Luxe 101: A Helpful Guide to Buying Your First Luxury Watch
HIGH-END FASHION

Luxe 101: A Guide to Buying Your First Luxury Watch

A typical watch is designed to determine the time, but a luxury timepiece is made more than that; it is an investment and a sign of one’s social status.

Just like buying any other luxury item, having a premium quality watch requires good judgment considering that it is a significant investment.

Every watch varies according to model, style, and other features that match your personal taste, preference, and lifestyle. And one of the reasons why wealthy people prefer these high-end watches lies in the clockwork mechanism: a luxury timepiece uses mechanical movement rather than relying on battery power, also referred to as quartz.

Here are some basic tips to assist you in choosing your first luxury watch (as well as to avoid buyer’s remorse).





Do Some Research

Since not all luxury watches are created equally and may depreciate in time, it is best to read buyer's experiences or reviews before going to any Rolex or Omega store. To ensure the watch’s seamless functionality, the most important factors you should check out are:

  • Brand alternatives
  • Price range
  • Movement types
  • Watch genres
  • Setting complications
  • Materials
  • Level of protection against the rain or snow (take note: water-resistant and waterproof are two different features)
Rolex

Name Your Own Style

Defining one's personal style might be an elusive task. But one of the most essential factors in buying a luxury watch is your fashion and style. If you're into classic and minimalist timepieces, you may check out some steel luxury watches with butterfly expansion bracelets like Breitling, Girard Perregaux, and Maurice Lacroix, to name a few. They are perfect for those with a “monochromatic and clean aesthetic” taste, thanks to the beauty and sleekness that come with their coating.

On the other hand, if you prefer those with bolder designs and leather straps, but still want to be practical, you may consider sports luxury watches like Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, and Panerai Luminor Marina Logo.





Have A Clear Purpose About Your Purchase

Another thing to consider for first-time buyers of a luxury watch is to know your purpose. Aside from the ostentatious display of wealth and fashion, you should aim for brands that appreciate easily. Brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex are known for this.

However, if you simply want to gift yourself something luxurious, you can opt for watches that cost around US$5,000. Although watches within this price tag are not considered premium and among the cream of the crop by connoisseurs, they make for a nice investment, too. You can find watches within this price tag from reputable brands.

Luxury Watch

Limited Edition is Not Really Limited

Bear in mind that limited edition products are part of a brand’s tactic approach to attract more customers and impose exclusivity. The truth is, watchmakers produce thousands of them. If you want to make a smart decision, choose the style or brand with the lower number of manufactured items or the rarest timepiece. These luxury watches have better value as the demand increases throughout the years.

Keep in mind, however, that one of the struggles of purchasing rare items is that they are hard to track down in trading forums or online.


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