Finding Your Perfect Watch Doesn’t Need to Break the Bank

The watch worn on a gentleman’s wrist speaks volumes about who he is. It is an essential piece of his wardrobe and a subtle way of letting others know that he is courteous, punctual and lives his life with integrity.

His watch is more than a timepiece-it is also a fashion statement. And yet, it is also more than just a fashion statement. It separates the gentlemen from the boys.

At its core, a watch is supposed to provide a convenient way to tell the time. If it doesn’t serve this most basic function, the timepiece is nothing more than an elaborate bracelet. But you don’t want a bracelet-you want a watch.

This means that, though there are many things to consider when purchasing a watch, the quality of the piece should be on the top of your list. You want it to work. And you want it to last.

This brings me to another important aspect of the piece that’s going to grace your gentlemanly wrist: a watch can also be an investment, not just in your look, but in your future.

This doesn’t mean you need to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars for a Rolex. But that also doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a Rolex.

The luxury watch market, steeped in tradition and prestige, is slowly adjusting to the needs of a new generation of watch consumers: millennials.

Their purchasing habits of buying second-hand and demanding quality for less money has forced luxury watch brands to take notice.

This has created a market where you can get your hands on a timeless timepiece without breaking the bank.

Gettin’ Thrifty with It: Buying Second-hand Watches

Long gone are the taboos of buying second-hand. Vintage is back, and it’s here to stay. The second-hand watch market is one of the most aggressively-growing sectors in the watch industry.

Buying pre-owned luxury timepieces is akin to purchasing a fine wine: there’s history behind it. It is also more likely that you’ll find a quality piece for less than the retail price.

And, if you’re lucky, the purchase might end up becoming a good investment, and may even appreciate in value. Just steer clear of fashion watch brands-those only depreciate in value.

Entry-Level Luxury

Photo Credits @seikowatchofficial

Luxury watch brands have also been taking notice of millennials’ demand for quality at more affordable prices. This has led to more brands making more entry-level watches, starting at $300.

These are great pieces that often come along with the best service that top brands are known for, name recognition, and the possibility of appreciating value.

Luxury-watch expert Ariel Adams has come up with a helpful list of things to pay attention to when buying an entry-level watch.

Further, whether you decide on a traditional Swiss Longine or the Japanese Grand Seiko line, online platforms like Chrono24 have helped make the purchasing process transparent, helping both sellers appraise their pieces and buyers get the most value for their money.

These platforms ensure to the best of their ability that you’ll end up really getting the perfect watch.

Today’s luxury watch market is more accessible, less risky, and with more options than ever before. If you haven’t done so already, now’s the time to start looking for that perfect timepiece.