweight and durable. They can be in two finishing, including polish and brush. A polished finish is often shiny, whereas a brushed finish often gives the surface a tear look.
- Look at the Mechanical Movements
Mechanical watches are powered by mainsprings that power the balance wheel and gears. In order to tighten the mainspring, you will need to twist the crow. This, in turn, cranks the coils up, and the spring slowly unwinds, making a second hand move. The longer a mainspring, the longer your watch will reserve power.
Every luxury watch guide can tell you that mechanical movement is superior. To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind mechanical and quartz movements, it is important to recognize that wearing luxury watches encompasses more than simply reading the time.
Rather it is about buying a timepiece of exquisite engineering. It should be something, which reflects centuries-old tradition, ground-breaking technology, and intricate craftsmanship.
- Check the Maintenance
Buying a luxury timepiece means that you are getting it, which may last for many years, especially when it is well-taken care of. Most luxury watches are marketed for their longevity, but you might still want to take precautions when buying something expensive like this.
However, mechanical movement will have to be disassembled, serviced, and reassembled at some point. How regularly you will do this depends on several factors. But in general, it ranges from 4-10 years.
- Define Your Character
With precise hours displayed everywhere in your always-on digital age, having a luxury timepiece is much more than just telling other people the time. It is also an emotional investment, which may speak volumes.
Apart from being a lifestyle, a luxury timepiece should fit your lifestyle. Its capability to tell you if you are running late or not is still valued.
- Know What You Need in a Watch
Although most designers these days are at the top of the game for precision, craftsmanship, and quality, they provide unique designs with various complications and features.
Primarily, women choose luxury watches for fashion, whereas others buy them to be accepted socially. Before you start your search, know what you need in a watch so you can narrow down your options.
- Try It On Before Buying
Of course, you may order your first luxury timepiece online. But you should consider trying it on before buying. There are theories about the size of different watches, and you may not know whether a watch you order online will fit your wrist well.
For instance, one 42mm watch won’t feel the same way as another 42mm timepiece. It all narrows down to personal preference, you may not know what will work for you until you try several of them. This way, you may also notice other things apart from diameter, including the weight as well as how the proportion of a timepiece matches your wrist.
Final Say
Whether you want to celebrate your achievements or just want to invest in a good and luxurious timepiece, choosing your first watch is something to celebrate. Because it is your first time buying one, make sure you have a budget to guide you and consider other factors, like material and mechanical movements.
