A Guid to Buying Your First Luxury Watch

September 23
A Guide to Buying Your First Luxury Watch

If you’re thinking about buying your first luxury timepiece, you definitely don’t want to rush into anything or end up purchasing the first watch that catches your eye. Since buying even a pre-owned entry-level model is likely to involve a fairly significant investment, it’s important to be sure you are choosing a quality watch that meets your requirements and is capable of truly standing the test of time. ‍ With so many brands, models and types available, it’s definitely true to say that buying your first luxury watch can seem rather daunting. Here’s our essential guide to the basics.

A Guide To Buying Your
First Luxury Watch

If you’re thinking about buying your first luxury timepiece, you definitely don’t want to rush into anything or end up purchasing the first watch that catches your eye. Since buying even a pre-owned entry-level model is likely to involve a fairly significant investment, it’s important to be sure you are choosing a quality watch that meets your requirements and is capable of truly standing the test of time. 

With so many brands, models and types available, it’s definitely true to say that buying your first luxury watch can seem rather daunting. Here’s our essential guide to the basics.

Decide on a budget
and stick to it

Before we go any further, you need to be clear on exactly how much you want to spend on your new watch. After all, your budget will ultimately determine the options that are available to you and help you narrow down your choices later on. It could also be a factor in helping you decide whether to go for a brand-new timepiece or a pre-owned model. Although it can be tempting to over-stretch yourself and spend “just a little more” if something really catches your eye, you should try to stick to your budget as much as possible.

Identify the type of watch
That you want to buy

Luxury watches can generally be classified into several different categories, with divers’ watches, dress watches and aviation watches being three of the most popular types available on the market. As well as considering the type of watch you want to buy, you should also think carefully about why you are buying the watch in the first place. Are you primarily searching for a fashion statement that will showcase your success and impress your friends, or is it a greater priority to buy a watch that will appreciate over time, to be passed down through generations? One day becoming a family heirloom.

New vs.
pre-owned

Generally speaking, pre-owned watches often make better investment pieces than new watches because they depreciate less. Depending on the model, a new full-price watch can lose as much as 50% of its value the moment you walk away from the boutique. By contrast, certain pre-owned models can sometimes even increase in value over time, although you definitely shouldn’t expect this to happen.

Despite this, there are a few things to consider before deciding on a pre-owned watch. Since vintage watches often require more labour-intensive maintenance, you’ll need to factor this into your buying decision.

In addition, it’s important to carefully examine any potential purchase and make sure it is both in good cosmetic condition and doesn’t have any mechanical defects.

Choosing the right
luxury watch

One you’re clear on your budget and the type of watch you want to buy, you’re likely start researching potential models and find out exactly what’s available. From vintage Rolex watches to pre-owned Audemars Piguet watches, you’ll find a bewildering array of choices available on the market, so it’s important to make sure you are buying a watch that both appeals to you aesthetically and has the features you require. If you’re going for a pre-owned or vintage model, be sure to inspect it closely. You’ll want to make sure the watch you are buying is in good condition and doesn’t need any expensive repairs.

Buying your first
luxury watch

Although there are many places selling pre-owned luxury watches, it’s important to buy from a reputable dealer so that you know exactly what you are getting. At the Watch Centre, we sell a huge range of pre-owned and vintage luxury watches from all the leading manufacturers, including everything from Patek Philippe watches to Vacheron Constantin watches. All our watches are put through a rigorous quality inspection before being offered to the market and have been thoroughly checked by our highly trained experts. For your added peace of mind, each watch is supplied with a one-year warranty and comes with a guarantee of authenticity.

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