Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Are Luxury Watches a Good Investment?

In the last decade, the world has largely forgotten about analog technology. Most have moved onto digital smartwatches, virtual art, and cloud-based media. However, one type of traditional good continues to captivate: Luxury watches.

Despite the transition to digital technology, the market for high-end wristwatches prevails. So that begs the question: Are luxury watches a good investment?

Curating a Luxury Collection

Much like vintage cars, prized oil paintings, and rare vinyl records, luxury watches can fetch a pretty penny on the secondhand market. Well-made timepieces have an impeccable quality, are expertly made to run better than most, and are usually part of the legacy of a brand with decades or centuries of experience.

Many investors treat these accessories like fine art. They trade luxury watches, watch the value increase, and turn them over for profit. Some will build an elegant collection they keep for decades. Either way, these timepieces often retain their value and provide a handsome return.

What Watch Brands are Best for Investing?

As with any other investment, performing extensive research is a must. The luxury watch market is pretty saturated these days, so you must do your due diligence to ensure you're making a strategic investment.

Those who trade luxury watches regularly will tell you the same thing: Stick to the best-known brands. Some good examples include:

  • Rolex
  • Omega
  • TAG Heuer
  • Cartier
  • IWC
  • Panerai
  • Patek Philippe
  • Bvlgari
  • Audemars Piguet

These brands all have decades or centuries of acclaim. They're well-known for delivering premier products, and most produce their watches in Switzerland. You'll find that these brands often release limited quantities of their wristwatches, creating high value from the jump.

Factors That Influence Watch Value

In most cases, the value of your luxury watch will decline immediately after purchase before slowly appreciating over time. How much worth a timepiece holds or gains depends on many factors.

Typically, limited-edition and vintage models appreciate the most. Scarcity naturally drives up value, especially if the watch is from a legacy brand. Other potential variables include the condition of the accessory, the quality and source of the parts used, and the available features.

Investing in Luxury Watches

Luxury timepieces can be an excellent investment. Premium models can hold onto their value decades after the initial release. Do your research and learn as much as you can about a watch before diving in headfirst. Feel confident in your purchases, and you can build a high-value collection.

Read a similar article about day-date Rolex watches here at this page.

How to Service Your Rolex

Rolex watches are a massive investment built by expert watchmakers. They're not your average timepieces, requiring regular service by qualified professionals. But what exactly happens during the servicing process? Keep reading to learn more.

The Initial Inspection

Any official Rolex retailer and affiliate can begin the service process by receiving your piece and noting any requests you might have. Then, they send it to the watchmaker.

The watchmaker will perform a detailed inspection to estimate Rolex repairs and regular maintenance needs. After that, the movement, case, and bracelet go through different service paths.

Servicing the Movement

Service professionals dismantle the entire movement and carefully examine every component. Rolex replaces any parts that don't meet its strict quality standards.

Everything goes through an ultrasonic bath to remove impurities. Then, the movement is reassembled and lubricated for efficiency.

Perfecting the Finishes

Both the case and the bracelet undergo refinishing. Depending on the style of watch you have, it may go through a repolishing treatment or restoration process to achieve a beautiful satin finish.

After reassembling the case, watchmakers perform waterproof testing. They can address any issues that appear before reinstalling the movement.

Casing and Precision Testing

At this point, the case and the movement reunite. The casing process is complex, requiring rigorous technical and aesthetic inspections. Rolex spares no expense to ensure that every piece is perfect.

Watchmakers even perform chronometric precision tests. It's the same process Rolex uses when creating new watches. The test allows for minute adjustments, ensuring timekeeping accuracy. Even after securing the case's back, your timepiece goes through a 24-hour performance test.

Final Quality Control

The last steps of the process involve quality control. Watches are pressure-tested in water to ensure that every seal is watertight. Inspectors finish servicing by checking functionality and scrutinizing the aesthetics.

The Rolex repair and servicing process is rigorous, but that's the type of attention you need to ensure that your watch maintains its perfect quality. When you get your accessory back, it'll look as if it were brand new. Rolex recommends servicing every ten years or so, but you can certainly do it more frequently based on your watch's needs.

Read a similar article about Rolex watch online shop here at this page.

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