Buying Your First Luxury Watch
The 40% reduction was only adjusting for the fact that the watch was ludicrously overpriced in the first place and not in demand. At best, it was simply what the watch was worth given demand for it was low.
buying your first luxury watch
In person is the way to go! I spent considerate time looking at watches online and reviewing all the dimensions and everything. You end up over excluding and under including your choices. You never know you might find the perfect watch sitting in the corner that you would have never noticed online.
And remember to avoid looking at those around you or being too influenced by advertising: Your first watch purchase is an opportunity to express yourself and demonstrate your taste and values. That brings us to our next point.
As with all big purchases, it can be intimidating deciding where to start, but the general rules of thumb that we provide help to offer more clarity. First timers buying their first luxury watch should look for something reliable, something that will maintain its popularity, something that fits their style, and also something versatile that they can wear regularly.
Since its first debut in 1954, the Rolex Submariner in stainless steel has always been distinguishable. Very little has changed in its design over the years, with the very first model having only marginal differences from the ones Rolex is currently producing. This is one of the best entry level watches to buy as they do a fantastic job in meeting all of our recommended guidelines.
Another luxury watch brand that has maintained its popularity is the Omega Seamaster series. Beginning production in 1948, this model has since seen many different variations, however, the iconic Omega Seamaster 300 still remains fashionable. In the widely popular James Bond movie franchise, the protagonist wore a Rolex for years, however this changed in 1995 when Bond- James Bond, began wearing an Omega Seamaster Professional. Every movie since then has Bond solely wearing an Omega. This watch is a must-have for any Bond fan and a safe bet for anyone buying their first luxury watch.
Even if you plan on passing your watch down as an heirloom, keep your options open. We recommend you keep and store the original authentication papers and box. Those will add significant value when reselling.
Watches are fantastic accessories as they can be worn with just about any outfit in any situation. While there are plenty of watches on the market, the high-end luxury watch sector is perhaps the most interesting. Here, watches can go for many thousands of dollars, making them a rather expensive addition to your wardrobe.
A luxury watch is crafted by skilled artisans using higher grade materials, and subjected to a multitude of quality control tests. The intrinsic value in this translates into several benefits. The first being reliable precision and quality of build. In the class of mechanical (and quartz), luxury watches are better made and more accurately regulated. In general, they will stand up to wear better and offer better protection from damage over something cheaper.
Is this your first watch or your third? Will you be wearing it every day or are you buying it for a specific purpose or special occasion? Aside from telling the time, different luxury watches are designed for different uses. And, broadly speaking, a dress protocol exists decreeing which style is appropriate in certain settings. Do some research to understand the various genres and complications available. At this stage it also pays to take into account how each of the movement types will behave in relation to your intended usage.
For repairs and services, find out what will be required on your part. Usually, this will just mean bringing the luxury watch back to the boutique. (If you choose to make a purchase while overseas, be clear on what your options are.) Servicing and repairs can generally be done on site, but in some cases the watch may need to be sent back to the manufacturer.
Watches of Switzerland is here to help you with every stage of buying and owning a luxury watch. We are the Official Retailer of all our stocked brands, and our friendly and professional staff across our boutiques in Melbourne, Melbourne Airport, Sydney, Sydney Barangaroo, Perth and Canberra are ready and waiting to answer all your questions.
Buying your first luxury watch is a big deal, you don't have to start at the top, you can work your way up. Firstly make a decision on how much you want to spend on your new luxury watch, then decide on the brands you like and don't like, decide what you will be using the watch for, what you are likely to be wearing the watch with and decide if you want to buy second hand or new. Finally, you need to find a trusted retailer so do some online research and buy from a trusted source.
So back to the Omega Sea-master Planet Ocean, I have to highlight again that this feels like a hell of a watch for the money. The bracelet is one of the most comfortable I have ever worn. Certainly on par with the Rolex Oyster bracelet used on the GMTs and Submariners. A great test of a well-made bracelet is how often it traps the hairs in your arms... ouch.
Due to Rolex's impressive marketing over the years, as well as the sheer popularity of their products, they have become the archetype of the "nice watch." And everyone certainly knows about them. My younger self was simply looking for something a bit more fresh. It was not a right time to get my first Rolex.
You also can't deny the communicative power a Rolex watch has when saying something about your status, wealth, and taste. None of it may be true, but years of work have given Rolex wearers a pretty good personality edge. Even people who think buying a Rolex is a too easy way of showing actual or apparent wealth can usually only fault the wearer and not the watch. I've come to find that a Rolex watch is infrequently a bad choice.
People tend to want buy a Rolex for one of the following main reasons: to celebrate an achievement, to own a watch that appears to hold value, to communicate a level of career or life success, to own a luxury watch that is a simple choice, or to wear a timepiece with a lot of history. Most Rolex watch models would satisfy each of these needs. No reason is better or worse, but it is interesting that most people's desire to wear a Rolex falls into one or more of these categories.
The natural next question to ask is whether these are good reasons or whether these are just marketing perpetuated ideas to sell watches. That is a very good question and I think the most simple response is that whether or not these ideas are perpetuated by marketing, they are true. Rolex watches are frequently given or purchased on special occasions. Rolex watches to tend to hold their value very well. And Rolex watches are a well-known luxury brand with a name lots of people have a positive association with. So marketing aside, they are true claims.
People have sometimes asked me if "Rolex watches are the best in the world?" Rolex is probably the most powerful luxury watch name, and their products are very well-made, these are facts. However, Rolex watches are the last timepiece some people will buy, and for others they are just a start.
The poll results indicated that 70% of aBlogtoWatch readers felt it was a good idea to buy a Rolex at some point. Clearly, you need to afford one first. As of now, the entry level price for the most basic new Rolex watch is about $5,000, with most pieces people want priced in the $8,000 - $12,000 range. Of course vintage or pre-owned Rolex watches can be less or actually more money.
You know what we have to say on the topic of when to get your first Rolex watch, and below you'll see what other important voices think as well. It is important for you to feel that your new (or new for you) Rolex comes at the right time. Our colleagues and fellow experts offer their advice on the matter of your first Rolex watch below:
"I think that a vintage Rolex in particular is an excellent watch for beginning collectors for a few reasons. In fact, I would say that if one is comfortable with the brand positioning of Rolex, it is arguably the finest "first nice watch" someone can own.
The reason that I would suggest vintage early in the collecting career is A) they can be had for little money comparatively speaking, B) you get a superb, historic, and truly in-house watch from a bluechip brand, and C) it was the 1950s-70s when Rolex was really in its hey-day. In fact, I would argue that Rolex is the most important watch brand of the 20th century - their list of technical firsts is a mile long, and watches such as the 1970s Datejust (ref 1603), which very much like the modern Datejust today, can be purchased in good, original condition for $2500 (+/- depending on condition, etc).
I think a modern Rolex is a slightly different story, and the real benefit to buying new is if you want a true sport watch that can handle anything you throw at it. Sure, an old Submariner or GMT can be serviced to be completely water-proof, but they still have plastic crystals and 40 year old parts (here and there). A modern Rolex is built like a tank, and while they may not have some of the charm of some vintage pieces, they are truly exceptionally well-made watches. Though, I think they lack some of the charm of the early tritium and radium dials."
"I like the way the Japanese gift watches based around an occasion such as a graduation, a significant birthday, a first job or an important promotion. I think that approach should apply even if you're buying for yourself. A mechanical watch is not like buying a lamp or a computer, it is something very special so you should link purchasing one to a meaningful event in your life. Both the event and the watch will hold more meaning that way.
"Rolex still has an "image" that it is a watch to commemorate something special. Your first job, your first child, your graduation, your wedding, and so on. I feel, that if you are buying a Rolex to celebrate something, you should always try to go for a brand new Rolex instead of a pre-owned one. 041b061a72