High-End Watches: What Should You Consider When You Buy?

Few events inspire more excitement in the life of any horological connoisseur than the purchase of a new watch, but if you’re new to the province of high-end timepieces then you may find yourself becoming a little overwhelmed with the sheer variety of models on offer. Because of this, you may have a major decision on your hands when you’re perusing the options that are available to you. With Baselworld 2014 still fresh in recent memory, many watch enthusiasts will already be considering the purchase of a brand new luxury watch that caught their eye, but if you find yourself wanting to invest in a new timepiece without having any particular model in mind, here are a few considerations that are thoroughly worthy of note:

Style

Style is undoubtedly a province where luxury watches universally excel, as few things stand out as much as an elegantly balanced timepiece. However, there are indubitably different types of style to weigh in the balance, so you must consider carefully what sort of message you want your watch to convey. For example, if you’re looking for a sleek and sophisticated watch that will really stand out from the crowd, it would be well worth taking a closer look at the iconic Omega Speedmaster Darkside of the Moon watch (see right), whilst if you want a brash and strong timepiece you couldn’t be better served than with one of our Breitling watches.

Size

Ideal size clearly comes down to both personal preference and the proportions of your own wrist, as some people may be strongly attracted to a sizable timepiece, whilst others would be dissuaded by such substantial dimensions, choosing instead to prioritise a smaller, more chic wristwatch. The key to this choice is not to equate size with weight, as some of the most physically bulky watches, such as the inimitable Rolex Deep Sea (see left), are actually supremely comfortable to wear. Because of this, you really must trial a watch in person, rather than dismissing a possible choice due to initial impressions of its size.

Heritage

Fundamentally, heritage is not a real concern when you buy a wristwatch from Banks Lyon, as we only stock the most prestigious of timepieces; mainly from some true titans in the Swiss watch industry. Because of this, you can be sure that all of our collection comes from reputable brand names with literally decades of honed expertise to their credit. Longevity isn’t the only contributor to heritage though, as evidenced by our decision to stock Bremont watches, for example. This British brand is still a relative newcomer to the horological landscape, but their superb timepieces and innovative mechanisms, not to mention their veneration for some truly historic developments in the engineering world, have resulted in their company garnering exceptional acclaim.

Investment

Whilst you shouldn’t necessarily be thinking of buying a high-end timepiece purely as a financial investment, it is true that certain brand names hold their value with admirable aplomb, and in purchasing one you could well find yourself with a possession that is in almost perpetual demand. Rolex watches are usually the foremost archetype when it comes to timepieces from an ‘investment’ point of view, although other collections, like Cartier watches, are also very strong in this respect; especially when it comes to ladies’ wristwatches.

Technology

Luxury wristwatches boast some of the finest technology that you could ever wish to see, and some brand names specialise in creating some groundbreaking avant-garde timepieces. The recently unveiled Bremont Supermarine Terra Nova GMT watch (see right) is an illustration of this fact par excellence, as it has been designed to function even in the fierce conditions experienced by polar explorers. Peerless technology is a major source of appeal behind many high-end watches, but some people find themselves put off by a watch that they perceive as being ‘too complex’ or ‘convoluted’. However, you really mustn’t adopt this attitude, as even if a system seems alien at first it will soon become second nature through frequent use. At Banks Lyon, we have years of experience when it comes to watches of all descriptions, so don’t hesitate to ask us if you’re ever struggling to operate the functions of an unfamiliar watch.

Preference

Ultimately, you must select the watch that feels ‘right’ for you. Luxury wristwatches are possessions of inestimable longevity, and will remain with you throughout your life, becoming associated with important occasions and thus signifying a variety of your experiences. Your watch should express something about yourself at the moment of purchase, and it will accompany you for decades, so be sure to choose well. At Banks Lyon, we are proud to be one of the finest luxury watch stockists in the UK, and our collection really is unrivalled in our area. If you’re looking for a brand new timepiece, give us a call on 01524 38 48 58 and we’ll only be too pleased to help you make this important decision.

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