Deciding to buy a luxury watch for oneself is a big decision. Even with disposable income, there’s concern over buyer’s regret and not knowing the difference between which watches are expensive and which have the value to match the price tag.
There are a lot of things to consider and learn when shopping for your first luxury watch. Here are some important things to ponder when getting ready to invest in this fashion accessory.
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Your Lifestyle
As well as looking great and boasting incredible quality, luxury watches can also be functional. If you start looking through Omega’s watch collection, you’ll see that they have a wide range of sports-related watches available. Cartier, on the other hand, is more fashionable than multi-functional. You’ll also notice that a lot of brands have different weights and wrist strap materials. These could all play a role in your decision-making process.
Consider what your lifestyle entails when deciding what you need from your luxury watch. Is it something that you plan on wearing to the office or special occasions or is it something that you plan on taking off only when you shower or head to bed? Do you want a traditional luxury watch or a smartwatch? Thinking about these needs can help you narrow down which style of luxury watch you’d prefer.
Budgetary Concerns
Luxury watches come with a substantial range of pricing options, starting in the low thousands and ranging upward to the hundreds of thousands in some cases. While some brands are more costly than others, there are also variations within the brand. A special edition watch will often cost substantially more than one of the better-known models that are readily available for purchase.
If you have an unlimited budget, then you have the freedom to pick whichever model you want without concern. If like most people, you have a budget that dictates what you can and cannot afford, you’ll need to keep that in mind. Even those with a high budget will have set limitations that will help direct the decision-making process.
Overall Look and Feel
Generally speaking, the look and feel of a watch will determine whether or not you enjoy the feeling of wearing it. For some, the weight of a heavy watch is draining. For others, the weight creates a positive psychological impact through the constant reminder that it’s there. Many women’s watches are designed to be dainty, reflective of the size of a feminine wrist. However, many women prefer to wear men’s watches for the bolder, more masculine look that befits their personal flair.
Do you like square watches or round? Finer details or bold, impossible to ignore designs? Metal all around or a vintage looking alligator strap? Again, considering these things and taking some time to look around and determine what you like and what you can’t live without will help narrow down your choices.
Girl Meets Switzerland
The Swiss are known around the world for their handy knives, delicious cheese, and of course, their luxury watches. When it comes to designer watches, Swiss Made is often touted as a cut above the rest. In many cases, this is true. For a watch to be deemed Swiss Made, it must meet three qualifications: it must be made with Swiss movements (the parts of a watch that make it work), assembled in Switzerland, and inspected for quality in Switzerland before being exported.
While many of the most recognizable luxury watch brands are Swiss Made, there are other options without that label. Bell & Ross is an incredible American brand. Cartier stems from French origins. Seiko is a Japanese luxury designer who learned from the Swiss greats. If you’re in doubt and concerned that you won’t get the quality you desire for your investment, it’s best to default to Swiss Made brands like TAG Heuer, Omega, and Rolex.
Regardless of if you buy a Swiss Made watch or opt for another global designer, be sure that you purchase through a trusted retailer whether online or in-store. The counterfeit market for luxury watches is substantial; research your supplier and know the details of the watch you choose to purchase so you know it’s the real deal.
Wardrobe
If fashion is important to you, consider how the look of your luxury watch will complement the outfits with which you pair it. While going for something bold and bright might be great for someone who wears a lot of muted tones or prefers a quirky flair, it might clash with certain outfits. If this is a concern for you, you’ll need to consider the colors and materials used when purchasing a luxury watch.
For many, luxury watches are a status symbol. However, they’re also a stylish investment that can be handed down as a family heirloom or sold at a later time. Think about the place this watch will have in your life and find the right one for you.
