Almost any wrist watch will give you accurate time, but a few timepieces distinguish themselves as luxury watches -- admired for the quality of their craftsmanship and the beauty of their design. These fine watches have an artistic quality that outlasts fashion trends and are often kept for a lifetime, sometimes being passed on to the next generation. Perhaps the time has come for you to add a luxurious timepiece to your collection of watches. However, you may have some questions you want answered before you buy a luxury watch. This luxury watch buying guide offers the information you need to help you sort through the options and make an informed buying decision.
There are many men's watches and women's watches available that can be considered luxury products. Luxury watches include elegant yellow gold watches with sleek designs that show off the lustrous metal, diamond watches decorated with a multitude of these precious gems and well-made stainless steel timepieces with intricate complications that only a few skilled craftsman in the world can make.
Deciding on a style
The first question to ask yourself when you begin shopping for a luxury watch is: "What function will this watch serve?" Do you want a high-end chronograph watch to enhance your professional image? Is this timepiece to be a jewelry watch that is worn on rare occasions? Will the wrist watch or pocket watch be a gift of opulence to mark a special event? Once you decide how and when you plan to wear the watch, you can investigate the available styles and brands.
Here is a check list of features you may want in a luxury watch:
Paying the right price for a fine watch
The price range for watches considered to be luxury models is actually quite large and can reach into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for a good watch at any respected watch retailer; although with a little online research, you can find very good deals on genuine luxury watches. Decide on a price range before you start shopping and then investigate the options in that range; this will help you decide which combination of features, luxuriousness and brand name your new timepiece must have.
Watch materials
Like all luxury goods, luxurywatches are crafted of the finest materials available. For many people, a luxury watch is a gold watch, with a bracelet and case made of 18k yellow gold being the classic design. White gold is an elegant choice, especially among women's luxury watches, and rose gold is becoming more common in men's high style timepieces. Platinum, though rare, is another high-end material for watches and has a silvery white luster. Luxury watches, especially those designed with multiple functions, are also available as well-made stainless steel timepieces.
Straps are, in general, more casual than bracelets, but they are popular and can be quite exquisite in their design. For example, a white or yellow gold case set in a black leather strap tones down the shine for times when you want a simpler look. On high-end watches, look for hand-stitched straps made of calfskin, lizard or alligator leather.
If you want some glamour, choose a luxurious watch decorated with diamonds and/or colorful gemstones. The sumptuousness of jewelry watches adds sparkle to suits and dressy clothes; a slender gold watch with diamonds can replace a woman's bracelet. Make sure the glittery stones on a watch you are considering are real gems. Many watches are decorated with crystals and beads which are pretty, but these timepieces do not have the quality and value of a true diamond watch.
Watch functions
The art of crafting timekeepers is called horology, and for watch enthusiasts, it is the interior mechanics of a watch that distinguishes it from others and determines its value. People who appreciate the skill of watchmaking generally want manual-wind or automatic mechanical movements in their timepieces. In fact, the most elite of luxurywatches usually have a mechanical movement which showcases the talent of a mature watchmaker better than quartz movement. On the other hand, quartz movement is more precise than mechanical, and you can find great watches that feature quartz movement.
Fine watches often have intricate complications that have been developed throughout the long history of watchmaking. A complication is any function other than basic timekeeping, such as the stopwatch on a chronograph. Complications demonstrate the skill and prestige of watch companies, and the presence of handmade complications can significantly increase the price of a watch. For more information on distinctive features, read our general watch buying guide.
How do I check the quality of watches for sale online?
Carefully check the product description for any watch that you see online. The description should list the brand name and model number, the movement type and the materials for the case and the bracelet or strap. Also, look for details on the extra functions a watch may have and for the measurements.
How do I care for my luxury watches?
You'll want to protect your investment after spending a lot of money for a beautiful watch. Some preventive maintenance will keep your luxury watches in like-new condition for many years.
Buying a luxury watch as a gift
A fine watch is an appropriate and thoughtful gift for celebrating life's important milestones: graduations, weddings, significant birthdays, new jobs. If the gift recipient already owns one or more luxury watches, check to see which brand he or she prefers, then expand the collection with a companion watch in a different color or style -- dressier or more casual, for example. Also, choose a timepiece that complements his or her fashion; a diamond watch suits the jewelry lover while a slender white gold watch is perfect for those with more classic tastes.
Give your luxury watches a good home
Protect your expensive timepieces in a handsome watch box. A good watch box contains individual compartments for each watch, which protects them from bumps and scratches. Just like many jewelry boxes, watch boxes are often made of wood and are beautiful bedroom decor items. If you have automatic watches, make sure your new watch box includes a winder.
Check out your options
One of the advantages of shopping at an online retailer like Overstock.com is selection. When shopping for a luxury watch, or for any other luxury item, you never want to settle for less than you wanted. Shop in our watch store, and you can keep browsing until you find the perfect timepiece -- our selection is that big.
