For lovers of fine art and craftsmanship, Swiss watches have a place all their own in the luxury market. A true luxury watch blends form and function into an integrated work of wearable art. Appreciated for their beauty and prized for their accuracy, luxury Swiss watches represent the pinnacle of mechanical workmanship and artistic design.
The Swiss watchmaking industry has existed since the 16th century, and a number of today’s companies have been in business for several centuries. For those new to the luxury watch market, it’s important to be aware that, while many watches are advertised as having Swiss movements, a watch can be labeled as Swiss-made only if its entire movement has been made and assembled in Switzerland. After its manufacture, each Swiss-made watch is inspected for quality and authenticity.
Different Watch Types
Although quartz watches make up the vast majority of the contemporary luxury watch market, mechanical watches are also still available. Here is a breakdown of the differences between the two:
Quartz: Quartz watches have an electronic mechanism which is powered by a battery. These watches are generally recognized as being far superior to mechanical watches in terms of accuracy.
Mechanical: Unlike a quartz watch, a mechanical watch has a mechanism that is driven by a mainspring and regulated by a balance wheel. Mechanical watches need to be wound; however, some styles can wind themselves through the natural movement of the wrist; these are call self-winding watches.
Although their time-keeping properties may not always be as precise as a modern quartz watch, mechanical watches feature a fascinating, complex mechanism. For this reason, many watch connoisseurs and vintage watch collectors actually prefer them to their modern quartz counterparts.
Watch Styles
There are different styles of watches for just about every lifestyle and occasion. Sports watches are favored by those who prefer a casual look, as well as those who lead an active outdoor lifestyle. Casual and fashion style watches are appropriate for all types of everyday wear. Dressy watch styles are popular with business people and entrepreneurs who want to make a good impression. For women who particularly love to sparkle, most luxury watch makers also offer a line of cocktail models, usually studded with gemstones and glamorous enough for the most formal occasions.
Brands
Among the most celebrated Swiss watch companies in the world, several stand out for the beauty, craftsmanship and innovative design ethic of their products. Here are some of the most popular luxury watch makers:
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_accordion][fusion_toggle title=”Rolex” open=”no”]One of the premiere watchmakers in the world, Rolex offers some of the finest examples of the watchmaker’s art, producing timepieces that combine a distinctive, iconic design with precision timekeeping. The name is synonymous with luxury. In the world of high-quality, premium products, few brands convey the mystique associated with Rolex. From its very beginnings, the Rolex name has always come to represent the finest in the watchmaker’s craft.
The Rolex story began in 1905, when German watchmaker Hans Wilsdorf joined forces with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis to create a company that imported Swiss-movement watches to England. These movements were placed in luxury watch cases, and “Wilsford and Davis” marked wristwatches were soon being sold in London’s finest jewelry stores.
In 1908, Wilsdorf opened an office in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and by 1915 he had renamed his brand “Rolex.” After World War I, he relocated the entire company to Switzerland, where it remains to this day.
The Rolex brand has always been associated with innovation as well as luxury, and for good reason. Rolex introduced the world’s first waterproof watch, the “Oyster,” in 1926. This technology was later improved when the company created a water-resistant watch that could withstand immersion at 330 feet. Rolex became a favorite brand for deep sea divers, explorers and aviators, thanks to its development of sports and activity watches that could withstand high altitudes and decompression conditions.
Rolex also introduced the first automatic date-changing watch, the “Datejust,” in 1945, and in 1956 improved the technology with a watch that automatically changed both day and date. Rolex also created the first wristwatch capable of showing two time zones, and ultimately became the first watch company to get certification for a chronometer wristwatch.
Rolex is best-known, perhaps, for the introduction of its first self-winding watch in 1931. The internal mechanism of the watch allowed the wrist and arm movement of the wearer to keep the watch continually wound. A few decades later Rolex was instrumental in developing the quartz watch, and eventually introduced its first quartz model in 1970.
Since its beginnings, Rolex has maintained its commitment to producing the highest quality watches available. For this reason, many Rolex models have become archetypes for that particular design, regardless of the maker. The Rolex “Submariner” is considered to be the ultimate classic watch for divers, while the “Daytona” is considered to be the classic sports/chronograph watch.
Perhaps the most iconic design of all is the Rolex “Oyster,” an elegant timepiece that combines artistic form with state-of-the-art function. It’s no wonder that this particular Rolex design has been copied — but never bettered — by countless watchmakers. Another iconic model, the “President,” is so-named because a number of U.S. presidents have worn this particular watch during their terms in office. Even James Bond, the fictional secret agent created by writer Ian Flaming, wore a Rolex Submariner. To stay faithful to the character, movie actor Sean Connery portrayed Bond in the movies wearing the exact same model.
Whether you’re looking for a bells-and-whistles watch that can endure extreme climactic conditions, or an elegant work of art that tells the most accurate time possible, Rolex represents the highest standard of the watchmaker’s craft. A Rolex watch doesn’t last for just a single lifetime; it’s an heirloom to be passed on to future generations.[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_accordion][fusion_toggle title=”Cartier” open=”no”]Cartier watches represent the haute couture branch of the watch industry, with high fashion, creatively innovative designs executed in precious metals. When you think of the world’s greatest luxury watches, one of the first names that comes to mind is Cartier. More than 160 years after its founding, the company still maintains its reputation as the purveyor of some of the world’s finest, most exquisite watches and jewelry.
What makes a Cartier watch so special? Is it because of the company’s legacy of opulent, imaginative designs, many of which have become iconic, or is it the high craftsmanship involved in the making of every artisan timepiece? Cartier devotees will site both of these factors as pivotal in the company’s phenomenal worldwide success.
Founded in 1847 by jeweler Louis-François Cartier, the Cartier company reached widespread fame during the last decades of the 1800s, thanks to the marketing efforts of Louis, Jacques and Pierre Cartier, the grandsons of the founder. These three savvy businessmen made Cartier into a recognizable luxury brand throughout the world.
A new milestone was reached in 1904 when a well-known pioneer aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, complained to Louis Cartier that traditional pocket watches were not only unreliable at high altitudes, but also difficult to use while flying a plane. Cartier responded by designing a thin, flat watchcase that boasted a unique, square-shaped bezel. This was the very first men’s wristwatch produced by Cartier, and thanks to the aviator, this “Santos” model became internationally famous.
Another iconic creation for the Cartier company was the Tank wristwatch. Created in 1917 by Louis Cartier, the Tank design was inspired by the sleek, high-tech Renault tanks which were being produced by France for use on the Western Front during the First World War. The rectangular shape of the case, as well as the blue hands that resemble a sword, were designed as an homage to the iconic image of the Renault tank on France’s battlefields. Once the prototype Tank watch was completed, Cartier himself presented it to General John Pershing, the famous American military commander.
By the 1920s, Cartier merged with Jaeger-LeCoultre to form a company that produced watch movements exclusively for Cartier; this move represented the real birth of the Cartier watch and clock manufacturing company. As a sign of quality, each Cartier watch had its own individual four-digit reference number stamped underneath one of the lugs.
Although these designs helped bring the Cartier watch into prominence, the company’s high level of quality and craftsmanship has been the deciding factor in its continuing reputation throughout the decades. Cartier timepieces are distinguished by their quality materials, such as high-grade stainless steel and titanium, sterling silver and gold.
Cartier watches are available with manual wind movements, mechanical self-winding movements and quartz movements, and all are equally famous for their accuracy. Each mechanical watch movement is composed of more than 100 small components assembled by master craftsmen. Likewise, Cartier quartz movements run on a tiny, durable two-year battery. Each quartz model is guaranteed to run at an accuracy that’s within one minute per year.
Cartier watches also boast a number of distinctive touches such as a genuine cabochon gemstone on the winder and an individual serial number stamped into each watch.
As Cartier moves toward its 170th anniversary, connoisseurs around the world continue to cite Cartier as their luxury wristwatch brand of choice.[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_accordion][fusion_toggle title=”Movado” open=”no”]Along with Cartier, Movado watches are also prized for their high level of artistry, combining form and function in contemporary settings. For more than 130 years, the name Movado has been synonymous with some of the world’s finest wristwatches. With its distinctive design components and high-accuracy Swiss movement, the Movado watch has become an iconic brand among Swiss-made luxury watches.
Founded in Switzerland in 1881 by Achilles Ditesheim, the company officially changed its name 24 years later to Movado, an Esperanto word meaning “always in motion.”
Within the next several decades, Movado quickly began to set itself apart from the scores of other well-known Swiss watchmakers by offering unique, sophisticated watches that reflected the growing aesthetic movement against overly-ornate design. By 1912, Movado introduced the Polyplan, an early Art Deco-inspired watch that curved to fit the contours of the wrist. This curved-case design was copied by watchmakers all over the world for decades to come, and became one of the signature Art Deco wristwatch designs.
By the 1920s, Movado watches were being exhibited for their beauty throughout the world. For the 1925 Exposition des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, Movado created an enameled Art Deco pocket watch in colors reminiscent of the popular sets being created for Diaghilev’s famous, ground-breaking Ballets Russes.
Movado further distinguished itself in 1930 by creating one of the world’s first digital watches, which boasted a dial featuring the hours and minutes in digital numbers. Shortly after World War Two, Movado introduced its first series of self-winding calendar watches that featured both the day and the date.
Movado is best known for its Museum watch, which was created in 1947 by artist Nathan George Horwitt. The Movado Museum watch is distinguished by a slim black dial that boasts a dot at the 12 o’clock position; this symbolizes the position of the sun at noon. In 1960, the Movado Museum was accepted into the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Arts in New York; this distinction is the reason why the Museum watch is so-named.
The Museum watch comes in a variety of case styles that feature black, stainless steel or two-tone outer rings and bezels, and is available with either a leather or rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet band.
One reason for Movado’s popularity today is that its watches manage to be both supremely elegant and sporty. Its 800 series of sports chronograph watches, for example, can be worn to the dressiest occasions, yet can stand up to the roughest elements. Likewise, its Museum collection watches are beautiful enough to be considered works of art in their own right.
Movado watches are known for their durability and accuracy. Each case is made of high-grade materials such as titanium, stainless steel, sterling silver and gold.
Another reason for Movado’s popularity is that, although they’re considered luxury wristwatches, Movado timepieces are priced reasonably, usually costing in the hundreds rather than in the thousands.
Connoisseurs prize Movado wristwatches for their minimalist designs coupled with their high-tech movements and features. This functional design aesthetic is the reason that Movado has maintained its reputation as one of the leading purveyors of luxury watches for more than 130 years.[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_accordion][fusion_toggle title=”TAG Heuer” open=”no”]Swiss-based TAG Heuer is especially famous for its durable, high quality sports watches. The TAG Heuer watch company was founded in Switzerland in 1860 when Edouard Heuer began its first workshop. At the time Heuer was only 20 years old, but he had a vision that would become the heart and soul of the TAG Heuer company. From humble beginnings to immense success, the business was founded on reliability and excellence, and those two things have remained constant throughout the years.
From the beginning, TAG Heuer has been known for having the latest innovative features and technology in the world of watches. During the 1950s through the 1970s, Heuer introduced watches that could be used as timing devices for skiing and car racing. In 1966, the company designed the first chronograph, which could measure time to the 1/1000th of a second. This design is the reason why these watches soared to popularity with both professional and amateur automobile racers. The number of sales made Heuer the leading producer of stopwatch devices.
TAG Heuer did not stop there. In 2002, the company opened its first shop in New York, and within a couple of years developed the world’s first chronometer, the Monaco V4. This design had capabilities that would measure time to 1/10,000 of a second.
Due to the durability and the dependability of its products, Heuer has established a reputation in the world of competitive sports. These watches have been the time-keeper for many important sporting events ranging from the Olympic Games to The Indianapolis 500.
Heuer has several watch collections that are used by sports enthusiasts everywhere.
The Formula 1 collection was developed due to the popularity of TAG Heuer watches in the auto racing world. These watches are available in both men’s and women’s styles. The men’s watches in this collection are mainly bold, dominating colors, while the women’s watches come in both sporty and feminine, stylish models.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer collection is geared toward individuals who love water sports, such as diving. Unlike other sporting watches, watches that are designed specifically for water sports require unique features and more advanced technology. This line provides models that are equipped with all the high-tech features that are needed for intense water sports.
From the beginning, the Carrera line has been the icon of the business. It was created to honor race car driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who is one of the greatest driver’s of all time. Over the years, this watch has been improved several times, and today it is one of the most reliable, eye-catching watches on the market.
TAG Heuer also makes watches for the golf enthusiast. The TAG Heuer Professional Golf Watch was the first golf watch ever designed for golfers. It is shock-resistant, ultra-thin and lightweight with a scratch-resistant surface.[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_accordion][fusion_toggle title=”Omega” open=”no”]Manufactured since 1848, Omega is one of the oldest Swiss watch brands. Omega watches rank with Rolex and Patek Phillipe in terms of classic style, accuracy and durability. In 1848, Louis Brandt set up a small workshop and began his company. Shortly after, his sons joined him in making clock components, and the company was called Louis Brandt & Fils Co. After Louis Brandt’s death in 1880, his sons began and established a watch factory.
In 1894, the company developed its first pocket watch, the Omega 19. After Brandt’s sons died in 1903, the next generation took over the company and changed the name to S.A. Louis Brandt & Frere, Omega Watch Co.
Over the next several years, the Omega Watch Co. continued to expand, and they were the first company to promote “masculine” watches during a time in history when wristwatches for men were not common.
Omega has been associated with many sporting events throughout the years. In 1909, Omega watches are the timekeeper for the Gordon-Bennett Cup, an international balloon race. Then, in 1932, they became an official timekeeper for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Since then, Omega has been timekeeper for over 21 Olympic Games, and the company has made tremendous progress with technological advances.
In 1957, Omega launched a new product the Omega Speedmaster. This watch was originally designed for research and engineering. Due to the precision of this timepiece, in 1965, NASA chose the Speedmaster to be its official chronometer. In 1969, this watch became the first and only watch on the moon. Since then, Omega watches have landed on the moon six times, and they are the only watches that have been certified for space use by the Russian Space Agency.
The Omega Company has extremely strict standards of quality for each and every watch produced. Before the watch is assembled, each component is thoroughly examined and must meet certain criteria in order to be used.
Omega has always been known for one thing: precision. Upon assembly, each Omega watch undergoes a series of tests to assess for temperature, shock, and vibration resistance. This is also when precision is tested again and again to ensure that the consumer is receiving the best, most accurate timepiece available.
The Omega Watch Co. has such a long, interesting history that in January of 1984 the Omega Museum was opened to the public. The museum contains more than 4000 watches, clocks, tools, photos, awards, and certificates to show how Omega has grown and changed over the years.[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_accordion][fusion_toggle title=”Tissot” open=”no”]A premiere luxury brand, Tissot Swiss watches are prized for their sleek design and high quality. Founded in 1853 by Charles-Felicien Tissot and Charles-Emile Tissot in Switzerland, the company made and sold the world’s first multi time zone pocket watch. Tissot was also the first company to make watches out of plastic, stone, wood, and mother of pearl.
By the 1900s, Tissot had a full line of wristwatches, and developed the first anti-magnetic watch. Before long, Tissot watches were sold in 150 countries and were becoming more and more popular.
During the quartz movement, Tissot continued to thrive. The company did large amounts of research during this time and developed the first analog quartz watch that was combined with a digital display.
Throughout the years, Tissot continued to be innovative and up-to-date on all the latest technology. This innovative spirit has helped them maintain popularity in the competitive world of luxury timepieces.
Over the years, Tissot has been an official timekeeper for many competitive sporting events such as ice hockey, cycling, and motorcycle racing. Tissot watches were first officially used in 1938 where they timed a skiing event in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland.
Today, Tissot collaborates with several sporting entities to develop the most accurate, up-to-date timing system. The most well-known advancement has been made in the world of competitive cycling, where sensors and computer tracking are now used for both timing and performance.
In more recent years, Tissot’s technological advances have become even more impressive among the world of timepieces. The latest and most popular are watches with “T-Touch” technology. The newest of these watches is the T-Touch Classic. These touch-screen watches have a sporty style but are still casual enough to wear daily. They come with a variety of functions including two alarms, a compass, a calendar, and much more.
From the moment Tissot was founded, this company has managed to build and maintain a reputation as being one of the best. They have created and expanded on many ideas that set their timepieces apart from all the others. Because of this dedication to technological advances, Tissot will maintain its reputation for years to come.[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_accordion][fusion_toggle title=”Invicta” open=”no”]Invicta watches are an affordable entry in the luxury watch market. Invictas are especially popular because of their durable Swiss movements, trendy sport designs and inexpensive prices. Invicta watches have a long, rather interesting history. The company was founded in 1837 by Raphael Picard. His goal was to provide consumers with beautiful, high quality watches at prices they could afford. Over the years, these watches continued to grow in popularity. However, beginning in the 1970s, the “Quartz Crisis” caused problems for many companies, including Invicta. This new technology became wildly popular, and quartz watches soon replaced the traditional mechanical watches.
Although Invicta was not as successful through the 1970s and 1980s, in 1991, the business was purchased by an investment company and re-invented in the United States. The company has made many changes over the years, however, the quality and affordability has always remained the same.
Today, Invicta watches are crafted using all the latest technology and the best materials to deliver a product that is original and fashionable. This company offers some of the finest, most well designed watches at a lower price than other popular companies. With annual sales reaching more than $50 million, Invicta has proven to be a leader in affordable luxury timepieces.
The main reason why Invicta has managed to remain a popular choice in this competitive business is because they offer such a variety. They have wisely expanded the business to appeal to a broad consumer base. While many companies try to cater to one specific group of customers, Invicta really does have something for everyone. They offer a variety of sports watches (including watches for diving), watches that are simple and elegant, watches that appeal to teenagers, and more sophisticated, expensive watches that are typically purchased by the wealthy.
With a number of high-quality products in a variety of price ranges, Invicta is a company that will surely be selling stylish watches for years to come.[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion]
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If you prize haute couture fashion above everything else, then luxury watches by Cartier, Michael Kors, Omega and Movado might suit your preferences. Those who value the timeless look, accuracy and durability of a world-class watch will do well to consider the models offered by Rolex, Patek Philippe and Tissot.
If you want a rugged, tough watch that can endure climate extremes, then you may want to consider investing in one of the high quality sports watches made by TAG Heuer. For budget-minded buyers looking for a sports watch, the Invicta brand offers durable timepieces at exceptionally low prices.
Features To Look For In A Luxury Watch
All luxury watches are not alike. Some watch connoisseurs prize design and cosmetic features, while others look for accuracy and durability. Before investing in a luxury watch, here are a few factors to consider.
Water resistance: Contrary to popular belief, waterproof and water- resistant are not interchangeable terms. A waterproof watch is constructed to endure total submersion in water. Because of this, most scuba diving watches can be classed as waterproof. A water-resistant watch, however, usually can’t tolerate these levels of submersion. A water-resistant watch can be exposed to certain amounts of water, such as a rain shower. Likewise, if you’re in the swimming pool and you discover that you’ve left your water-resistant watch on, it should be unharmed as long as you remove it right away.
If you plan to regularly expose your watch to marine conditions such as swimming and diving, you’ll want to opt for a waterproof watch that’s especially geared for scuba diving. Some of the best diving watches also have other features such as waterproof bands and screw-down crowns for extra protection.
Additionally, the water tolerance of a watch is measured according to a special water resistance scale composed of numeric meters. According to this scale, the minimum rating of a watch used for scuba diving should be at least 200 meters. Before you buy a waterproof watch, check to see what its rating is.
Shock resistance: There are specific standards of testing required before a wristwatch can be legally labeled shock resistant. In the United States, a watch is considered to be shock resistant if it can survive being dropped onto a wood floor from a maximum height of three feet.
Although this isn’t something you’d want to test on your own watch, if you’re planning to wear a wristwatch during certain outdoor activities, such as mountain climbing or diving, then you’ll want to choose a shock resistant sports watch.
Chronograph: A chronograph is a sophisticated type of wristwatch that features a stopwatch function, as well as extra dials to measure hours and minutes separately. These dials can also help the wearer measure speed and distance during different activities. Chronographs can be an invaluable training tool for athletes such as runners, and can also be helpful for hikers and bikers.
Calendar: Many watches, both luxury and otherwise, have calendars displaying the day, month and year. Luxury watches have more sophisticated perpetual calendars, which readjust themselves for date irregularities such as leap year.
Alarm: Many watches feature an alarm buzzer or bell that can be set to go off at a specific time.
Hacking mechanism: A hacking mechanism causes the second hand to stop so the watch can be set to a precise second. This synchronizing tool was once found primarily on military watches, but is now a common feature on luxury watches as well.
Moon phase: This is a rotating disk under the dial which displays the current phase of the moon.
International time zone dials: These are separate dials on a watch face which display the time in different zones and major international cities.
Repeater: A repeater is a function that chimes the hours when a button is pressed. Repeaters are generally found in only the most costly luxury watches.
Skeleton back: Some luxury watches have a clear back, so that if the watch is turned around, its works are completely exposed to view.
Design & Aesthetics
For many watch collectors, the design aesthetic of the timepiece is as important as the accuracy of its mechanism. Luxury watch cases can be crafted in gold, platinum, sterling silver, stainless steel and titanium, and studded with gemstones such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Watch faces can be made out of precious metals, stainless steel, titanium and porcelain.
The band style also plays an important part in the design aesthetic of a luxury watch. Many watch wearers prefer the comfort of a leather strap that conforms to the wrist, while others like the looser, heavier fit of a metal band. For both men and women, these bands can be made of precious metals and set with jewels.
How Much Does a Luxury Watch Cost?
Luxury watches are generally quite expensive, because you’re paying for hours of labor by highly-skilled craftsmen who are using the finest materials available. As with any work of art, the making of a great, Swiss-made luxury watch requires an extraordinary amount of skilled craftsmanship and takes hours of labor to create.
The investment, however, is worthwhile, because a luxury watch is made to last for generations. These timepieces are often passed down as family heirlooms, and it’s not uncommon to hear of fine Swiss watches, such as Patek Philippe or Rolex models, that were made a century ago and are still in excellent working condition.
Luxury watches can cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if they’re made of precious metals and encrusted with gems. Stainless steel luxury watches can still cost several thousand dollars, although some brands offer basic models for $500 and up. For those who can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars for a watch, companies such as Invicta have found a way to produce affordable luxury watches priced from $100-$300.
Vintage and Pre-Owned
For many lovers of luxury watches, a brand new watch is simply unattainable because of price considerations, but a vintage or pre-owned luxury watch may be an attractive alternative. A pre-owned Rolex watch in excellent condition can cost less than half the price of a new Rolex. In the world of vintage watches, however, it’s definitely buyer beware, because fake Patek Philippe and Rolex watches abound. It’s also important to make sure that you purchase your pre-owned luxury watch from a reputable dealer; otherwise, you may end up buying a timepiece that needs major repair work costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Maintenance
Watch repairs are both costly and time consuming. Depending on the model of your watch, you may have to wait several days or even weeks for a watchmaker to get the right parts. The good news is, luxury watches are made to be durable. If you’ve purchased your watch from a reputable dealer and you know that it’s a genuine product, then chances are you’re not going to be sending it out for repairs anytime soon.
The best way to stay out of the watch repair shop is to get your watch cleaned and serviced by a professional watch repairer on a regular basis. A standard watch cleaning also includes lubricating parts and checking for problems that could impede accuracy and precision. Your luxury watch should come with a manual instructing you as to how often you should get the watch cleaned and serviced. If properly maintained, your watch will reward you with decades of impeccable timekeeping.
If you’ve never experienced the thrill of having a magnificent, state-of-the-art timepiece on your wrist, then you should consider investing in a Swiss-made luxury watch. No matter what brand or style you choose, you can rest assured that you’re getting a timepiece that will last — and bring you pleasure — for the rest of your life.
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