Starting a luxury watch collection is not difficult. However, there are a few things to consider before getting started. Here, you can find a guide to help you begin your luxury watch collection.
This guide is perfect for beginner collectors who are just entering the world of watches. Check out the complete explanation below.
How to Start a Luxury Watch Collection
To start a luxury watch collection, there are several things to consider, such as budget, choosing the right brand, and more. Here is a complete guide to starting a luxury watch collection.
1. Set a budget
Setting a budget is the first crucial step when starting a luxury watch collection. Luxury watches have a wide price range, from entry-level options to limited edition watches.
Establishing an initial budget will help guide your choices and ensure that the watch you choose fits your financial capabilities.
If your budget is limited, try buying watches from entry-level brands like Tudor, Tissot, Longines, and TAG Heuer.
However, if you want to purchase watches from more prestigious brands, you can choose watches from Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, or Richard Mille.
Read more: A Closer Look: Why are Patek Philippe Watches so Expensive?
2. Research the brand you’ll choose
Brand research is essential when starting a luxury watch collection because every brand has its own unique characteristics, history, and advantages.
Understanding the background and values offered by a brand helps ensure that the watch you choose aligns with your personal style, needs, and budget.
Additionally, understanding the differences in movement, materials, and features offered by each brand will help you make a smarter decision, so your watch collection will not only have aesthetic value but also functional and emotional value.
3. Understand watch types and features
Each type of watch, such as a dress watch, diver watch, chronograph, or pilot watch, is designed with specific functions and aesthetics in mind.
For example, a diver watch is typically equipped with water-resistant features to certain depths, making it ideal for water activities, while a dress watch has a minimalist design suited for formal events.
Moreover, features add specific value to the watch. Generally, watches with more complexity and higher value have more advanced features.
Some features that are attractive and commonly liked by collectors include GMT, chronograph, perpetual calendar, moonphase, and others.
Read more: Understanding Chronograph Watches: A Comprehensive Overview
4. Learn more about watch movement
Movement is the “heart” that determines how a watch operates and its accuracy. Generally, there are three main types: quartz, mechanical, and automatic.
Quartz movement uses a battery and a quartz crystal, offering high precision with low maintenance, ideal for practical users.
On the other hand, mechanical movement, powered by a manual mainspring, reflects the classic art of horology, although it requires regular winding.
Automatic movement, meanwhile, operates automatically through the movement of the wrist, providing comfort without a battery and a deeper mechanical appeal.
Recommended Brands for Beginner Collectors
To complete this guide to starting a luxury watch collection, let’s look at some of the recommended brands for beginner collectors.
1. Rolex
Rolex is an ideal choice for beginner collectors because the brand is known for its strong reputation in quality, durability, and investment value.
Iconic models like the Rolex Submariner, Datejust, and Oyster Perpetual offer timeless designs that are easily recognizable and suitable for various occasions, both formal and casual. Beginner collectors can opt for these models as their first collection.
2. Patek Philippe
Founded in 1839 in Geneva, Switzerland, Patek Philippe is known for its outstanding technical expertise, innovation, and elegant design. This brand is famous for its complex movements and high complications, such as perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and world time.
For collectors, Patek Philippe is not only a symbol of luxury but also an investment. Patek Philippe watches often increase in value over time, especially rare models and limited editions.
Iconic models like the Nautilus, Calatrava, and Aquanaut offer timeless designs and are highly sought after by collectors worldwide, making them a great choice for beginner collectors.
3. Audemars Piguet
Although the price of Audemars Piguet watches is relatively high, purchasing one can be seen as a long-term investment.
This is because the brand is known for its watches’ ability to maintain or even increase their value over time, particularly limited and special edition models.
For beginners who already have a basic understanding of luxury watches and want something unique and classy, Audemars Piguet can offer a satisfying collecting experience.
Those are some great watches for beginners, as well as a guide to starting a luxury watch collection. If you’re looking for your first collectible watch, don’t hesitate to find it at Luxehouze.
Luxehouze offers a vast collection of luxury watches from various brands, all guaranteed to be authentic and available at the best prices. Visit Luxehouze now!