How To Buy Your First Watch
Buying a watch is complicated. There’s terminology to learn, a vast number of style options, and endless brands to choose from. Jeremy Oster was recently showcased in 5280.com giving tips on what to look for when buying your first watch. For the full article, click here.
Does size—and style—matter?
Jeremy: Style and size are important. It’s key to consider what kind of impression you would like to make. Think about the kind of job you have; a financial advisor may want to show restraint and value, whereas a fashion designer may be more about flair and getting noticed. Your watch should reflect your personality type and personal sense of style.
Nomos offers a great mix of Bauhaus-inspired design and value. This is a brand with unique top-quality movements, which are made almost entirely “in-house” in Glashutte, Germany. The quality exceeds many watches costing two to three times as much. Tip: Look for styles with sapphire crystal, as they resist scratching on the “glass” of the watch, meaning they look far better over time.
What is a movement, and what does a first-time buyer need to know about it?
Jeremy: This largely comes down to budget. If the budget is up to around $1,000, then it is likely that you will be buying a quartz movement. This type of watch features components that cannot be repaired but may be replaced. These tend to be more of a fashion watch, as you are primarily paying for the design. As the budget goes up, we recommend looking for a mechanical watch. This type of timepiece is powered by a spring and features parts fabricated using traditional methods; a good watchmaker can service and repair a mechanical watch, allowing it to last for generations. Of course, there are movements available at many different levels of quality. The first-time buyer should look for certain details such as whether it’s Swiss made, which has high prestige.
What is a complication; do you need them?
Jeremy: Generally, additional complications add to the price of the watch. Consider whether your money is better spent with a complication or in securing a higher quality piece.
Iconic British brand Bremont has been a top watch selection for many American and British Air Force pilots. The stainless steel case in the Solo style is seven times harder than standard stainless steel watches, making it less likely to scratch. Plus, the Swiss automatic movement is a Certified Chronometer, ensuring the highest level of accuracy.
Let’s talk about accuracy.
Jeremy: The first thing to understand is that a quartz watch is usually more accurate than a mechanical watch. However, any good watch will tell reasonable time and be accurate within 10 to 15 seconds a day, or better. If your life depends on the second accuracy, then a high-quality quartz watch may be ideal.
Is it safer to purchase an iconic brand, or is an under-the-radar company OK, too?
Jeremy: The bigger, best-known brands tend to spend huge amounts of money on advertising and will manufacture vast quantities of each watch. This can be appealing from a status point of view to some. However, it can also be limiting in terms of individual style. My advice is to push sales people for why you should buy a particular watch over another. There should be a more compelling reason than “it’s a popular choice.”
Should a watch be considered an investment that will go up in value?
Jeremy: I never advise buying watches as financial investments. I do, however, consider a great watch to be a perfect personal investment. After all, how many luxury items can you buy that will provide you with loyal service, beauty, and unique style 24 hours a day, seven days a week for many decades? Buy the best quality that meets your individual style and lifestyle—then forget about the money and enjoy it for many years.
For a bolder look, check out the instrument-inspired Bell & Ross BR collection. This is a modern design icon, and the BR03-92 is arguably the quintessential square design watch.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login