Looking to buy a high-end timepiece for the first time? Don’t rush into a decision just yet! Luxury watches are a significant investment, so knowing what you’re getting into is important.
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know. From why luxury watches are worth it to the basics of materials and movements. Plus, you’ll also learn about some of the best beginner watches out there.
Let’s find the perfect watch for you!
Why Buy a Luxury Watch?
Why buy a super expensive luxury watch when a regular watch can tell the time for less than half the price?
That’s because when you buy high-end watches, you’re not just buying a timepiece. You’re making a statement. It’s about investing in quality and owning a piece of art.
Here are some benefits of owning a luxury watch:
- The Quality is Unmatched: They undergo strict quality control. This ensures they have unmatched precision and durability. They outlast cheaper options.
- They can Last a Lifetime: With proper care, a luxury watch can last for decades, even centuries. It’s not just a watch; it becomes a part of your legacy.
- It’s an Investment: Luxury watches hold significant resale value and can be a sound investment. Brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe are known to retain and even increase in value.
- They’re a Status Symbol: Luxury watches are commonly seen on the wrists of the rich and the powerful. Having a Rolex or an Omega is considered a symbol of success.
Watch Basics 101: What to Know About Watches
Photo by Pasqualino Capobianco on Unsplash
From the case to the crystal, each element comes together to create a luxury watch. Here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know:
Watch Case
The watch case is the body of the watch. It houses the movement of the watch and protects it. You can find all sorts of luxury watch cases in materials such as:
Gold: Valuable but prone to scratches and not ideal for rough activities.
Stainless steel: Durable, corrosion-resistant, and used in both sports and luxury watches.
Titanium: Lightweight and strong, making it perfect for diving and sports watches.
Ceramic: Stylish, hypoallergenic, and scratch-resistant, can be brittle.
Watch Band and Straps
The comfort and appearance of the watch largely depend on the band or strap.
Before picking your band material, think about use cases. Where will you be wearing the watch most often?
Metal bands, made with gold, stainless steel, or titanium, are durable but can be heavy. Leather straps are made from various animal hides. These add a vintage touch while being comfortable to wear.
These straps are made from synthetic materials like nylon. They are cheap, strong, and great for active wear.
Watch Glass
The watch glass protects the inner workings of your watch. It keeps them safe from the outside world.
Mineral glass is one of the most common types of watch glass. It is scratch-resistant and affordable but can’t compete with Sapphire glass.
Acrylic is also known as plexiglass or hesalite. It is flexible and shatter-resistant but prone to scratches. It can appear cloudy. It is very affordable and used in many designs because it’s flexible and easy to contour.
And last but not the least we have Sapphire crystal. This is the premium choice for most luxury watch brands. It’s very scratch-resistant and clear. It offers a beautiful view of the dial. Sapphire crystals can come in flat, double-domed, and single-domed variations.
Watch Movements: Types of Watches
When choosing a watch, it’s not just about the looks—it’s about how it works. There are three major types of watches based on movements:
Mechanical Movements
Imagine a watch as a tiny, intricate machine. That’s a mechanical watch for you. These classics are powered by winding a mainspring through the crown.
As the mainspring unwinds, it drives gears that move the hands on the watch face. This intricate process involves hundreds of tiny parts working in harmony.
Advantages: They rely solely on mechanical power. And thanks to quality craftsmanship, each watch can have its own personality. Some mechanical watches showcase their inner workings through a transparent case back.
Disadvantages: Requires regular winding and servicing every few years. While precise, mechanical watches may lose or gain a few seconds daily. They’re delicate and not suitable for extreme activities.
Automatic Movements
An automatic watch has a self-winding mechanism. Like mechanical watches, they operate using a mainspring.
What sets them apart is a rotor. It moves with the wearer’s wrist and winds the mainspring.
Advantages: No daily winding required, thanks to wrist movement. Combines the craftsmanship of mechanical watches with convenience. Requires less maintenance compared to manual winding watches.
Disadvantages: If not worn daily, it may require manual winding. They need to be serviced every few years, like mechanical watches.
Quartz Movements
Quartz movements brought battery-powered precision to the world of watches. Instead of gears, they use an electric circuit and quartz crystal to keep time.
Advantages: Typically less expensive to manufacture and maintain. Plus, Quartz watches are incredibly precise, losing only about 1-2 seconds per month. They only need minimal servicing required due to fewer moving parts. And they’re also resilient to shocks and vibrations.
Disadvantages: Doesn’t offer the intricate mechanics of mechanical watches. Requires periodic battery changes.
Watch Complications
Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash
Complications go beyond just telling time—they add extra functions and style to a watch. For example, date displays show the date through a small window near 3 o’clock.
Chronographs are like built-in stopwatche. You’ll find types like the flyback and split-second versions that do different things. If you travel a lot, dual-time and GMT complications are handy because they show time in multiple time zones.
Tachymeters are marked around the watch’s edge. They calculate speed based on travel time which is useful for timing laps or measuring distance.
Tips for Buying your First Luxury Watch
Now that you’re familiar with the basic components of a watch, it’s time to enter the watch store you’ve been eyeing. Here are some tips to help you make the big purchase:
#1 Consider the Wear and Tear: Think about where you’ll wear your new watch. For example, if you’ll swim with it, pay attention to its water resistance. Also, check if the bracelet or strap is suitable for water activities. Luxury brands often have different models. They suit professions like deep-sea divers, pilots, and athletes.
#2 Understand the Warranty: Always ask about the warranty. Most well-known brands offer at least a two-year warranty. Rolex and Omega, for instance, provide a generous 5-year warranty. Knowing the warranty details ensures you’re covered for any unexpected issues.
#3 Learn About After-Sales Support: Find out where and how repairs or servicing will be handled. Authorized dealers have direct connections with brands, making repairs and warranty claims straightforward.
#4 Choose an Authorized Dealer: Opting for an authorized dealer is your best bet. It guarantees authenticity, ensuring you receive genuine products with paperwork. Plus, you get full warranty benefits. You also get future maintenance services from the brand.
#5 Try It On: If possible, always try the watch on before buying. Pay attention to how it feels on your wrist. Is it comfortable? Does it sit well on your wrist? The right watch should feel like an extension of yourself.
How to Care of Your Luxury Watch
To keep your luxury watch in good shape and maintain its value you need to take proper care of it. Here are some watch care basics to get you started:
Protect it from the elements: Avoid exposing it to water depths or pressures beyond its design. Over time, the gaskets in your watch can wear out, reducing water resistance. Also, look out for high temperatures and strong magnets.
Clean it Regularly: Use a soft damp cloth, a toothbrush, and a cotton bud to remove dirt and dust. After wearing it in saltwater or a pool, rinse it with fresh water and rotate the bezel to prevent corrosion.
If your watch has a leather strap, avoid getting it wet. Also, be cautious with chemicals like cleaning products and perfumes.
Get it Serviced: Luxury watches should be serviced every three to five years. This involves cleaning movement components, reapplying lubricants, and replacing water-resistance seals. Never try to open or tinker with your luxury watch. Do so only if you’re an experienced watchmaker.
Don’t Forget to Wind it: To keep your watch running smoothly, wind manual watches regularly. For automatic watches, consider using a watch winder. Each automatic watch has an optimum number of revolutions, known as turns per day (TPD).
For more detailed guidance, check out our detailed care guide.
The Importance of Watch Winders
If you’re going for an automatic watch like the Invicta Pro Diver, you need something to wind it when it’s not on your wrist.
These self-winding watches work perfectly as long as you’re wearing them. But when you’re out and about with your other watches, a watch winder can help.
Watch winders mimic the movement of your wrist. They keep automatic watches wound well.
Check out our collection of premium watch winders to learn more!
Best Beginner Watches Under $5k
Looking for the best first watch to buy? Watch prices are skyrocketing. It’s hard to find the best luxury starter watches within your budget.
Here are some of our top picks under $5k to start your luxury watch collection:
1. Rolex Datejust
Price: From $3,800
The Rolex Datejust is a timeless and versatile watch suitable for any occasion. It has a classic design. It’s a perfect entry into luxury watches, especially when choosing a vintage model.
2. Cartier Tank
Price: From $4,700
The Cartier Tank is a fashion icon. It was inspired by Renault military tanks. Celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Andy Warhol have worn it. Its long, rectangular design made it a staple in luxury watch collections. It’s popular with both men and women. If you’re in the market for a square-shaped watch that’s built differently, this is the one for you.
3. Tudor Black Bay 58
Photo by Fidel Fernando on Unsplash
Strap Price: $2,900
Bracelet Price: $3,300
This one’s inspired by vintage Submariners. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight has a 39mm case. It’s a popular choice for those seeking an entry-level luxury dive watch.
4. Sinn 556
Price: Around $1,000 – $1,100 (New), $820 (Pre-owned)
The Sinn 556 showcases the simplicity of a pilot’s watch. It has the elegance of a dress watch. With options for leather or stainless steel straps, it’s an affordable luxury choice.
5. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
Price: $4,000 (As of Feb 2024)
The Omega Speedmaster Professional is a classic choice. This is especially true of the 3570.50 model with Hesalite crystals. Known for its history and reliability, it’s a must-have for new collectors.
Summary
Understanding the different watch movements is important. Picking the right complications matters too. And knowing how to care for your watch can make all the difference.
Luxury watches bring craftsmanship and tradition. Modern tech just can’t match them. Switzerland is famous for its high-quality watchmaking. But, you’ll also find great pieces from Germany, France, Italy, the UK, and beyond.
PS: If you buy an automatic watch, don’t forget to take good care of it with Mozsly’s luxury watch winders. Happy watch hunting!
FAQs
1. Should I buy a mechanical watch?
Mechanical watches have hundreds of tiny parts working together. If you love history, heritage, and the engineering behind watchmaking, then a mechanical watch is for you. However, it has many moving parts. So, a mechanical watch is often delicate and needs regular servicing. It’s also not as precise as a quartz watch.
2. What are some good watches for beginners?
Good beginner watches under $5k include:
- Rolex Datejust
- Cartier Tank
- Tudor Black Bay 58
- Sinn 556
- Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
3. What are the best outdoor watches?
Some great rugged watches include the Casio G-Shock Mudmaster, Panerai Submersible, Luminox Navy SEAL, and the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea. These watches are specially designed to withstand harsh conditions.
