5 Tips for Buying a Luxury Watch

The decision to purchase a luxury watch can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The decision about which brand to buy, whether you should choose Swiss or German, automatic or battery-powered, sports or dress and so on, can feel daunting. With so many options available, you might not know where to start. At W. Kodak Jewelers, we want our clients to enjoy the overall experience and not to feel intimidated by the buying process. By taking your time and keeping a few key factors in mind, you will be ready shop in no time!

#1 Become an Educated Buyer

A watch is more than just a timekeeper, it is a statement piece that represents your individual style and personality. Think of a luxury watch as a piece of art that you will want to wear every day. It doesn?t just tell time, it also says something about your fashion sense.

To get started, learn as much as possible about which watch is best suited for you. Rather than making an impulse purchase, do some research to find out which brand aligns with your needs. Also, take time to learn the terminology associated with high end watches. For instance, most luxury watches are mechanical as opposed to quartz (battery powered) and some use ?tourbillon? movements or have ?chronometer? functions.

Once you have some general information under your belt, visit us at W. Kodak Jewelers. Visiting an expert in a retail setting will allow you to gain even more information while also giving you the opportunity to try on a variety of styles and sizes to determine what look feels best on your wrist. You will also be establishing a relationship with a watch professional who can assist you with any future repairs and maintenance in the future.

#2 Get to Know Watch Styles

As you learn about watches, don?t let yourself become overwhelmed with the information. It?s important for you to learn about watch styles and brands, since your watch will be something you look at on a daily basis. The easiest and most enjoyable part of getting your watch is finding one that suits your own particular style. If you?re not comfortable with the way the watch looks and feels, then it does not belong on your wrist

Magazines and style websites can be a great way to familiarize yourself with current and classic watch styles. Be sure to look at all of the style options available. At the same time, remember that the ideal watch will be one that you find aesthetically pleasing, compliments your own personal style, is practical for your specific lifestyle, and has a design that is classic enough to remain stylish for years to come. So before you buy, consider which works best for you: sporty, business, classic, etc.

#3 Choose a Budget: Know the Difference Between Value & Price

The financial aspect of purchasing a luxury watch should be at the forefront of the decision-making process. A good luxury watch can begin anywhere around $2,000 while some ultra-luxury watches can exceed $50,000. Consider the real value of your new watch and begin to set a budget. Value and price are two different aspects, yet very easy to confuse.

Spending $10,000 on a watch does not mean that the timepiece will have more value to you than one that costs $1,000. Choose a watch that has the qualities and functionality for your needs. This way, no matter which timepiece you select, the personal value will be far more important than any price tag.

# 4 Work with a Reputable Dealer

Once you?ve narrowed down the brand, style and functionality, it?s time to find a reputable dealer. Check customer reviews and ask questions to ensure that your new watch comes with a guarantee. Be sure that any certificates, warranties, or authentication documents are included with the purchase of your new watch.

If you purchase directly from a watch manufacturer, find one that is willing to ensure the protection of your watch from the point of purchase on. This means finding a manufacturer who is willing to replace or exchange your watch if there are any manufacturing defects, if it is damaged in shipping, etc. If you decide to do your shopping online, it?s best to find a dealer or manufacturer who also offers the option of exchanging your watch or providing a refund within a certain period of time in the event the watch simply isn?t what you were hoping for.

#5 Protect Your Investment

Once you?ve finally found that perfect luxury timepiece and made your purchase, don?t forget to protect your new investment. Depending on the price of your particular watch, you may wish to add it to your current jeweler or homeowner?s insurance.

Most luxury watches require minimal maintenance. However, taking proper care of your timepiece is the best way to ensure that it runs beautifully and stays well-maintained for years. At home, consider keeping your watch in a watch winder whenever it?s not on your wrist. Chances are, your collection will eventually grow to include more than one luxury watch.

Most importantly, enjoy the process and choose a watch that you truly love and you?ll be sure to enjoy it for many years. After all, regardless of brand or price, the most valuable watch will be the one that is a joy to wear each and every day.

At W. Kodak Jewelers we take pride in educating our clients and offering timepieces that meet the needs of everyone. All of our watches are covered under warranty, with the option to purchase additional insurance protection. So if you are looking to purchase your first timepiece, or looking to expand your current collection, let W. Kodak Jewelers help. Stop by any of our 3 locations, visit us online, or book an appointment to meet with us today. We look forward to seeing you soon!