Tips to buying luxury watches

Research

Before buying a watch, it's always a good idea to do research on the brand and model you're looking to buy. Make special note of an idiosyncrasies in the model you are looking to acquire and ensure the watch you are buying features those.

Pick your features

Different watches have different features. Ensure the model you buy has everything you need. Again, doing research will help you narrow down your list.

Weight

Most luxury watches have a hefty weight to them due to the quality of parts used. Ensure the watch
you are buying is the correct weight.

Too good to be true

If you come across a deal that seems too good to be true, there’s every chance it is. Luxury goods cost luxury prices and a Rolex for a tenner down the car boot sale is never going to be anything other than an incredibly cheap knock-off.

Before contemplating your next purchase, take a moment to review our helpful hints and tips in spotting a fake.

Certification

When buying a Rolex watch always insist that you receive the original Rolex documentation for your watch. This certificate will name the original authorised dealer, the country where it was sold in code, the model no. and the serial no. of the watch. This is a unique document that cannot be reissued by Rolex.

The value of a Rolex watch is based upon its original paperwork. For many years this document was supplied in paper form but has more recently changed to a credit card style warranty made of plastic.

Why it pays to buy from an independent specialist

Buying from an independent specialist makes sense because they invest their own money and are extremely careful to buy the very best watches made by Cartier, Rolex, Patek that money can buy because the success of their business depends on it.

They are also independent which means that they can give impartial advice on which model suits your needs or which watches best retain their value.

Watch histories

All luxury watch brands have a rich and varied history that goes back decades, and in some cases centuries.