Buying your first-ever luxury watch is a huge step. Given the substantial financial commitment involved and the important role this accessory will play in your daily life, it pays to do a thorough research before making your purchase. 

In this luxury watch buying guide, we outline some of the factors to consider so you’ll end up with your dream watch based on your unique taste and practical needs. 

Set a budget 

How much would you be willing to spend? You’ll need to stick to this amount to avoid overspending. While famous luxury watch brands like Rolex and Omega are very much in-demand and highly sought-after, they also come with a premium price tag. You might want to consider less popular brands such as Tudor which offer great watches at lower prices.

Another good news is that luxury brands also have a gateway or entry-level watch for first-timers, such as the Baume & Mercier Classima watches. Another alternative is to look into the vintage or secondhand market to get a quality watch at a fraction of its original price.

Consider your lifestyle

With the plethora of watches available, it’s important to streamline your choices and narrow down your list by aligning them with your lifestyle and purpose for owning a watch. You can begin this process by deciding if you’ll be wearing the watch every day or if you’re buying it for a specific activity or special occasion.

If you’re planning to wear the watch a lot, an understated dress watch will seamlessly complement most of the attire in your wardrobe. If you’re a frequent traveler, a GMT complication is a nice option to have. 

And if you’re inclined towards watersports, a dive watch would be your ideal companion. Determine if the water resistance of a watch is sufficient enough to protect it while for your intended activity.

If this is your first time to buy, luxury watch shopping can seem a little daunting, especially if you’re unsure of your needs. In this case, look for a versatile timepiece that transitions effortlessly from casual to formal, and can be worn on various occasions. Additionally, most brands offer a variety of straps, allowing you to transform your watch depending on the event you’ll be attending. 

Choose a brand

A brand’s heritage and history also comes into play in choosing a luxury watch. Beyond the surface aesthetics, understanding a brand’s journey, values, and contributions to horology also adds a deeper layer to the watch-wearing experience.

Established watchmakers bring with them a rich legacy and craftsmanship. Vacheron Constantin is renowned for its impeccable artistry, while Breguet pioneered innovations such as the tourbillon.

Some brands are also known for their design languages and niche expertise. Jaeger-LeCoultre is revered for crafting watches with the Art Deco movement in mind, while Panerai has deep roots in producing military watches.  

The choice of a brand isn’t merely a matter of aesthetics – it’s also a tribute to the tradition of watchmaking and a celebration of masterful craftsmanship.

Decide on a movement

The movement – also known as caliber – is the heart and soul behind a luxury watch. There are three types of movements being used in the manufacture of watches today. 

Quartz movements are powered by batteries, and have become a practical choice for accurate timekeeping. Mechanical movements are powered using a combination of small integrated parts, and will need to be manually wound to keep ticking accurately. Automatic movements draw energy from the wearer’s wrist movement and are self-winding, but will still need to rely on the classic mainspring mechanism to work. 

Deciding which movement to get will depend on your preference. If you are the type to marvel at the artistry and craftsmanship behind watchmaking, consider investing in a mechanical watch. If you’re after accuracy and convenience, opt for a quartz-powered watch. And if you want a watch with a solid balance of tradition and innovation, an automatic watch is worth considering.

Select a complication

Choosing a complication, an added feature beyond its primary timekeeping function, adds to the overall experience of the watch. There are many complications to choose from, with calendar complications offering the most common additions. A Date complication indicates the date of the month, and is often found at the 3 o’clock position. The Large Date complication is an enlarged version of the date display, and can be found in many A. Lange & Söhne watches.

The Day-Date complication features both the day of the week and the date of the month, as exemplified by the Rolex Day-Date. The most complicated calendar complication is the Perpetual Calendar, which accommodates the varying length of each month, including leap year Februarys.

For lunar enthusiasts, the Moon Phase complication adorns the dial with a stunning lunar cycle. The most rare complication is the Tourbillon, which increases the accuracy of a watch by countering the effects of gravity.

Finalize key details

If you’re looking at websites from which to buy, luxury watch online shopping calls for certain considerations. You’ll need to consider other factors such as the material, case shape and size, and bracelet of the watch. The choice of material depends on its physical qualities, durability, and comfort while wearing it. Stainless steel exudes a modern, versatile charm, while precious metals like gold signify opulence. Titanium offers a lightweight and durable option, while ceramic promises a contemporary, scratch-resistant feature. 

Balancing your personal taste with ergonomic comfort is paramount when choosing the shape and size of the watch. The classic round case exudes timeless elegance, while the square or rectangular case presents a bold and unconventional profile. An oversized case presents a contemporary flair, while a slim one signals sophistication. 

The type of strap you’ll use is another factor to decide on. Metal straps radiate a polished aesthetic, and are suited for formal and casual occasions. Leather straps exude a classic elegance and work best with dress watches, while rubber and fabric straps channel sporty and relaxed vibes.

Determine resale value

While purchasing a luxury watch is primarily a personal choice, it’s wise to consider its potential resale value. Some brands and models tend to hold their value better than others. Doing research on historical resale values can provide insight into the long-term investment potential of your chosen timepiece.

Check after sales service

A luxury watch is an investment that requires proper care. Consider the brand’s reputation for servicing and maintenance. Well-established brands usually have authorized service centers that can ensure the longevity and accuracy of your timepiece. Regular servicing will also preserve the value of your watch over time.

Determine personal connection

At the end of the day, the luxury watch you end up with should be a piece you’ll enjoy wearing. Beyond all this talk about technical specifications, consider the emotional connection you have with a watch. Whether it’s the design, complication, or brand history that resonates with you, your personal attachment to the watch is perhaps the most important factor to consider.

As you deliberate over these aspects, remember that your luxury watch is not merely a timekeeping instrument – it’s a reflection of your character, an embodiment of your preferences, and a sign of your individuality.

If you need further help deciding, it’s best to work with a luxury retailer like Zadok Jewelers. They’ll help you find the ideal timepiece that not only looks good on your wrist but also resonates with your needs and goals.

 

Feature Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash