Planning on treating yourself to a brand new luxury watch? A status symbol considered synonymous with style, opulence and exclusivity, the perfect model is one that looks good, performs well, and will stand the test of time – but with such a plethora of breath-taking timepieces to choose from, if you’re new to the concept then it can be difficult to know where to start.
A high price tag doesn’t always mean you’re purchasing the very best watch money can buy, and looking out for esteemed and well-respected brands is essential to ensure that you’re getting the utmost in quality. The best luxury watch brands, like admired Japanese manufacturer Seiko, have many years of experience behind them and know exactly what it takes to create a masterpiece of engineering that doesn’t just catch the eyes of passers by, but offers unrivalled accuracy and a raft of luxury features, too.
Chrono24 (http://chrono24.co.uk/) has some of the finest offerings to choose from – but how do you know which one is right for you? Here, we take a look at everything you should consider when shopping for your first luxury watch to ensure you head home with a standout accessory on your arm you’ll never want to take off – and one that could be worth considerably more than it is now in years to come.
The dial and display – digital or analogue?
One of the first things that is likely to draw you to any timepiece is its aesthetic appeal, but it’s also important to consider whether you’re best suited to a digital or analogue display. While many choose between these two different mechanisms based solely on which they like the look of the most, practicality is key – if you have a busy lifestyle and need to be able to check the time quickly whilst on the move, then you may find a digital display more user friendly, while if you like to take things slow then there’s no reason not to enjoy the classic look of an analogue.
The strap
While some watches come with a strap already assigned to them, many high-end brands will give you the option to choose your own – so should you go with leather, or metal? A classic black or brown leather strap promises a timeless look that will never go out of style, but a metal strap, too, can add an extra air of opulence and ramp up the bling factor, so ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
If you’re going to choose metal, then be sure to match it to the casing of your watch so as not to cheapen your timepiece, and be sure to clean and polish it regularly to maintain its shine. Avoid rubber and resin straps, as these, too, can look cheap – but don’t be afraid to invest in a selection of different watch straps to suit all occasions, so that you can change them up according to your mood and your plans for the day.
The movement
Mechanical watches are powered by springs and cogs, and must be wound up regularly to ensure they continue ticking – yet nevertheless, for many watch collectors, this is a classic choice, and the only one worth consideration. Due to the winding mechanism, it is entirely self-powering and runs completely without batteries, making it a more sustainable choice for the environmentally conscious modern man, too. Most models have a power reserve of 40 hours, although some can last for several days, or even weeks, without needing to be rewound.
Even so, modern men who favour practicality and ease of use may instead opt for an automatic quartz movement, which uses a battery to store its energy that will last for several years. Powered by a small quartz crystal, they also tend to be more accurate and are lower in price than their mechanical counterparts, and many of today’s offerings will recharge using solar energy from the sun. However, while mechanical watches often appreciate in value over the years – particularly if we’re talking limited edition wristwatches – the same can’t be said for quartz watches, which tend to depreciate instead.
The features
The features you look for in a luxury watch may largely come down to personal preference – for example, if you spend a lot of time in the water, then you make look for a diving watch that can withstand increased depths, while day-to-day wearers may be happy with a simple water-resistant offering that will protect it from splashes and spillages. The majority of watches these days do offer resistance of up to 100m, so are a good option for most wearers.
Other features to look out for are the ability to connect to your smartphone and various apps so that you can keep track of your messages or step count throughout the day.
