A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Luxury Watch
Are you interested in buying a high-end watch that is handcrafted with top quality workmanship by skilled watchmakers? Do you want a luxury watch as a symbol of your status and success? Perhaps you are thinking a luxury watch would be a valuable investment. You may have always wanted a dress watch that has a rich history and heritage that comes with special brand names. Or you want to commemorate a milestone of a special achievement or event in your life.
Luxury watches have a reputation of featuring distinctive and aesthetically pleasing designs to fit many personalities and uses. These luxury timepieces are known for their quality craftsmanship with attention to detail and quality materials. Luxury watches are known for having a huge market demand.
No matter what your reasons for wanting to own a luxury watch, whether as your first time watch or as an additional timepiece to add to your watch collection, we will help you look for the best watches with this watch buying guide.
Setting a Budget
Your first step is to determine what your budget range will be. Luxury watches come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to know how much you want to invest. You will be able to find brand name watches in the entry range, mid-range, and ultra high-end range. We will also look at pre-owned and vintage watches for your budget.
Pre-owned, Vintage, and New
One way to maximize your budget is to buy a pre-owned luxury watch or checking to see if the jewelry store features any special sales on their watches. This enables you to buy what is normally a higher priced watch at a more affordable price point. Vintage watches may command a higher price tag if it is a collectible and/or limited edition, while new timepieces will have the typical prices associated with the brand and watch model, and may even include a waitlist for the ultra luxury watches.
Entry-Level Watches
The definition of affordable varies from one person to another. There are many brands that are considered high quality timepieces with relatively accessible price points. Brands like Seiko, Citizen and Bulova are some examples of entry level watches that offer more affordable options compared to some of the ultra high-end brands. They may not be considered as exclusive as some of the top-tier luxury brands, but they will still provide excellent craftsmanship, quality materials, and reliable performance. Featured below are Seiko, Citizen, and Bulova watches.
Mid-Range Luxury Watches
Brands that fall into the “mid-range” category can be somewhat subjective, as it will depend on various factors like brand reputation, price range, and individual perceptions of luxury. Some luxury watch brands and collections that can be considered to fall within the mid-range category are Omega, Tag Heuer and Tudor.
The mid-range luxury watches can still have different price points with many models considered mid-range luxury watches. These timepieces will offer exceptional quality, Swiss-made movements, and a rich heritage which makes them popular choices among watch enthusiasts.
Featured are a Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Chronograph 42MM, a Tag Heuer Chronograph Automatic 41mm Stainless Steel, and a Tudor Glamour Double Date 42mm Stainless Steel Yellow Gold Diamond-set Dial.
High–End Luxury Watches
The most expensive luxury watch brands often include those with a long history of high end craftsmanship, exclusive materials, and limited editions. Some examples of high end luxury watches are Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Rolex. Featured are luxury watches by Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex.
Deciding Your Preferences
Before you purchase your luxury wristwatch, it’s important to consider several factors to make sure you are making an informed decision. You will want to choose a timepiece that meets your preferences and needs.
How do you plan to use the watch? Are you looking for a dress watch for formal occasions, a durable sporty watch for outdoor activities, or a versatile timepiece for everyday wear? You will want to consider watch features like water resistance, durability, movement, and functionality based on your lifestyle and preference.
Style and Design
What are your preferred style and design aesthetics? Luxury watches come in various styles, from classic to bold. Factors like case shape, dial, color, strap material, and overall design should be matched to reflect your personal style. Below is just a small assortment of styles including Longines La Grande Classique, Breitling Transocean World Time Chronograph Limited Edition with Leather Strap, Franck Muller Curvex CX, and Backes & Strauss.
Types of Watch Movement
Consider the type of movement desired for your watch. Luxury watches typically use mechanical movements (manual or automatic). Mechanical watches use mechanical movements which are appreciated for their craftsmanship and tradition in luxury watches.
More affordable watches utilize quartz movements that offer accuracy and convenience.
Featured is a Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon 45mm with a blue ceramic bezel with an open (skeletonized) dial and manual movement, a Rolex datejust with a Swiss automatic watch movement with date and power reserve functions, and a Cartier Tank Americaine with quartz movement and a yellow gold precious metal bracelet.
Features and Focused Specialties
Luxury watches have many different features and complications from which to choose. You may want to get a minimalist watch that just tells the time and looks beautiful.
Sports watches have a wide range of types of watches for those who enjoy active lifestyles, outdoor activities, and are sports enthusiasts. There are great watches made specially for racing, diving, pilots, racing and more. These sports watches include durable construction and can include features like chronometers, water resistance, time zones, GMT functions for navigation, tachymeter scales, and barometers, etc., which are specifically made for the different types of sports models.
Here are some specialty sports watches. Featured are a Rolex Yacht Master, a Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Limited Edition, a Breitling Navitimer 01 Chronograph Limited Edition, and a Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronometer Beau Lake 44 mm Limited Edition, an IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Top Gun Edition, and a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 440 mm Rose Gold.
Size and Fit
When looking for the watch of your dreams, it’s time to get hands-on and start trying on some different luxury watches. Pay attention to the size and fit of the watch. For example, a person with a small wrist size will probably want a slimmer watch. Consider factors such as case diameter, thickness, and lug-to-lug distances to ensure the watch will fit comfortably on the wearer’s wrist.
Ready to Buy
Now you have thought about the type of watch that will best suit your lifestyle, whether it’s a dress watch, a sports watch or a special timepiece for daily wear. Once you’ve decided what your personal preference is in terms of style, design, features, and complications, you are ready to find an authorized dealer or jewelry store that specializes in selling luxury watches.
Reputable Sellers
You will not want to end up buying a fake luxury watch, so it is important to buy your luxury watch from a reputable dealer or jewelry store to ensure the authenticity of the new watch you are buying.
Verify the warranty coverage and after-sales service offered by the brand or seller. A watch case should come with all new luxury watches. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing intervals, typically between 3 to 5 years for mechanical watches. Regular servicing by a qualified watchmaker is essential to keep your watch in optimal condition and prevent potential issues from arising.
Ask questions and seek advice from our knowledgeable sales associates at E.D. Marshall Jewelers. Inquire about the history and specifications of the watches you’re interested in, and ask for recommendations based on your preferences and budget. We have a large selection of both new watches and pre-owned watches.
Whether you are interested in buying women’s or men’s watches, come see what we can offer. Our professionals look forward to helping you find the luxury watch you desire.
In Conclusion
By following this watch buying guide and taking the time to research, evaluate, and consider your options carefully, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a luxury watch that meets your preferences, budget, and expectations. Select a timepiece that you genuinely love and that brings you joy and satisfaction every time you wear it!