First Time Tips: How to Prepare for Collecting Luxury Watches?

Every person has their preference when it comes to collecting things. Some are fascinated with collecting memorabilia from fictional items, some are fond of collecting mementos and family heirlooms, and some are captivated by the beauty of luxury timepieces. If you are one of those people, this article is for you.

In this article, we will highlight the different things that you need to know about collecting timepieces. This article will also give you an idea of what you should do once you already have them. Owning a luxury timepiece is a little bit complicated. You are not only protecting its delicate materials, but you are also preserving a complex mechanism.

What to know before collecting timepieces

Before you make any purchase, it’s important to understand that every timepiece is different. It is no different from other gadgets and electronic items. Each of these timepieces is built with unique features that require unique attention. Here are some of the things that you need to know:

Various brands and models

If you want to have a comprehensive luxury watch collection, it’s best if you will check out various brands and models. You should go beyond the popular brands advertised on billboards. There are also notable brands that are worthy to collect such as Hublot. It’s a fairly new watch company that was only established in 1980. However, this timepiece is also widely known worldwide because of its precise and distinctive movement and aesthetics. Other brands that you should consider are Frederique Constant, Franck Muller, and more. 

Different features

Aside from the brand, you should also check out the different features. Yes, even luxury watch brands have features that are different from the rest. Some are built with chronographs while some are created with date windows and dual time mode. It’s ideal that you first identify when and where you will wear the timepiece. In that way, you will have an idea of which feature will suit you best.

Understanding the movements

Luxury watches are not just battery-powered. If you want to be an authentic collector, it’s best if you will have a variety of watch movements in your collection. Automatic movements depend on the wearer’s movement. It is using kinetic energy to power the watch. Mechanical watches are self-winding timepieces that need to be wound often to maintain optimum performance. Failure to wind them can create a negative impact on their precision.

If you are planning to start a collection, it’s best to understand these movements first so you can maintain them properly.

Choosing the right timepiece

When buying a luxury watch, it’s common to be affected by comments and reviews online. While these are reliable sources, there is a high chance that their preference is different from yours. As much as possible, always choose the right timepiece that will fit your lifestyle. In that way, you will not end up owning a timepiece that everyone loves, but you won’t enjoy.

Exploring different purchasing venues

There are different ways to purchase a luxury watch. While some people still prefer to buy directly from the boutique, you can also explore other more convenient options. One ideal way of purchasing a luxury watch is through online watch shops such as TheWatchCompany.com. They have a wide range of choices and will surely give you impressive and affordable promotions.

Knowing more about the market

Luxury watches are investments. You are not only buying a timepiece for yourself, but you are also choosing a watch for your future kids and their kids. Most watch collectors prefer to resell these timepieces to earn more than what they paid for. It is best if you have a better understanding of how the watch market works if you are planning to do that. You can join online groups and organizations to learn more about these things.

How to maintain your timepiece properly?

Every timepiece is made with the best materials. However, you should still make sure that it will always be in good condition. Here are some of the things that you can do to maintain your timepieces properly.

Make sure to clean often

After using the timepiece, or as often as possible, always clean your luxury watches. This is one of the most common mistakes of luxury watch owners. Most people tend to just store them directly after wearing them. If you wore the timepiece outdoors, there’s a high chance that it accumulates dust and dirt that can stick to the watch. In time, it may also affect its performance. Hence, cleaning before storing is very important.

Avoid exposure to magnets and chemicals

These timepieces are made with the most delicate metals and materials. Because of that, it’s very important to keep them away from any magnetic elements and harmful chemicals. However, some timepieces are more susceptible to these materials. If you need a timepiece that will survive exposure to these elements, it’s best to ask the manufacturer for recommended models.

Always keep it functional

When timepieces stop working, that’s the time that their gears will rust. And if that happens, it can ruin the entire watch. As much as possible, always keep your watches moving. Wind your mechanical watch regularly and wear your automatic watches often. If you have a battery-powered timepiece such as Quartz, make sure to replace batteries right away once it runs out.

Keep them in a nice storage

If you are going to start a collection, it’s best if you already have a nice storage drawer or cabinet for your luxury watches. In that way, you can be sure that they are always safe and away from any potential damage. It is also ideal to keep the box that came with it. These boxes are designed to protect the watch as well.

Send in for repair

Never try to repair your watch. Luxury watches usually came with a warranty for a reason. If something bad or something has gone wrong with your timepiece, it’s best to send it in for repair.

Key takeaway

If this is your first time buying a luxury watch, prepare yourself for the after-sales needs. The journey of owning a luxury watch only begins the moment you open the first box. While these timepieces are designed to last for a long time, it is in your care to ensure that it will happen.