Most watches will provide you accurate time, however few fall into the category of a real luxury timepiece. Watch connoisseurs will agree that a true luxury watch should withstand the test of time, both in style and craftsmanship. For those looking to purchase their first luxury watch, the choices are many. The purpose of this guide is to help you make an informed choice, and hopefully help you in your quest to get a fine timepiece.
Luxury watches can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars, but you should look to spend at least $1,000 for a nice timepiece. It's possible to find considerable discounts online and one could obtain an entry level luxury watch for a couple of hundred dollars. Luxury watches could include a golden case or bracelet, a diamond encrusted bezel, or merely a stainless steel timepiece made with exceptional craftsmanship.
Choosing A Style:
The first question you must ask yourself when shopping for a luxury watch is, what purpose do you want it to serve? Do you want a slick looking chronograph to represent your professional standing? Is this watch going to be a gem encrusted piece, worn just for special occasions? Will this be a gift to commemorate a special occasion, like a new job, or retirement. You need to choose how frequently, and in which situations you'll be wearing your new luxury timepiece.
Here are some features you should consider in choosing in a luxury watch:
O Materials: Gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic.
O Stone: Diamonds or other gemstones; place in the dial, case or bracelet.
o Movement: Mechanical, automatic or quartz.
O Brand: A traditional and legendary Swiss firm like Omega or Patek or a newer designer label like Franck Muller.
Broadly speaking, you should expect to pay at least $1000, but with a little online research, you could find an entry level luxury watch for less. It's important to choose your budget beforehand, this will save you plenty of time and frustration.
As an internet seller I see a frequent problem, especially with us Americans. Americans like to live above their means, and this is certainly the case for fine timepieces. Many people are looking to get a watch that will wind up putting them in debt. When searching for a luxury watch, you should be looking to get a deal, not a steal. If you are attempting to find a $5,000 TAG Heuer for $800 dollars, then you are going to have difficulty at it. This is why the counterfeit market exists.
This leads me to a more philosophical point; when one is searching for a luxury watch, you need to want to pay around retail cost. I know a whole lot of people may disagree, but part of the pleasure of purchasing a luxury watch, is having the ability to afford one. You should not be looking to buy a new Mercedes for $10,000 and the same is true for fine watches. My question is why do you want to? A Mercedes Benz is intended for those making over $100,000, not those earning $30,000. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop many people from leasing that Mercedes, or Range Rover and remaining in debt. If you cannot afford a $5,000 watch, then purchase one more within your budget. It's that simple.
I cannot tell you the amount of times I have had people bid $200 on a watch costing over $7,000, then send me a message asking if they are close to reserve! Everyone wants a bargain, but a lot of men and women are totally clueless, and these are the people who end up buying imitation watches. You may not want to hear this, but it's the truth. Long story short, Rolexes and Omegas are meant for people who can afford them. If you want one of these watches, you need to earn the kind of money that warrants that kind of purchase.
Materials:
Luxury watches naturally incorporate the best materials on earth. Many luxury watches use 14kt or 18kt yellow gold on the ring or case. White or rose gold are also popular materials used for fine timepieces. The most expensive of all metals used in watch making is platinum. Many very fine luxury watches simply use stainless steel rings and bracelets.
Leather straps are a bit more casual than metal bracelets, and provide a more toned-down appearance. They may arrive in calfskin, lizard, or alligator patterns. For those looking for a bit more flash, a gold bracelet will provide this look. A solid gold ring will be more costly, but also be an investment in itself.
Diamond watches convey a feeling of glamour and even opulence. Many colorful gemstones are encrusted in to a number of the more lavish high-end watch designs. You want to make sure that the gemstones are real, as this will add to the value of the timepiece.
Horology is the procedure watchmakers use in the crafting of fine, precise timepieces. Watch enthusiasts tend prefer manual wind or automatic watches. Mechanical movements display the ability of the watch manufacturer and are usually used in the more elite designs of luxury watches. Quartz movements are more precise and don't need as much maintenance.
Fine watch making is an old tradition began out of Switzerland, and remains a passion for many today. Functions aside from basic timekeeping, such as the stopwatch on a chronograph, are known as complications. Complications tend to raise the purchase price of the watch and display additional skills of a watch manufacturer. I hope this luxury watch buying guide helpful. Good luck in your search for a fine timepiece.
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