The do’s and don’t of watch-buying
There’s nothing nicer than owning a traditional luxury watch. They make a great style statement and let’s not forget the incredible craftsmanship and engineering that goes into making each one.
But with so many dial sizes, watch straps, materials, lugs and bezels to consider, where do you even begin when buying a luxury watch?
If you’re thinking about buying your first, or indeed another one, check out our mistake-buying guide as we show you the pitfalls to avoid when making that crucial purchase.
DO wait for your dream watch
You may be put off by the waiting lists for a new one but don’t give up on your dream watch if it is out there and you can afford it. While some waiting lists are a decade long, it’s always good to know that you’re much more likely to find the watch you love in the pre-loved market.
Perhaps it’s the price putting you off. Maybe your ultimate budget isn’t quite making the mark you need for your dream watch… You perhaps hoped for an Omega Speedmaster and had to settle for an Omega Seamaster 300.
It’s a bit like a honeymoon. Don’t settle for Blackpool when only the Maldives will do.
DO match your watch to your lifestyle
If you’re a builder you won’t want a dainty music box of a minute repeater. If you’re a fan of vintage watches, you’ll need to be careful where you’re wearing them. One knock against a wall and you might lose all the loom off one of the hands.
The morale is, don’t match your lifestyle to your watch!
DON’T buy a watch as an investment
Once you buy a watch, chances are they will dip immediately. Some will hold their value. There are no guarantees when it comes to which watches will make money or drop value. It is rare to make money out of timepieces unless they are limited editions.
DON’T buy a watch because you like the look of it
Maybe you love the way it shines in a magazine or you think it looks great in a boutique window.
You may completely change your mind when you see it on your wrist in real life.
The dial might be too big for your wrist, you might be irritated by the watch strap. And if just one thing bugs you, it might not be worth parting your cash for. And if you do, is it just going to be sitting boxed in a drawer somewhere?
DON’T buy a ‘hype’ watch
It can be easy to think you want a watch because it’s thee watch to be seen in or because someone famous has been spotted wearing it. A lot of people want an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak but a lot of demand is hype rather than taste.
Let’s take the Rolex Datejust II (116334) with lilac numerals. Some of the numerals are upside down and it’s incredibly unusual – definitely a good choice for those who like something original but are those numbers going to bug you in the end?
Try the watch on in a boutique and then go away and think about it. If you still want it in a few days time, then the love must be real! Don’t just buy a watch because everyone else has one, or because you saw a nice video on Insta.
DON’T buy too many watches
Buying too many watches because you’re over enthusiastic or money is burning a hole in your pocket is an easy mistake to make. Figure out which types of watches you really like before you buy.
Start out with one watch and learn to love it. By wearing it every day you’ll soon discover what you dislike and like about it. You can then use this information to inform your next purchase.
If you fail to do this you could end up with watches in boxes and drawers stashed all around the house gathering dust.
Need more help?
Here at Luxe Watches we have more than 10 years’ experience in buying and selling luxury timepieces. If you’re not sure what suits you or need more advice before making a purchase, contact our experienced team today.