Guide To Buying Your First 'Luxury Watch'

SELECT A STYLE

Comparing the top luxury watch brands is a little like comparing Ferrari, Porsche and Maserati: all boast exceptional quality, all have different traits, and therefore picking the “best” can be futile. When selecting a watch, it’s better to decide on the style you like, rather than the brand. If it’s a sporty chronograph you desire, TAG Heuer and Breitling are among the specialists. For something with more of a classic or elegant look, IWC or Maurice Lacroix offer some fine options.

DECIDE ON A BUDGET

By their very nature, luxury watches are not cheap, but there is certainly something to suit all budgets at TIME². At the more affordable end of the range, Tissot’s classic Swiss-made collections start at £185 for ladies and £220 for gents. At the opposite end of the scale, the very finest Hublot and Chanel pieces command upwards of £20,000. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for with luxury watches: more expensive models will inevitably have better complications, more precious metals and finer craftsmanship. Essentially, the more you invest, the greater the reward...

SIZE MATTERS

Oversized watches, like the 46mm IWC Big Pilot (pictured above left) or the 44mm TAG Heuer Carrera (pictured above right) may be highly fashionable and quite stunning, but they may not suit those with thinner wrists. Also, it’s worth considering if a luxury piece reflects your personality – does a bright and ostentatious U-Boat Classico mirror your outgoing and bubbly persona, or would a more understated Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques piece better suit your understated image?

IT'S A MATERIAL WORLD

The materials used to produce luxury watches vary considerably. Cases, for example, can be ceramic, rose gold or stainless steel, while straps can be made from rubber or even blue alligator leather. It’s also worth considering the embellishments and the calibre on your next luxury purchase. Most luxury pieces feature automatic movements, while some higher end pieces boast painstakingly crafted mechanical movements. Also, look out for luxury embellishments including moon phase dials, power reserve indicators and bezels and dials with high-end navigational features.

TREAT IT AS AN INVESTMENT

Some say that you don’t buy a luxury watch, you simply “look after” it for future generations to enjoy. Not all watches are destined to increase in their value, but a good movement, an original design, high-quality craftsmanship and a strong brand pedigree are all key factors. Consider the materials on your next piece too, as precious metals and diamonds can increase in value depending on the trading price. Also, it is often savvy to opt for a limited-edition piece – desirable watches in limited runs such as the Bell & Ross BR01-92 Red Radar or the Bremont Mustang P51 can become highly collectible due to their relative rarity.

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