What to consider when buying a luxury watch

Buying a luxury watch is an exciting journey — yet it also comes with many questions.

What brand do I choose? Which timepiece best fits my needs? What features should I look for? How do I even purchase a luxury watch?

For first-time luxury watch buyers, answering these questions can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re on hand to help guide you through the process.

From understanding the different types to knowing which elements to pay attention to, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. With our help, you can confidently buy a luxury watch you’ll treasure for years.

What is a luxury watch?

A luxury watch doesn’t just tell the time — it showcases the pinnacle of watch craftsmanship, design, and prestige. These watches are made by skilled artisans who use precious metals, like gold and gemstones, and complex mechanical movements to demonstrate their technical mastery.

Many luxury watches are also limited edition, meaning your timepiece may be more exclusive than other, more typical options. This unique, timeless design makes them ideal fashion statements and perfect for special occasions.

Made from only the finest, sturdiest materials, they’re incredibly practical. Luxury watches usually offer more features than regular options — depending on the brand and type, they may be geared toward specific activities or needs, such as diving, travelling, or racing.

Buying a luxury watch means indulging in the finer things. A wearable masterpiece, they fuse art, engineering, and tradition. Owning one lets you truly embrace the legacy of watchmaking elegance.

Why should I buy a luxury watch?

Buying a luxury watch comes with many advantages. It’s a choice for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and want to adorn themselves with an enduring, eye-catching showpiece.

Here are four reasons to purchase a luxury watch.

• You get better quality: Renowned for their uncompromising handiwork, luxury timepieces are built using only the finest materials and techniques. Their meticulous construction gives you a sturdy, reliable watch that lasts for years.
• It can be a treasured heirloom: A luxury watch is more than just an accessory — it can be a treasured heirloom you pass down through your family. Each tick of the hand tells the stories and memories of your life while wrapped around your wrist.
• You can show off your style: A well-chosen luxury watch is a stylish accessory that allows you to show off your personality. From classic elegance to modern sophistication, the right timepiece can complement your unique style.
• It’s an investment: Luxury watches can increase in value over time, eventually becoming coveted collector’s items. By purchasing one, you invest in an actual asset with the potential for significant returns in the future (should you choose to sell it).

Things to consider when buying a luxury watch

Several factors come into play when you buy a luxury watch. From the brand’s heritage and the watch’s movements to when you’ll wear the timepiece, each element needs careful attention.

Let’s consider some of the most important things when buying a luxury watch.

Occasion

Firstly, when and where do you plan to wear your luxury watch?

Will it be a daily companion, joining you in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, or a statement piece reserved for special occasions and formal gatherings?

Your answer will help guide you toward the best size, features you need, and the overall aesthetic you should go for.

For daily wear, look for sturdy and versatile watches that withstand occasional bumps and water or dust. You’ll also need to pay close attention to the size, thickness, and weight of the case to ensure it’s comfortable to wear throughout the day. Diameters between 38 and 42mm tend to fit nicely on most wrist sizes.

On the other hand, an occasion timepiece might be more prominent and feature more gemstones to make a statement with your outfit. You may also choose a luxury watch with a more unique or fashionable strap, such as an integrated bracelet — these styles pair well with suits and other formal wear.

Type

Once you’ve considered where you’ll wear your luxury watch, you can start looking at the available types.

We can divide options into several categories, each catering to various needs and occasions.

• Dress watches: These are designed for formal events and elegant settings. They typically have slim casings, simple and refined details, and leather straps. Dress watches often prioritise understated sophistication over functionality.
• Sport watches: As the name suggests, sports watches are built for an active lifestyle. They usually have robust stainless steel or ceramic cases, rotating bezels for timing events, and water-resistance ratings for swimming or diving.
• Chronographs: Chronographs have a built-in stopwatch function, operated by pushers on the case. They let the wearer accurately measure elapsed time, making them popular with racers and pilots.
• Tourbillon watches: Tourbillion watches are among the most coveted timepieces, showcasing watchmaking’s intricate and prestigious complications. The tourbillon is a rotating cage that holds the escapement and balance wheel, designed to counteract the effects of gravity on timekeeping.
• GMT/World Time Watches: These watches are made for frequent travellers, enabling them to track multiple time zones simultaneously. They normally have a 24-hour bezel or additional GMT hand to display a second time zone.
• Diving watches: Explicitly designed for underwater exploration, diving watches feature a water-resistance rating (usually 300m or higher), rotating bezels for tracking dive times, and increased visibility with luminous markers.

You’ll likely come across other types in your hunt to buy a luxury watch, but these are good starting areas. Consider whether any immediately appear more appropriate or desirable and continue researching this category.

Features

Modern luxury watches often boast several features that elevate them beyond simple timekeepers. From chronographs and perpetual calendars to moon phase indicators and tourbillon mechanisms, each element adds a layer of complexity and functionality.

Consider which features fit best with your lifestyle and needs. Do you need a chronograph for timing events or a function to track multiple time zones? Perhaps you prefer the look of a skeletonised dial or want a minute repeater that chimes the minutes and hours on demand?

Carefully list your needs and wants, using this information to guide which luxury watch you choose.

Brand

There’s no straight answer to the question, “What is the best luxury watch brand?” All brands have specific strengths and nuances, so you’ll need to use your judgment and personal preferences to choose.

A recognisable, reputable brand is a great option if you want a timepiece with a rich heritage. It can also be beneficial if you plan to pass down the watch — even those less familiar with timepieces will instantly know and appreciate the name.

Established names like Rolex, OMEGA, and TAG Heuer have centuries of Swiss-made watchmaking expertise and a legacy that infuses their timepieces with prestige and value.

However, you shouldn’t overlook other, more recent luxury watchmakers, like Grand Seiko and Gucci. They quickly established their presence in the industry by creating fashionable, innovative timepieces that offered a fresh perspective on the craft.

Movement

At the heart of a luxury watch lies its movement — the intricate mechanism that powers its timekeeping capabilities.

When considering what luxury watch to buy, you have two options: mechanical or quartz movements.

Mechanical movements are powered by hundreds of tiny gears, springs, and jewels. Depending on the type, it must be occasionally rewound by hand (manual) or through the wrist’s movement (automatic).

They are appreciated for their craftsmanship, tradition, and ornate decorations, which you can often see through the casebacks. However, they may need more maintenance and servicing over time.

Modern quartz movements use a battery to power them. This supplies the electric current that vibrates the quartz crystal at a precise frequency to keep accurate time.

They have fewer moving parts, making them generally more straightforward and affordable to build. Quartz types also have more exact timekeeping and practically no need for servicing until the batteries need replacing.

Although watch connoisseurs tend to gravitate to mechanical watches because of their more traditional roots, quartz movements can offer a more precise and fuss-free option.

To make your choice, it’s helpful to think about how often you’ll wear your luxury watch, where you’ll wear it, and how much care you’ll give it.

Materials and construction

Luxury watches are often made from precious metals like yellow gold, platinum, rose gold, and high-quality, refined stainless steel. This choice of material affects how the watch looks and its durability and value.

When buying a luxury watch, you should also pay attention to the crystal protecting the dial. For instance, sapphires are highly scratch-resistant and desirable in timepieces.

The level of finishing further sets a luxury watch apart from more ordinary timepieces. From immaculate Geneva stripping on the movements to intricate engraving and gem-setting on the cases and bracelets, a watch’s overall construction can help you determine its quality.

Your personal style

Beyond function, a luxury watch is an extension of your style — it should complement your unique aesthetic.

Classic designs with timeless elegance may appeal to those with a more traditional taste, while modern, avant-garde timepieces can speak to those looking for a bold, contemporary statement.

Before you buy a luxury watch, consider its dial design, case shape, and bracelet or strap options. Ensure the watch matches your typical fashion preferences and wardrobe choices so it seamlessly pairs with your daily looks.

Budget

Knowing how much you are willing to spend is crucial when buying a luxury watch — these timepieces can range greatly in price, depending on the brand, material, and type.

Set a realistic budget that is within your financial means. Understand which models fit your price range, and don’t forget to account for additional costs like servicing and maintenance to keep your luxury watch in top condition.

Establishing a clear budget beforehand lets you confidently invest in a timepiece you’ll cherish.

How to buy a luxury watch

Choosing your first luxury watch to buy can be an overwhelming process. It’s a significant investment that shouldn’t be rushed or taken lightly.

Research is vital — the tips we’ve shared have hopefully given you an idea of what to look for and how to begin searching. Take the time to understand the brand, model, and category you’re interested in. Read reviews, watch videos, and study the watch’s specifications to ensure it meets your expectations.

You should always buy from a reputable, authorised dealer. At Robert Gatward Jewellers, we pride ourselves on offering only the highest quality luxury watches. From stunning dress watches to practical diving timepieces, all our watches have a warranty and certified authentication.

We can also help you decide on the perfect luxury watch for you. Simply pop in one of our stores to chat with an expert, or contact us directly. Our years of experience with luxury watches means we’re well-equipped to answer all your questions.

Ready to start shortlisting? Our collection of watches is waiting for you to explore.