So, you want to buy a watch? Maybe you’ve already thought about what style you want and decide how much you’re willing to spend. Whether you’re a watch aficionado or an Haute Horlogerie connoisseur.
Have you gathered all the crucial information before investing in a wristwatch? Do you know what to look before buying a new watch?
What are the 5 most important things to look at when buying a watch? Here we have compiled a list that will help you in your decision making before buying a watch:
- A budget that works for you
- High-quality materials
- Precise movement mechanics
- A reputable watch brand
- A design for your lifestyle
Read below the complete watch buying guide to know more. Just to make sure you get the best from your money.
What to look for before buying a watch?
When buying a new watch, there are 5 points to imperatively consider. The budget, the materials, the movement mechanics, the brand and finally the design. Here’s is a detailed view:
A Budget That Works For You
The budget is probably the most important thing to consider when buying a watch. It will define the different options available depending on what you can afford.
Decide how much you’re willing to spend. This way you will narrow the field. Whether it’s an entry-level model or high-end luxury timepieces.
Look at the big picture and make sure you’re covering all the aspects you want out of the watch. You might have to prioritize and make some compromises to stick to what your wallet is allowing.
High-Quality Materials
Regardless of the budget, you still want to buy a watch that is not cheaply made. Buying a new watch is an investment and your choice should be driven by the overall quality.
Make sure the premium you pay is associated with worthy quality production. You want to look for a watch crafted with durable materials. It will ensure the highest quality possible for the price tag associated.
Wristwatches come in a large variety of compositions. The case is usually manufactured with materials like plastic, steel, ceramics, and precious metals. When buying your watch, you should look for the material which will best fit your lifestyle and budget.
Precise Movement Mechanics
There are three different types of movements for wristwatches: mechanical, automatic, and quartz. It will depend on the budget you’re interested to devote to this new watch. But in all the cases you need a movement which will guarantee to keep time accurately.
Watches with quartz movement runs on replaceable batteries. They are qualified as accessible. Whereas the mechanical and automatic movements are reserved for more luxurious models. Which obviously comes with higher premiums.
The most prestigious houses are manufacturing watches with state-of-the-art movements resulting from exceptional master craftsmanship.
A Reputable Brand
Talking about the manufacturer, choosing which brand is a major decision in buying a watch.
A renowned name is doing way more than just guaranteeing the quality of the movement. Swiss makers are usually high ranked in the names when looking to buy a luxury timepiece. But why?
Well, if you’re ready to pay for a luxury watch, you want to go with a reputable brand. The high-end Swiss watchmakers are delivering pristine craftsmanship while delivering iconic pieces.
But there are numerous options worth considering outside of the Swiss watchmakers. Dig into the world of manufacturers and discover reputable brands by reading dedicated reviews and guides.
A Design For Your Lifestyle
The design of a watch goes like a conglomerate of all the points above. You need a watch to fit your lifestyle and have functions to suit any of your needs. But with a sophisticated design in bonus.
Think of it as a statement piece. Will you go for a bold and impressive solid gold watch? Or the eternal sporty refinement of a chronograph? Maybe you’re more willing to wear minimalist timeless design?
How you plan to use this watch should drive your investment. Whether you’re looking for a diver’s watch, GMT, aviator or racing watch. Look at the features you effectively use.
You don’t only want an expensive design that will make people have a double-take on your wrist. You want a good watch.
What makes a good watch?
There is a whole diversity of good watches that comes within a broad range of prices. From sub-$500 smartwatches to over $100,000 chronographs anyone is able to find a fit.
What makes a good watch, in this case, should usually be seen from the buyer’s point of view. Some can be interested in the look, others by more practical functions. And there are the gentlemen that see it as an extension of their well-curated collection of statement pieces.
More generally, a good watch is the perfect combination of these elements:
- The style, dial size, and type (analog or digital)
- The features, materials, and power source
- Water resistance and weight
- The brand of the watch
Look for a watch that offers a qualitative mix of the elements above. Choose it within your price range according to your budget.
For strict practical purposes, stay in the reasonably-priced watches. There is a wide repertoire of brands that can provide high-quality pieces. But without the price tag of traditional big luxury names and still with good quality.
If you seek investment diversification then look for a long-term asset. Select a brand with watches that have increased in value over time and continue to promise a good future.
If you’re on the next level, well, then there are options. Do you want to treat yourself with the most wonderful limited edition gem? Or maybe collect a masterpiece released by a famous heritage brand? Then go for it.
It will be part of your worth and you’ll even be able to share it with your family next generations. Like a royal heirloom. If it’s your case then seek after a brand known for jewelry-like design and exceptional craftsmanship.
What makes a watch expensive?
The price tag on a watch can skyrocket very easily and is justified by a number of reasons. But why do watches can cost so much?
Components of the watch
Firstly, it has something to do with the components of the watch. The nature of the movements along with the materials used explains adjusted price tags. You will expect to pay more for a watch plated with precious metals. A watch made with gold, silver or platinum is more expensive than one manufactured entirely with plastic.
The watchmaking sector has recently been transformed with the massive industrialization and advanced digital technologies. But even, luxury watches are mostly crafted by artisan’s hands and should be regarded as art pieces.
Exceptional craftsmanship
Secondly, it comes from exceptional craftsmanship. Some people might just want to buy a watch to tell time. Others are investing, collecting, celebrating the most renowned watchmakers’ work. With some pieces considered as heirlooms parts of their family heritage.
Think of the minds behind the engineering process. Developing the in-house movements and the numerous meticulous hands assembling the elements of a watch. Treating yourself with this artwork is a decision. But take your time to do your research and look for “under the radar” collectors.
High-end marketing
Because yes, the last point, the marketing deployed by watchmakers. It can take a big part of the final cost of the watch. There is a lifestyle associated with possessing such a luxury gem.
Brands are developing advertising campaigns to reflect this refined lifestyle. And substantial costs are usually involved.
Just watch at all the sports events sponsored by Rolex or Longines. And do you remember the breathtaking air race commercials released by Breitling?
Are expensive watches worth buying?
So probably the next question is to know whether or not expensive watches are worth buying? The answer is yes. Not only you will possess a luxury jewel to tell you time. But also because it’s an asset with value.
They are rare objects
The luxury watch resale market is considered a niche investment. Because it requires good knowledge to carefully curate and maintain a collection.
Maybe it’s not the priority you’re looking for when selecting your next watch. But this is something worth to keep in mind. Luxury products are rare by definition. They completely lose their appeal if anyone can buy one or multiple on the mass market.
The value of luxury
Most of the models developed in previous decades are currently sought-after by a community of connoisseurs. This can drive the price very high because of the limited quantities. Imagine that some components represent over six centuries of experienced craftsmanship, expertise, and refinement.
Also, think broadly when purchasing your watch. Estimate the maintenance costs involved with the model you’re choosing. Manual and automatic movements will not need the same care as a quartz one.
It is a timeless asset
Moreover, a watch is an asset that can last for generations if handled with care. The value of a luxury watch usually doesn’t depreciate with time. If properly maintained thanks to the quality of materials used and the craftsman’s assembling work. This is a timeless asset.
Finally, what to know before buying a watch?
In conclusion, buying a new watch is a process and can take a long time. Especially if you’re buying a luxury piece. But in this case, time is real money.
You will probably invest hundreds or thousands of dollars. So it is worth the extra time is taken to do proper research. Not like a random compulsory buy you will do on Black Friday.
Expand your knowledge by reading watch buying guides or get expert advice like you will do for any investment. Visit high-quality websites covering wristwatches and well-established stores.
Points to remember
The most important is your final choice. Remember the 5 decisive points to look at when buying a watch:
- a budget that works for you
- high-quality materials
- precise movement mechanics
- a reputable brand
- a design for your lifestyle
Last but not least, if you see a $50 Rolex listed, we guarantee you can find a better deal. Just run away.
Do you already know which watch model will be your next investment?
