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It’s easy to catch the bug. Once you start exploring the world of horology, you may experience an irresistible urge to launch a luxury watch collection of your own. But before you make your first purchase, take note of these common mistakes.
We’ve seen too many new watch collectors deal with regrets. Set off on the right foot and avoid these rookie mistakes.
You don’t need an extensive watch collection to earn a reputation as a “watch guy.” And if you hurry to fill up your watch box, you may end up with an array of timepieces that don’t speak to you.
Slow down and research your selections. Visiting watchmakers and reading reviews takes time, and these activities bring satisfaction in and of themselves. In the long run, you’ll end up with a personalised collection when you take your time and allow it to grow naturally.
It’s tempting to buy an eye-catching watch, especially when you’re on vacation or feeling restless about life. These impulse purchases often lead to regret, however, so avoid buying watches until after you’ve done your homework.
The homework is fun, after all. Whenever possible, try on a watch and wear it for a few days before you purchase. Evaluate its weight on your wrist, and consider how it complements your skin tone. If you can’t try it out, read reviews written by other watch connoisseurs, and find online images of other people wearing the watch. It can be difficult to tell how large or small a watch is when you see it in a catalogue or even just in a display case. Discover your ideal watch size, and be careful about straying from it.
In your eagerness to acquire a world-class luxury watch, you may lay out a substantial sum too soon. Here’s a common scenario. A new collector wants a Rolex. It’s a top brand with an impressive history, and it would make him feel successful and accomplished. So he buys a Rolex and later discovers that he would have been happier with an A. Lange & Söhne.
To avoid this mistake, consider buying a less-expensive luxury watch in the style of the high-priced model in question. For example, if you’re intrigued by the Rolex brand, purchase a Tudor watch instead. Tudor is a sister brand to Rolex; the two companies use the same case materials and similar designs, dials and bracelets. As you wear the Tudor, you’ll learn whether or not you love the Rolex style, and you won’t have spent too much on the experiment.
When you’re starting a luxury watch collection, think of your purchases as the pillars of an estate that you want to hand down to your children. You wouldn’t choose the flavour of the week as the cornerstones of your home. Instead, you’d focus on quality, integrity and history.
Stick with the classics until you’re well-versed in what’s going on in the horological universe. Think about your closet. You probably have some articles of clothing that continue to serve you after many years. They’re well-made, tailored and reflect your personality. Choose watches with the same degree of timelessness.
A watch’s quality does not necessarily correlate with its price tag, much to the surprise of new watch collectors. Sometimes, watch companies inflate their prices to establish their brand as luxurious and exclusive. Conversely, it’s possible to find very high-quality timepieces in the lower-to-middle price range.
Instead of focusing on a watch’s price, evaluate it on its dial, movement, finishings, dial design, balance and complications. Read reviews, and talk with jewellers and watchmakers about their experiences with particular watches. Do they encounter maintenance troubles? Do they last long enough for resale?
For the majority of luxury watch owners, standard home and contents insurance will not enable you to repair or replace your watch if it’s stolen or damaged. It may pay out a percentage of the item’s value, but you’ll have to make up the difference personally.
Instead of taking that risk, protect your watches with Q Report watch insurance. Our specialised watch insurance policy will allow you to wear it with confidence, knowing it’s protected if the unexpected happens.
To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.
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If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.
