Great Entry-Level Luxury Watches and How to Buy Them Securely
There’s a good chance you’ve pondered the idea of buying a luxury watch. After all, there are many reasons why both men and women love watches: they underscore the wearer’s personal style, hold sentimental value, and look fantastic either as a statement piece or stacked with other jewelry. Not only that, but in the age of consumerism, one of our biggest concerns is sustainability. We are shifting away from fast fashion pieces to focus on building capsule wardrobes and making conscious purchasing decisions, and interest in luxury watches has been on the rise as a result. These timepieces are made to last, and who knows? Maybe you’ll even create a family heirloom.
My husband has been a long-time watch aficionado and over the years his enthusiasm has rubbed off on me. He has a prized collection of watches that he’s acquired over the years, with a diverse range of styles. Some of his watches are for everyday wear, while others are reserved for more formal or special occasions.
When it comes to purchasing your first luxury timepiece watch, it can be a bit intimidating to know how to get started. This is also true if you’re planning on gifting a watch to a loved one. This guide is filled with valuable information for beginners just entering the world of luxury and vintage watches. We also include information about securely purchasing a luxury watch and avoiding any online scams.
I personally love the nostalgia look and feel of vintage watches. Rolex is of course the best of the best, and you can find some great second hand options on eBay.
A Brief History on Modern Watches
Crossing the threshold of the world of horology can be overwhelming, and you might be left sitting helplessly on the fence if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, no one needs to be an expert to find a special timepiece they will treasure for years to come!
Looking at the glitz and glamor of modern watches, it’s obvious that we’ve come a long way since sundials and hourglasses. In fact, until the 20th century, wristwatches were deemed a feminine affair and mainly worn by women – men preferred pocket watches. Demand started booming everywhere in the early 1900s, as more people started appreciating the practicality of having the time strapped to your wrist. But the traditional watch industry was almost toppled in the 1970s by the introduction of quartz watches, which have a battery and are much cheaper to produce.
Knowing the Different Types of Movement Watches
When first delving into the market, you will be confronted with technical information that goes beyond pure aesthetics. A lot of us are digital natives, and admittedly haven’t thought much about the ins-and-outs of watchmaking. There’s no need to get completely bogged down with the jargon, but knowing the basics is a big benefit.
There are three types of watch movements which are classified as manual, automatic, and quartz. Manual watches require the wearer to take a certain amount of action to keep the cogs turning, namely by winding the crown. Automatic watches are less hands-on: your wrist movements throughout the day are enough to keep them ticking. Quartz watches are essentially battery-powered: a small battery sends a current through a tiny piece of quartz, which vibrates at a steady frequency, powering the movement. While manual and automatic watches enjoy a high status in the watch world, quartz watches offer both greater accuracy and lighter price tags. Each watch has a unique reference number, which is used to identify the exact model.
The vintage Omega watches are an excellent unisex style. I personally love that they are flat and sleek, with a branded symbol that stands out. EBay has the best selection of vintage Omega watches.
Find Your Watch Style
To truly maximize the versatility of a luxury timepiece, a watch needs to match your personal style. For starters, you shouldn’t choose a stainless-steel model if your jewelry box is full of gold. The different designs, shapes, and color combinations are endless, so take your time when browsing. It’s helpful to keep your wardrobe in mind: will this watch complement or, better yet, elevate your favorite outfits?
Find the Right Wristband for Your Watch
Although it’s easy to focus on the stunning details of the dial, the band type and quality is just as important to the watch’s overall look. Metal bracelets exude opulence, while fans of vintage accessories will be more drawn to leather or textile straps, so be sure to harmonize with your personal taste. Some models even allow the wearer to quickly swap out the bands, which takes customization and versatility to new heights. Leather straps generally experience more wear and tear, so expect to have to change it every couple of years if you’re showing your watch off often.
Of course, there's no reason to skimp on comfort when it comes to wearing your watch. It shouldn’t be so tight that it leaves an imprint on your skin, nor should it slide up and down when you move your arm. You know a watch fits you properly if it is secure, but still offers enough space for your skin to breathe (this is especially important in hot weather!).
I received a Coach watch from a best friend as a bridesmaid gift. It’s one of my favorite watches and it has bright and whimsical colors. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly statement watch, I would definitely suggest browsing the Coach collection.
How Much Should a New Collector Invest in a Luxury Watch?
Just like the watch itself, this decision is completely personal. There are plenty of fantastic models under $2,500 that cut just as fine a figure (and offer the same functionality) as premium brands. However, you’ll need to decide if you want to buy a new or pre-owned watch. In some cases, pre-owned pieces can sell for less than their official retail price on the secondary market, even in mint condition. The secondary market is also the place to turn to for vintage references that have been discontinued.
Always do your homework before buying a watch: the most important things to know are the watch’s exact condition, if it has any replacement parts, and if it comes with the original box and papers. Should you want to part ways with your timepiece down the road, these elements will be critical for determining its resale value.
Which Watch Brands Hold Their Value?
While you should tend toward buying watches that match your style, it’s an added bonus if the timepiece retains its value – or even appreciates. More and more people are turning to luxury watches as alternative investment pieces, so it’s wise to have a fair idea of the financial performance of your model. The Watch Collection on Chrono24 – the global online marketplace for luxury watches – will provide you with a great, no-frills overview of the performance of countless models. This way you can find out how your watch has performed in the past even before you buy it and stay up to date with your watch’s market value after you take the plunge.
Of course, industry giants like Rolex enjoy extraordinary levels of popularity, and a lot of exclusive models exceed their initial value within a relatively short period of time. Such brands are out of reach for most, but there are watchmakers out there with entry-level options that have good prospects in terms of value retention, such as Omega.
What’s more, vintage watches often become collectables over time, and demand can push up their value. Essentially: the more exclusive a watch is, the more it's likely to be worth in a few years. If you’re wondering if there are any watch brands you should avoid, the short answer is no: any watch that you enjoy is the right choice for you. Some watch enthusiasts believe you should only buy from manufacturers that specialize in watchmaking, but it’s all a matter of opinion.
If you’re looking for a fool-proof way to shop ultra luxury vintage watches, check out the Shopbob collection. They carry authenticated luxury watches from Hermes, Rolex, Cartier, Isabel Marant and more.
Shopping Safely for Watches on the Secondary Market
Starting a watch collection is a big step, and it’s natural to have a few concerns. If you have any suspicions about the authenticity of a watch, research its current market value; prices that are too good to be true usually are. Serious sellers will be able to answer all your questions about the watch, so be wary of ambiguous information. You should also always thoroughly check the seller’s reviews on all their active sales platforms.
I also highly recommend only shopping on seller platforms that offer buyer guarantees such as eBay, Shopbob and Etsy. If there’s any issues with your purchase, you can open up a complaint ticket and their team will work on resolving it. Some online reseller sites will require a certificate of authenticity before you can even list luxury jewelry, clothing and accessories. As a buyer, I would always require that the seller include the certificate of authenticity with the purchase.
You should avoid marketplaces such as Craigslist and LetGo Offer Up which has no accountability and it’s very easy to run a scam.
How to Maintain Luxury Watches
Luxury timepieces are built to last, so you won’t be running back and forth to the jewelry store very often. Every manufacturer has their own recommended maintenance intervals, but a general rule of thumb is every five years.
However, like your other precious jewelry pieces, you’ll still need to give your watch some TLC on a daily basis: store it in a box with soft lining, keep it out of direct sunlight, and make sure you know its water resistance.
All watches are susceptible to hard shocks and should be kept far away from magnets. Remember, it’s important to keep your watch in tip-top shape if you want to sell it at some point or pass it down. It's also a good idea to take out insurance on your watch, for additional peace of mind.
If you’re looking to go big or go home with your luxury watch investment, Net-a-Porter carries the big names in watches such as Cartier, Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Buccellati and Chopard.
Entry-Level Luxury Watches: Top Picks
Now that you’re armed with the most essential information for starting your luxury watch collection, here are a few timepieces worth considering. There are endless options out there, so definitely don’t limit yourself to those on this list.
Longines DolceVita
Longines is one of the most successful Swiss luxury watchmakers of all time. The DolceVita collection boasts a level of elegance paired with prices that are difficult to find elsewhere. With their square cases, these models are reminiscent of the legendary Cartier Tank, a timeless classic that has been spotted on the wrists of several First Ladies. Prices for new watches start at around $900. Shop eBay for deals on second hand Longines DolceVita watches.
Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Lady Auto
Hamilton is another fantastic brand with entry-level prices. The company was founded in Pennsylvania in 1892 and describes its watches as an alloy of Swiss watchmaking and the American spirit. The Jazzmaster Open Heart Lady Auto is a great example of how fine craftsmanship can be combined with individual style; it even offers the wearer a peak at the movement ticking away inside. The watch comes on a stainless-steel bracelet or leather strap, and you can choose from several dial colors. In terms of financial performance, this model has been stable on the secondary market, and costs around $1,000. Shop eBay for deals on second hand Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Lady Auto watches.
TAG Heuer Carrera Lady
TAG Heuer boasts a watchmaking history stretching back over 160 years. The brand describes their women’s watches as “bold yet timeless, feminine yet strong, robust yet refined.” The Carrera Lady collection demonstrates this and offers a number of stunning timepieces for under $2,500. Shop eBay for deals on second hand TAG Heuer Carrera Lady.
