When it’s time to purchase a new watch, there are a plethora of options available in the market, ranging from investment pieces to affordable but still luxurious watches. While there is no doubt that the design and style of a watch play a significant role in the purchase decision, it’s essential to remember that quality should be at the forefront of your considerations.
Quality is a crucial factor in determining the longevity and functionality of a watch, and it can be the difference between a watch that lasts a lifetime and one that needs to be replaced frequently. So, in this article, we will explore why quality should be the top priority when purchasing a watch from Banks Lyon and what factors you should consider to ensure that you invest in a timepiece that meets your expectations.
When Is It Time to Purchase a New Watch?
The decision to purchase a new watch can be based on various factors, including the condition and age of your current watch, your lifestyle and needs, and your personal style preferences. For example, if your current watch is no longer functioning properly and either isn’t keeping accurate time or has a broken or cracked face, it is, without a doubt, the right time to look into purchasing a new model.
However, other instances, such as lifestyle changes, also impact when you should get a new watch. For instance, if you have started a fitness journey, your dress watch isn’t the right type of timepiece to help you track your workouts; a smartwatch, such as the Garmin MARQ Althete (Gen2) Titanium SmartWatch would be a better choice. This piece is available from Banks Lyon for £1599.99 or just £13.33 per month on 0% finance.
Finally, if your current watch is in poor condition and has scratches, dents, or other faults that make it no longer aesthetically pleasing, upgrading to a new, high-quality timepiece that won’t let you down is an excellent idea.
Identifying High-Quality Watches
If you’re not too familiar with luxury watch brands, identifying high-quality pieces can be daunting, as numerous factors must be considered. So, to help you out, here are a few key
aspects to look for when choosing your new, high-quality watch:
- Brand reputation. Choose a reputable brand with a long watchmaking history, such as our OMEGA watches or Cartier watches, known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Materials. A high-quality watch is typically made of durable materials like stainless steel, titanium, or gold. In addition, the crystal should be made of sapphire or mineral glass, which is scratch-resistant and highly durable.
- Complications. A watch with complications, such as a chronograph, moon phase, or perpetual calendar, is generally considered to be of higher quality. These features require more skill and expertise to create, making them more valuable. For example, pictured to the right is the IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Spitfire Watch. This piece is famous for its rugged chronograph movement and is an incredibly high-quality watch sought-after by those looking for exceptional craftsmanship.
Why Is Quality More Important Than Any Other Feature?
When buying a watch, choosing a high-quality piece is crucial because it determines its longevity, accuracy, and overall performance. For example, a watch made with precision and attention to detail will be durable, accurate, and retain its value over time, which are all desirable features for watch-buyers.
Additionally, a high-quality watch is crafted with skill and expertise by artisans, making it a work of art that symbolises luxury and prestige. While other features like design and style are important, they will always be secondary to the watch’s quality. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality watch ensures a timepiece that can last a lifetime and provide accurate timekeeping, durability, and a sense of prestige that other features cannot match.
How Long Should a Watch Last?
The lifespan of a watch can vary depending on several factors, such as the brand, the type of movement, the materials used, and how well the watch is maintained. Generally, a high-quality, well-maintained watch can last for decades, or even generations, making purchasing a watch a serious investment.
Mechanical watches, which have a complex mechanism of gears and springs, can last for a very long time if properly maintained, and many antique mechanical watches from the early 20th century are still in good working condition today. On the other hand, quartz watches, which use a battery-powered electronic oscillator, typically have a lifespan of about 5-10 years before the battery needs to be replaced.
In addition, the materials used in the watch can also affect its lifespan. For instance, watches made of stainless steel, titanium, or gold are more durable and can withstand daily wear and tear better than watches made of less durable materials. To ensure longevity, the watch’s crystal should also be made of scratch-resistant sapphire or mineral glass.
While the lifespan of a watch depends on several factors, with proper care and maintenance, a high-quality watch can last a surprising amount of time. Here at Banks Lyon, we offer watch servicing and repairs both at our store and via the official manufacturer, as we are official stockists of some of the biggest watch brands worldwide.
This service allows us to help increase the longevity of your high-quality watch, so it will last for generations to come. If you’re interested in our servicing or repairs, please contact our Services & Repairs Department by calling 01524 381020 or emailing [email protected].
Alternatively, please visit our showrooms or contact us to learn more about our high-quality watches and your purchasing options.