Why Buy A Luxury Watch
Buying your very first luxury watch can be a daunting experience. The market is vastly over-saturated and it can be overwhelming trying to navigate the sheer amount of choice out there. Despite this, buying a luxury watch is well worth it and there are many reasons for this. We’re going to outline some of these for you today.
There are a multitude of reasons why you should invest in a luxury watch. Some experienced collectors have been doing it for years and have got the hobby down to a T. Collecting high-end timepieces is a fine art and it takes time to really get the knack of it, but once you know how, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your collection can grow. Whereas some enthusiasts hone their collections down to a particular style of watch, others like to have a different watch for every occasion. But the first question you may be asking yourself if you’re new to the world of watch collecting is “Why do I need one?”.
First and foremost, luxury watch collecting is fun and exciting if you have a passion for horology and an interest in how watches are made. Whilst some high-end watches are powered by quartz batteries, most are powered by an automatic or manual-winding engine. This is often reflected in the price of a high-end model, as is brand provenance, how well-recognised a manufacturer is, and the quality of the materials chosen to make them. If you’re currently deliberating whether to buy a luxury watch or not, keep reading this article.
A luxury watch symbolises exquisite craftsmanship
Owning a luxury timepiece isn’t just about telling the time. Far from it, in fact. A timepiece is a symbol of artistry - a reflection of a brand’s relentless pursuit of perfection – a token of wealth and success. Above all, they are a representation of fine taste and an extension of the wearer’s personality. The movements that power high-end timepieces are marvels of mechanical engineering. From hundreds of tiny hand-assembled parts to gear trains and springs, and beautifully decorated finishes – each piece must be meticulously assembled by an expert, bringing life to the movement. Often, the heart of the watch is exposed through the back of a mechanical timepiece, exposing some of its finest components as the engine powers away relentlessly. These components all work in synergy with one another - performing harmoniously on view through an exhibition window.
The case of a luxury timepiece is another reflection of craftsmanship. More than just a shell, a case can be made of several materials combined or one single material. Many prestigious watchmakers in the industry are pushing boundaries in researching and experimenting with different materials, creating their own proprietary materials and alloys. The dial of a watch, however, is where the true artistry of the manufacturer shines through. A display stamped with a world-renowned name can say so much about the collector. Some manufacturers are still using traditional or ancient dial decorating techniques too, setting them apart from others and distilling the essence of true Swiss watchmaking.
Primarily, the craftsmanship behind a watch is what gives the manufacturer a sense of identity. It is the quality and the time taken to produce these intricate timekeeping instruments that demonstrate the value behind a timepiece and what makes each model so special and different.
You can make money from luxury watches
Luxury watches are investments that can often hold their value well or appreciate over time. Some collectors begin their watch-collecting journey by investing in a timepiece and selling it for a higher price. The profit made from their first watch goes on to secure a sale on a higher-priced timepiece and eventually, the collector reaches a point where his dream watch is finally within reach. You may not intend to grow a large collection but may have your heart set on one particular holy grail watch. Saving can be lengthy, so working your way up the horological ladder in this way is a quicker and more effective way to achieve your goal.
If you’re interested in buying a luxury watch as an investment, the pre-owned market is the best place to start. By buying a pre-loved timepiece, you’re already purchasing a watch that has already hit depreciation. This is often the preferred choice since most depreciation occurs after initially buying a brand new watch. There is, however, no way to know if your watch is going to appreciate over the years, but there are certain brands that are guaranteed to give you the best chance of this, whilst minimising loss. The Rolex Daytona is one watch that instantly springs to mind when we talk about luxury watches as great value propositions. The Daytona Paul Newman 6239, for example, is a model that has risen in value at an exceptional rate. The same can be said for the Rolex Daytona 116500. In addition to the Daytona, the Rolex GMT-Master, particularly, the Batman version, has risen considerably over time. Other wristwatches like the Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet and the Nautilus watch by Patek Philippe are considered excellent investments and are highly sought-after throughout the pre-owned market.
Luxury watches can often mark a milestone in life
If you’ve experienced any small level of success in life, you’ll likely have wanted to mark this with a luxury item. It may be a bottle of champagne for some, or a luxury timepiece for others. A luxury watch can be purchased as a way to commemorate several achievements or a milestone in life. If it’s a special birthday or an anniversary, there is no better way to mark this moment than with a special timepiece. Luxury watches are metaphors for the passage of time and symbols that remind us to appreciate every passing moment in life. In many ways, when you observe the mechanical mastery behind a luxury timepiece, it slows time down and enables you to connect with the watch. Each intricate part is a reflection of the manufacturer’s meticulous attention to detail and can be enjoyed either through the front of the dial or the back of the watch.
Whether a luxury watch will increase in value or not, it will most certainly increase in sentimental value. The more classic the timepiece, the less likely it is to ever go out of date. What’s more, longevity is reflected in the price of a watch. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for in a luxury watch. It’s one reason why a timepiece is such a great gift idea. Not only practical, it will stand the test of time and serve as a lasting memory of a special moment in life.
A luxury watch can become a family heirloom
Provided you properly care for a watch and you invest wisely from a reputable stockist, a luxury watch can become a family heirloom. The great thing about investing in an exquisite timepiece is that it can be enjoyed for decades to come and will only grow in sentimental value. Whether buying brand new or from a pre-owned stockist, like ourselves at Charles Martin Watch Company, every timepiece requires regular servicing and upkeep. Put the time and TLC into your special timepiece and you can leave behind a legacy item that the next generation of your family can cherish and pass on time and time again.
Watches reflect the passage of time. What distinguishes an heirloom watch as a legacy piece that can be passed down from one generation to another is its timeless elegance and its ability to keep accurate timing. What matters most, regardless of the name of a manufacturer or its features, is the emotion it evokes when the lucky person who inherits it finally wears it.
You can express your style with a luxury watch
Just like buying a pair of shoes or choosing a new car, the style of your wristwatch matters a lot. It is, for want of a better word, an expression of who you are as a person. If you consider yourself a business entrepreneur, you’ll likely want a professional watch to pair well with a suit and briefcase. If you travel a lot on business, you may want your timepiece to offer a handy GMT function. Sporty individuals may make use of a chronograph, whereas a dress watch may be the perfect option for someone who spends a lot of time at social events. Either way, a luxury watch should reflect who you are as a person. In that same vein, it should be practical and comfortable to wear regularly.
Watches can be a really great way to add the finishing touches to your favourite attire. With so many colours, styles, materials, and sizes to choose from, there really is a timepiece out there for everyone. As a starting point, we’d encourage you to explore the timepieces we have on offer here at Charles Martin Watch Company. Each item we stock is considered a great investment and has been restored to a pristine condition. Before we finish this article, we’ll go through some pointers to consider if you’re buying a watch for the first time.
What to consider when you buy your first luxury watch
Before we go any further in advising you on what factors to consider before you buy your first luxury watch, there are two important things to make sure you get right. Firstly, establish what your budget will be before you begin tempting yourself with timepieces that may be out of reach. The market for pre-owned timepieces is vast and overwhelming, so a bracket on the minimum you want to spend and the maximum end of your budget should help control your search and keep your expectations within reason. Secondly, choose a reputable supplier. A warranty and the original papers of a watch are always preferable, as is the original box. But above all, check out the supplier and visit the store in person if you can. Get a feel for the business and who you’re spending your hard-earned cash with. A reputable pre-owned stockist of luxury watches should be transparent and honest from your initial enquiry right through to the moment you leave the store. If you’re looking for a reputable stockist you can check out everything you need to know about Charles Martin Watch Company here in the “about us” section (link).
When choosing your first luxury timepiece, you should consider the case size and how it feels on your wrist. While some designs are intended to feel bold and masculine, others can swamp a slender wrist, feeling heavy and clunky. That said, a watch that wears too small, won’t achieve the wrist presence you desire. If you’ve been researching the luxury watch market for some time, you’ll likely know which model you want already, but it’s always a good option to try the watch on for size. Consider dial colours too. The bolder and flashier the colour, for example, the less formal it will look when paired with business attire. On the flip side, some of the most iconic wristwatches out there are known for their instantly recognisable dial colours. Decide what’s good for you and then consider whether you need a complication or not
For watch-wearing purposes alone, many find they don’t need lots of different functions for daily use. Others love the look of a more complex design. There are, however, some complications that come in handy for daily wear, like a unidirectional rotating bezel on a dive watch if you frequently explore water, or a GMT function if you travel plenty. Lastly, consider what type of strap you’d like in a watch. Whilst rubber and textile bands are sporty, leather straps are classic and relaxed. Alternatively, a stainless steel bracelet adds a dressier touch to attire and is great for pairing with a formal wardrobe.
Closing thoughts
Whether you are buying a watch for the very first time or you’re looking for ways to extend your collection, there are many reasons to invest in one. High-end timepieces represent a level of craftsmanship that can be likened to no other luxury item out there. They are meticulous companions that can be worn everywhere and anywhere, creating a statement no matter what the occasion. A luxury watch will get noticed by any fellow enthusiast and regardless of its age, will still function as a tool for modern life. Whether you’re looking for a timepiece for yourself or as a gift to mark a loved one’s special milestone, many hold their value well, proving to be a great investment or an heirloom to hand down the family line in years to come. Try one on at Charles Martin today and see for yourself!