What to Know Before Buying Your First Luxury Watch
At the top of the accessories chain when it comes to price points, luxury watches are a thing of bafflement to many and items of extreme desire to those who consider their wrist flex at more than just face value. For those not yet a part of the movement, our closer look at what contributes to the high mark-ups of luxury watches is a must-read. If you're ready to make the investment, read on.
A constant reference in hip-hop lyrics, you only need to look at Meek Mill's rose gold Rolex, Jay-Z's Hublot, and DJ Khaled's Patek Philippe bling to understand a luxury watches importance as a status symbol. That said, when locking down your own spenny timepiece, following in the footsteps of your rapper is not always advisable.
MR PORTER currently stocks a wide selection of low-key but timeless luxury watches for first-time investors and collectors alike. "When purchasing a luxury watch, deciding on a model that best reflects your lifestyle and personal aesthetic is as important as mechanical considerations such as movement and complications," says Fiona Firth, buying director at MR PORTER. "Think about what you're looking for in a timepiece and research brands that produce functional, high-quality designs to suit."
Among her recommendations are heritage horology brands such as Cartier and Vacheron Constantin, who specialize in investment pieces that'll never lose value. "The Cartier Santos is an iconic model and a perfect watch for first-time buyers," she says. Meanwhile, Tag Heuer — go-to watch brand for the likes of Barack Obama no less — leads the way in technologically advanced watches built to withstand daily wear and tear.
“After identifying a suitable style and brand, think practically about the diameter of the watch and the width of the case to ensure you select the right model for your wrist," Firth continues. "When looking for an investment piece that you can wear every day, I would recommend a 38-41mm diameter watch as it’s appropriate for all dress codes and sits perfectly under a shirt cuff.
"Finally, consider the color of the face and strap — think of your watch as an extension of your wardrobe, it must work with the rest of your outfit as well as other accessories or jewelry.”
Beyond the Cartiers and Tags of the world, limited edition watches such as IWC Schaffhausen Portofino 150 Years chronograph are also cited as great investment pieces, while independent brands with architectural/industrial styles such as Ressence and Nomos Glashütte are also extremely wardrobe friendly.
See anything you like? Let us know your next timepiece investment in the comments.
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