When it comes to luxury accessories, nothing completes your ensemble more than a stylish watch on your wrist. A great watch can do more for you than keep time.

Watch lovers will agree that wearing a watch you love on your wrist can bring you joy. Whether dressing up for business or dressing down for a casual night out, what you choose to wear on your wrist makes a statement.

If you’re on the market for a new luxury watch, you may find yourself spoiled for choice. It's good to understand the different parts that make up a watch. This buying guide will tell you everything you need to know about watches before your next purchase.

Watch Movement

A watch movement is a mechanism behind the dial that keeps your watch running. When it comes to movements, there are three types to consider: mechanical, automatic, and quartz.

Mechanical and automatic watches are two different types of mechanical watches. They’re pricier and generally found in the luxury watch sector. They run on a mechanism consisting of gears and a spring that gets wound up. The watch ticks as the spring unwinds. Mechanical refers to ‘manually-wound’ watches, while automatic watches are ‘self-wound’.

As implied, the difference is that mechanical watches require you to wind them up, unlike automatic watches that will automatically wind the spring as you wear the watch.

Quartz watches are, in simple terms, battery-powered watches that many are most likely familiar with. These will run until the battery runs out, unlike mechanical watches that have to be rewound every few days.

If you like luxury watches, consider having at least one of each of these different movements in your collection of watches.

What Is A Chronograph?

Have you ever seen one of those watches that has three mini-dials inside of the main dial? That’s what a chronograph looks like.

Chronographs are watches that have stopwatch functionality built into them. The three dials that make the chronograph count hours, minutes, and seconds. They’re often controlled by two extra buttons on the side of the watch.

Chronographs aren’t only functional but also stylish. In the world of luxury, more function means a hefty price tag. Fortunately, you can find luxury watches for less if you’re willing to buy pre-owned pieces.

Material

The material is one of the factors that will influence the quality and price of your watch. The list of materials found in luxury watches is long, but here are a few to give you an idea.

• Stainless steel
• Gold
• Titanium
• Ceramic
• Precious stones

Stainless steel will be the most affordable material you’ll find in a luxury watch. More expensive watch materials, and decorations like precious stone inlays, are more for personal satisfaction and style than function. An exception to this is titanium, which is an ideal material if you value a durable watch that can endure wear in rough conditions.

The clear, hard piece of glass that covers the dial is called a watch glass. In luxury watches, this is usually not made of glass. A common alternative to glass is sapphire crystal, which is just as clear but far more resistant to scratch. Pay attention to the material of the watch glass. You’ll want to be sure that what you have is scratch-resistant watch glass.

Smartwatches

There’s no doubt that smartwatches have quickly become some of the most sold and worn watches out there. These bring modern technology to your wrist and do much more than keep the time.

Whether smartwatches classify as luxury is debatable, as they come in many variations and can be personalized with multiple accessories. Some individuals may feel that a smartwatch is a luxury item; others might not.

That said, in terms of look, feel, and materials, smartwatches don’t quite compare to the luxury offered by luxury watch brands.

Strap/Band

The strap or band of a watch has as much to do with luxury as the face of the watch. Most luxury watches come with a metal band or leather strap. Unlike cheap watches, luxury watch straps are made with quality and comfort in mind.

Nowadays, canvas straps have made their way into the market. They’re comfortable, look good, and are budget-friendly. These straps are the preferred choice for many watch enthusiasts.

Brand

This one is simple. Brands have reputations; in the world of luxury watches, branding stands out.

What you choose to put on your wrist all comes down to personal choice. If you’re certain that you want a piece from a certain brand or manufacturer, don’t let anyone stop you. After all, brands come with reputations, and nothing makes a statement more than wearing a brand with a good reputation.  

Alternatively, you may want to consider brands that will fit your budget. Some brands will offer high-luxury products at high price points. Other brands provide luxury pieces at affordable asking prices.

In short, luxury watches don’t need to break the bank, but there’s nothing wrong with spending extra to get something that makes you happy.

Get Ready To Pick Your Piece

This article has covered everything you need to think about when shopping for your next luxury watch. Keep your eyes on the catalogs going into the new year, as you might find something special. Good luck with shopping for your new luxury watch, and let’s hope that 2022 will bring a new addition to your collection.