Did you know that more and more luxury watch brands are reluctantly embracing ecommerce as the new way to sell watches to consumers? With the lockdowns in effect, watch companies noticed an astounding number of consumers switching to online shopping in order to get their fix.
However, as the consumer, it’s important that you take some time to consider your options before you purchase your next luxury watch. If you’re looking for cost-effective ways to find a new watch, purchasing from the first online retailer you find may actually cost you more money than you realize.
With this in mind, keep reading for our straightforward watch buying guide!
Check Out Return Policies
Before you begin buying a watch online, consider the return policies of the stores you’re considering. You’ll find that many luxury watch stores won’t offer a return policy unless there’s something wrong with the watch. So, it’s vital that you’re confident of the watch you’re purchasing as far as design, size, and materials.
If the online store has a nonrefundable purchase policy, it’s important that you take some time to try on the watches you’re considering in real life. Get a feel for how they look on your wrist, the size, and how comfortable they are.
It’s far less of a gamble when purchasing online if you’re already know how the watch will look on your wrist!
Consider Your Budget
Next, it’s essential that you take some time to consider how much you’re willing to pay for a watch. Your budget often depends on how important it is to purchase a luxury, name-brand watch.
For instance, a Rolex can cost thousands of dollars, while watches from other manufacturers that look similar may be only a few hundred. If you want to purchase a Rolex online, click for more tips.
Your budget also goes into the kind of features that you want in your watch. The tighter the budget, the more you’ll have to compromise. Here are a few features to consider:
Watch Movement
Mechanical automatic watch movement is the most expensive. These watches aren’t battery-powered and don’t require you to wind them in order to keep running. You can often tell if a watch is mechanical if the second hand runs smoothly.
Quartz watches, on the other hand, are powered through batteries. Although they’re very accurate, they’re also more affordable because they’re not considered as classy as mechanical watches.
Unlike the smooth motion of mechanical watches, they’ll also tick like the clocks you’re used to.
Synthetic Sapphire Crystal
The material of the front window of the watch also contributes to its price. Most high-quality watches use synthetic sapphire crystal, as it’s more durable and scratch-resistant.
Mineral glass is the more affordable option, but your watch may not survive drops as easily.
Chronometer Rating
You’ll find that many watches have a chronometer rating. This rating measures how accurate the watch is at telling time. The testing includes how accurate the watch is in different temperatures and conditions.
Watches that have a chronometer rating usually cost at least a thousand dollars or more. Chronometer-rated watches can be seen as a status symbol–in terms of real-life usage, you’ll be adjusting your watch less often.
Choose a Design
You’ll also want to consider the design of your watch. This includes but isn’t limited to:
- Size
- Shape
- Materials
- Color
- And more
Since there are such a wide variety of watch designs available, think about your own wardrobe in order to get some ideas as well as where you’ll be wearing your watch. For instance, if you know that you’ll be wearing your watch to the office, a more reserved and elegant watch may be the best choice.
On the other hand, you’ll want a more sporty watch that can withstand being rained on if you’re planning to take it outdoors often. Regardless of where you’ll be wearing the watch, make sure that it matches your tastes and personality!
Shop Pre-Owned
As more people than ever before are shopping online for watches, they realize that purchasing a used watch is a great way to save money without skimping on quality. You’ll find that many authorized retailers online ensure that their pre-owned luxury watches look and function just like brand-new watches.
Even better, you’ll be saving yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars. You may also find that reputable sellers will also include the original packaging.
Although you need to purchase watches directly from the brand’s store in order to get two-year warranties, many online stores will include their own warranties so that you can still have that needed protection. These warranties can even be better than the original retailer’s.
You may also receive authenticity cards, insurance valuation certificates, manuals, swing tags, and more. In other words, don’t discount purchase pre-owned before perusing the website you’re considering and seeing what they have to offer.
Quality Watch Buying Guide for Quality Watches
By taking time to read this guide, you’re increasing the likelihood that you’ll be happy with your online watch purchase once you make it. When you buy a watch, especially a luxury watch, online, many retailers won’t offer returns. With this in mind, make sure that you’re sure about the brand, style, watch movement, and more before you even begin browsing online.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re purchasing from reputable sellers with experience in the industry. Take time to review their websites and look up online reviews. Only then can you be sure that your luxury watch purchase is worthwhile.
Ready to learn more tips on luxury online purchases? Keep reading the blog for our straightforward guides!
