To offer oneself a luxury watchalthough this term “luxury” is often overused, is an important act in the life of a lover ofwatchmaking. It is not only the pleasure of treating yourself to an instrument that will never leave you, beating the measure of time, animated by your movements (if you have opted for a mechanical watch) but it is also an investment, a capital whose dividends will be the joy of seeing it on your wrist and whose resale, if necessary, can prove advantageous. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect luxury watch for you.
The budget for a luxury watch
The first step to choosing your first luxury watch is to define your budget. Luxury watches can be very expensive, but there are also more affordable ones. Determine the price range that suits your budget. If you really have to give prices, you can consider that from 1500 euros, you can start to touch the entry-level range with automatic men’s models, but if you want a model that can increase in value a little, you will go for new automatic models around 5000 to 9000 euros for the entry-level luxury range.
However, luxury is a relative concept, it can be linked to a price, to marketing, to rarity or… Quite simply to your own conception of luxury!
Think about the use
Think about why you want to buy a luxury watch. Is it for everyday use, for special occasions, or just to have a nice collector’s item? The answer to this question can help you choose the brand, model, and functions of the watch that best suit your needs.
Search for brands
There are many luxury watch brands on the market, each with its own style, reputation and flagship models.
Research the brands, collections and models that catch your eye, examining their history, build quality, design, materials, complications, as well as user reviews and comments.
Featured models
In most cases, each watch brand has one or two flagship collections, the “bread and butter”, which make up 80% of their sales. The other collections are often “talking pieces” intended to garner media coverage, show that the brand is innovating, or try to hunt for new markets.
If we mention Jaeger-LeCoultre, we think of Reverso, Audemars Piguet suggests the Royal Oak, Omega and its Speedmaster, Tag Heuer and its Monaco, Rolex and its Submariner (thanks James), Patek Philippe and the Nautilus, etc.
What style?
Once you have an idea of the brand you want, think about the style of watch that best suits your personality and lifestyle. Luxury watches can come in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern, from understated to flashy, from classic to sporty.
Aviator, diver, classic watches? Choose a style that matches your personal taste and complements your wardrobe.
Consider the complications
Luxury watches can have a variety of complications, from the simplest to the most complex, such as chronographs, perpetual calendars, moon phase indicators, minute repeaters, tourbillons and more. Choose the complications that are important to you. Of course, your smartphone already does all of this and its complications no longer have a real use, but some complications add style to the watch, to the design of the dial and are also a mechanical technological feat: the motorsport side of the chronograph, the poetry of the moon phases, the additional hand of a GMT, the rotating bezel of a diving watch, etc.
Select materials
Luxury watches can be made from a variety of materials including gold, 316L steel, titanium, bronze, resin, wood, titanium, and more. Choose quality materials that reflect your style and personality. Materials can also affect the price of the watch. For example, a mineral crystal instead of a sapphire crystal is not an indicator of quality materials.
Luxury watches: new or used?
The second-hand luxury watch market represents a great opportunity to acquire a watch at a more affordable price. Favor official channels rather than ads on LeBonCoin, demand all the papers certifying the authenticity of the timepiece, especially if you want to acquire a second-hand Patek Philippe watch for example.
On the other hand, the second-hand market also presents surprises. So, if you want to buy a cheap Rolex, be aware that the second-hand will be more expensive than the same watch new! In a store, you can find a Submariner for 7000 euros new and the same model second-hand for 11500 euros. The reason? The new one will be available in a year and a half while the second-hand one is available immediately.
Try before you buy
Before purchasing a luxury watch, it is important to try it on to make sure it fits your wrist and is comfortable to wear. It is best to try the watch on in person at an authorized dealer or luxury watch store. The customer experience is also part of the pleasure of purchasing the watch.
Check warranty and after-sales services
Make sure to check the warranty details of the watch before purchasing it. Luxury watch brands usually offer a one to two-year warranty, which covers repairs and replacements in case of manufacturing defects. Also, check the after-sales services offered by the brand, such as watch maintenance and repair. Indeed, the bill for servicing can be high. It is a cost to consider.
Consider resale value
While buying a luxury watch is an investment for you, it is also important to consider the resale value of the watch. Some luxury watch brands hold their value better than others, depending on their history, rarity, and quality of manufacture. If you plan to resell your watch in the future, consider investing in a luxury watch brand that holds its value well. Visit pre-owned watch sales sites to check watch ratings.
Trust your instincts
Ultimately, choosing a luxury watch should reflect your personality and personal style. If you’ve found a watch that speaks to you and meets all of your criteria, it’s time to trust your instincts and buy it.
Some ideas for watch brands and models
1- The accessible ones
Frederique Constant and Alpina, Hamilton, Seiko (excellent value for money), Longines, Tissot, Tudor (little sister of Rolex), Bell & Ross or another French brand like Charlie men’s watches.
2- The accessible outsiders
Code41, BA111OD (a 5000 euro tourbillon!), SevenFriday, MAD EDITIONS, etc.
3- Beyond
Omega, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Panerai, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cartier, Piaget, Mont Blanc, MB&F, etc.
4- In the stratosphere…
Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey, Jacob & Co., A. Lange & Söhne, etc.
