"The making of a man is on what kind of watch he wears!" I often times hear my friends say and I believe this is true. A branded wrist watch is always a symbol of prestige and elegance. An expensive watch carries in itself a certain status and craftsmanship that exhibits art in its truest form. How would you rate a man riding a Lamborghini? How would you look at a guy wearing a Swiss masterpiece? Surely you can easily establish a character out of the man who uses a luxurious timepiece in his hand.
This year introduces several expensive watches in the market with prices more than that of a Lamborghini. It's really breathtaking and inspiring to take a look at a real masterpiece. However, before I take you on a tour to see these incredibly marvelous artworks, let us examine what sets all these watches apart from other watches, aside of course for their extravagant price that only a billionaire can afford.
What Makes a Watch Expensive?
A watch could be an intriguing piece of art. Principally made and manufactured for the purpose of determining time. Who could have told then that it would later conquer the world's attention with its status and elegance? A watch, which is just a little mechanical timepiece developed from the emerging principle of a sundial in 1940 has now became a real craftsman's state of the art masterpiece. The time spent for every details of each feature gives the timepiece its value of uniqueness and truly enhanced by choice of quality materials used such platinum, rare and expensive rocks, bones or metals. A report says some manufacturers use rocks from and moon and dinosaurs bone and that what makes such a watch expensive and extraordinary. A watch is carefully handcrafted with skill and mastery fully embedded with passion and dedication, fashioned in the making of every detail it carries. It is a proven state-of-the-art technology as it embodies in itself such value of significance.
Emergence of Watches
Before the 20th Century, a watch was only meant to be a woman's novelty. It is called a "wristlet" and had gained little recognition from men as a timepiece. It was only in the 20th Century when Military started to change their opinions on wrist watches as they see its valuable use in keeping time during the war. It is believed that in 1980s, the German Imperial army were already using wristwatches and synchronizing their time for tactical naval attacks. Such wrist watches were provided by Girard Perregaux. Decades later, the British won in the Anglo Boer War in South Africa (1899-1902).British were able to win the war by using wristwatches to synchronize troop movements and attacks. In 1905 wristwatches became more acceptable to men.
But its popularity is still limited to women. It was only during the 1014-1919 war when Europe goes to battle against the German Empire that demands for wrist watches increased due to their popularity in the Boer War. Wristwatches then became an obvious necessity.
Over the years, wrist watches had gained popularity not only among the women but among the men as well. A watch is later considered a luxury item. Advanced technology was used as more features were added and a variety of engineering designs was applied. Some manufacturers like Francis Baumgartner, Borgel and Dennison introduced new engineering designs, which lead them to make watches resistant to water and dust. Glass covering of these watches that are conducive to breaking and chirping were later replaced by a more durable type of plastic material.
Today, brands such as Tag Heuer, Movado, etc. are much appreciated by most and were considered luxurious but some reviews reveal that these watches are actually overrated through their marketing strategies. Models such as Tiger Woods improve Tag Heuer's value so you're actually paying for the model and not for the actual value of the wrist watch. Since watches are made out of necessity, their features are tool-oriented. This is probably the reason why today, most watches for men are designed with a sturdy appearance suitable for more adventurous activities such as scuba-diving, sky-gliding, mountain-climbing, etc. Others carry features such as built-in radar to give you directions if you're lost in a dessert or a jungle. These features and attributes were included to cater to the need of a specific task or profession.
Things to Consider in Buying a Luxury Watch
There are 3 types of luxury watches: the Entry Level Luxury Watch, the Medium Range Luxury Watch and the High-End Luxury Watch. But somehow today, I will be tackling on the public's general perception of a luxury watch. In choosing one, you need to consider the following factors so that you will not end up crying over spilt milk.
Brand
Because of the success of multi-media advertisements and other corporate marketing strategies, people now focus on buying the brand than the product itself. This principle is very effective and must come principally with your choice of buying your luxury watch. A popular brand carries in itself a story of good will and corporate character that has long survived over time and crisis in the industry. The brand name is enough assurance of a long-time warranty.
Built
The next thing to consider in buying a watch is its built. Is it build for precision and durability? Watches are expected to have its lifetime benefit especially if it is a luxury item. They must carry a tag of a lifetime endurance and precision. The exterior appearance alone must give the owner the feeling of affluence. This is what separates you from the rest as a luxury watch embodies a status symbol,
Features
Due to modern technology, a wrist watch now is no longer a simple device build for telling time. It is engineered with features that encompassed simplicity and purpose. Relevant features are integrated in its design to give the watch owner the satisfaction for the cost that he paid for the watch, features such as chronograph, a casing that is water or dust-resistant, automatic function. Multiple time zone and even camera or radar built-in features.
Optional Features
To lure buyers into buying a highly competitive product such as a watch, manufacturers include other options for indulgence with the target of making the owner a standout from the rest. An example of these options is the inclusion of precious metals like diamond and materials from the moon or dinosaur remains.
The Price
The last but the most important factor to consider in buying a luxury watch is the price of the item itself. Though there's no specific guide for this, it comes along with your choice of how much you are willing to spend for your watch. After all, I's you who will pamper yourself into this self-indulgence.
Owning a luxury watch is indeed the greatest act of self-indulgence. Wearing it comfortably in your wrist and experiencing the great convenience it provides for its value is indeed something that will benefit you for a lifetime. So why not start indulging yourself of a one great choice and what better time to start than NOW!
