Luxury watches have always been the most desirable fashion accessories in the world. Many renowned watchmakers like Rolex and Richard Mille are known to produce exclusive timepieces that exhibit the highest level of craftsmanship. High-end watches are more than just wearable accessory. To help you get an in-depth idea of what makes a watch a luxury item, and the potential that it holds, read the article below.
A definition of luxury watches
Watches that are made using top-quality materials are known as luxury watches. These watches are mostly limited in number, hence fetch a higher value in the market. They are built with a defined hand-crafted process and vigorous testing.
“A device built with superior quality and precision, is how we define a luxury watch.”
Luxury watches are not just made using the finest materials, but also carry a unique design and features. There are several different types of luxury watches, some of the more popular ones include, dress watch, chronographs, and dive-watch.
4 most popular luxury watch brands
- Rolex
- Audemars Piguet
- Patek Philippe
- Richard Mille
Rolex
When it comes to high-end luxury watches, Rolex has established itself as a leading brand in the space. Known for producing some of the most extraordinary watches in the world, Rolex watches are highly priced in the luxury watch market.
It’s not just the new watches, but also the older versions of their watches that go for a higher value in the pre-owned market. Popular models by Rolex include the Hulk, Air-King, Day-Date, and the Milgauss.
Prices for a Rolex watch range anywhere from around AED 40,000 to over AED 100,000.
Audemars Piguet
Another brand that falls in the bracket of most popular Swiss luxury watchmakers is Audemars Piguet. The watch is extremely famous among Hollywood celebrities and sports personalities. Some of the notable names include Will Smith, Jay Z, Drake, and Stephen Curry.
The reasons celebrities and other collectors are drawn towards the brand is the exclusivity of certain models, and the stunning yet simplistic design. Audemars Piguet watches are known to be one among the most expensive brands in the world.
One of the most popular models of Audemars Piguet, is the Royal Oak. Prices for this luxury watch brand starts at AED 100,000 and above.
Patek Philippe
A watch brand that’s distinct in its designs and over aesthetics, Patek Philippe is a brand you will find in most high-end watch collections. The Nautilus and the Aquanaut series are among the most sought after watches by the brand.
“You never really own a Patek Philippe watch. You simply look after it for the next generation”
Patek Philippe watches fetch staggeringly high prices in the retail and pre-owned market. Models like the Nautilus are known to be valued at upwards of AED 2,000,000.
Richard Mille
This is a luxury watchmaker known for their outlandish designs and proportions. Richard Mille watches are commonly found on the wrists of high net worth individuals, and celebrities. Rafael Nadal, Michelle Yeoh, and Kevin Hart are some popular names that come to mind.
Richard Mille watches are a true status of wealth and opulence. Collectors who have owned and traded in these watches have always witnessed a multiple increase in value. Richard Mille watches are generally priced around AED 1,000,000 to AED 2,500,000.
Are luxury watches a good investment?
Most definitely they are. What many think of as a simple fashionable accessory, luxury watches are just more than that. The exclusivity of some of the watch models make them a great asset of investment.
Famous personalities like Kevin O’leary, Manny Khoshbin, Gary Getz, and Roger Federer are known for their extensive collection of high-end watches. These individuals have stated their interest in watches, and the lucrative opportunities it brings.
Facts say that many young investors and collectors are coming onboard the idea of buying luxury watches as part of their investment portfolio.
Things to know when buying a luxury watch
Now that you have made up your mind about buying luxury watches, here’s everything you must know before locking in your decision:
- Choose a suitable watch type
- Dial size
- Identify the watch movement
- Overall features of the watch
- Water resistant capability
- Weight of the watch
Choose a suitable watch type
There are several different kinds of luxury watches available today. Therefore, we recommend you to choose the watch type that suits your sense of style. For instance, dress watches pose a more minimalist design que. On the other hand, chronographs have a more rugged and busy design look.
So based on your taste and preferences, choose the perfect watch type suitable for you.
Dial size
Another important aspect to take into consideration is the dial size of a luxury watch. A watch dial varies in size ranging from 28 mm to 45 mm. The size’s do vary depending on the brand and model. While most men and women prefer 36 mm watches, individuals with bigger wrists are more likely to prefer 41 mm or even 44 mm watch dials.
Identify the watch movement
Mechanical, quartz, or automatic the choice is yours. These different watch movements operate differently and have various components within them. Although you may not be fully interested in the inner workings of a watch, knowing the movement style will be helpful in purchasing decisions.
While cogs and springs power a mechanical watch, motion sensors that develop kinetic energy power automatic watches. Quartz watch movements are relatively more modern, and are powered using batteries.
All these watch movements require maintenance of different kinds, therefore, we advise you to make your choice decisively.
Overall features of the watch
Luxury watches are not just ultra-expensive materials but also about functional elements and features. Rolex watches like the Sea-Dweller and Yacht-Master are intended for ocean adventurers, similar the brand’s Daytona version is a chronograph intended towards race car drivers, to track time to the T.
Hence, if you decide to invest in a luxury watch, make sure to identify all the features available and its usability.
Water resistant capability
High-end watches produced by some of the top brands all offer exceptional water resistance features. Dive watches, a particular type of luxury watch, were built with the intention of supporting deep sea divers to keep a track of time during underwater activities.
Therefore, if you are someone who either works in space with exposure to water or a diver for instance, preferring to buy a luxury watch under the dive watch category is recommended.
Weight of the watch
Every watch brand and watch type weigh differently. Therefore, depending on your wrist size and preferred weight on wrists we advise you to choose a watch accordingly.
Some luxury watches are customized aftermarket with precious stones, adding to the weight of the watch. Therefore, if you decide to buy a luxury watch of your choice, consider its weight as a factor in your decision making.
Luxury watches – the ultimate fashion accessory
If you are looking to invest in a lucrative asset we certainly recommend you to buy luxury watches as part of your portfolio. The brands we have mentioned above are just some of many popular luxury watchmakers in the world.
Therefore, the options you have are plenty. Whether it’s a vintage timepiece or a relatively newer model of watch, luxury watches will never disappoint you.
