A symbol of status, history, artisan and craftsmanship watches are set to stand the test of time. An iconic accessory, it’s no surprise that some of the world’s leading watch brands date as far back as the 18th century. Ready to invest your time and money in a quality symbol of heritage, class and style? The variety of luxury timepieces to drool over is plentiful so before you buy here are a few tips to tick over!
Mechanical or Quartz?
Before we get to the aesthetics, there is one basic task that every watch must do – keep the time. This fairy essential job is carried out by either two options: mechanical or quartz. To put it simply it boils down to the brains and how you choose to make that little dial move. Mechanical watches contain an intricate set of components all pushing and pulling together to power the timepiece. For many they run along the same lines as a fine painting. Hand crafted and finely constructed, they are the results of endless hours by skilled watchmakers. Brands such as Patek Philippe, Breguet and Rolex are the cream of the mechanical crop and all available at auction on Catawiki. Less traditional but more accurate, a quartz watch runs off a simple battery that is very cheap to replace and involves little to no effort to maintain. If you don’t want to worry about resetting and rewinding then quartz is the way for you.
The Name Game
Cartier, Piaget, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Hermès, Chanel, Hublot the list of luxury and expensive brands making state of the art timepieces is endlessly exhausting. How do you decide what’s best? It’s no secret that people buy and wear expensive watches for different reasons, some go for history and complexity and others for the number of diamonds encrusted onto to that larger than life dial. Whatever reasoning a hot tip when investing large sums of greenery would be to go for an established and renowned name over a fashion label.
Almost as many watchmakers as inhabitants, today more than half of all luxury watches are made in Switzerland. Longines, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Tissot, Omega, all possess a mark of quality and approval that is recognised worldwide. If you are looking to hold and add value over time Rolex and Patek Philippe are two full proof and firm investments. If you are looking for a quality but quirky timepiece to stand out from the crowd then brands such as Christophe Claret, Richard Mille, Van Cleef & Arpels and Romaine Jerome are excellent for collectable but unconventional purchases.
Why go the extra luxury mile?
Money can’t you buy time but it can buy you a luxury timepiece that will only ever increase in value and sentiment. Flashy cars and expensive champagnes may scream the latest payday however luxury watches represent an understated confidence that has nothing to prove. Whether you are investing for style and sophistication, an heirloom to pass on to generations or a gift for a loved one, always remember to be smart and research your chosen brand, shape and model so in this way time will be forever on your side.
If you are looking for a unique, quality watch or vintage watch, then make sure to check out our diverse watch auctions. We’ve got something for everyone!