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Luxury Watches: 

The Ultimate Guide for Buying, Collecting and Gifting

Whether you’re new to watches, a seasoned collector, or shopping for someone in between, choosing the ideal luxury timepiece or watch-related gift takes a bit of research and thought. We've assembled the ultimate guide that covers the needs and preferences of every enthusiast.

A Quick History

Before shopping for a watch, let’s take a brief look at the rich history that led to its invention. Dating as far back as ancient Egyptian and Babylonian times, the sundial was the first rudimentary device used to tell time. As its name suggests, it simply tracked the sun and offered a rough idea of what hour of the day it was.

Flash forward to the 13thcentury, the first mechanical clock emerged, which led to the invention of clock mainsprings in 1485 by Leonardo da Vinci. With this revolutionary part, watchmakers were able to create smaller, more practical pieces starting in 1517, which marked the beginning of modern-day watchmaking.

In 1524, 39 years after the mainspring was invented, German locksmith Peter Henlein designed the first pocket watch. Many were drawn to pocket watches for their dignified and convenient appeal, but eventually, wristwatches became more popular to wear. It’s been said that during the 1770s, Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Perrelet began circulating original designs for the first automatic timepiece.

Today, watches are one of the most popular wearable accessories – a quintessential fusion of function and fashion.

The Basics of Watch Anatomy

Here’s a brief overview of the most important watch parts.

Watch Metals:Most watches are made of stainless steel, as it is tough enough for everyday wear and resistant to rusting and corrosion. To give stainless steel a particular hue, it is sometimes gold-plated or covered in a PVD coating. Some watches are made of other durable materials, like titanium – and many sophisticated styles are accented with white or yellow gold elements.

Watch Face:A watch face typically features a dial and a protective cover, called the crystal, usually made of mineral or synthetic sapphire. Dials can come in any number of colors, even shimmery mother-of-pearl – with time markers in styles that range from sleek numbers to traditional Roman numerals to minimalistic lines that indicate the time. Sometimes diamonds or crystals are added for ornamentation, especially on the bezel.

Watch Crown:A crown is the little screw button on the side of the watch that is pressed and turned to wind the watch and set the time. It is usually ribbed to give it added grip and will sometimes click to let you know that it is working properly. A crown can also be used in concordance with a particular function, like the stopwatch feature of a chronograph watch.

Bracelet vs. Strap:A watch is referred to as a bracelet if it is made of a rigid material, like metal or ceramic. Bracelets are usually comprised of links, which can be removed by a jeweler to create a custom fit and are commonly finished with a concealed or foldover clasp. When a watch is made of a softer material, like leather, alligator or rubber, it is referred to as a strap. Straps can have a buckle closure or a foldover clasp. 

WATCH

For Buyers and Collectors: Navigating the World of Luxury Watches

Understanding Watch Movements

A watch movement indicates how the watch keeps time. Most modern watches have a quartz movement. Often Swiss-made, a quartz watch uses electricity from a battery to power the movement. When electricity passes through the quartz crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency, and these vibrations drive the movement that keeps the hands in motion.

Before the quartz technique came to be, there was mechanical watch movement. Sometimes found in our Estate collection, mechanical watches must be manually wound regularly to keep them running.

Also mechanical in nature, automatic watch movement (sometimes referred to as "self-winding”) uses a weighted rotor that rotates with the natural movement of the wrist to keep the watch wound. If not worn regularly, automatic watches should be kept in a watch winder to ensure they are fully wound for optimal performance on the next wear.

Exploring Watch Styles

Whether it's a sporty chronograph for the adventurous soul or an elegant dress watch for formal occasions, there is a diverse range of watch styles available to suit every taste and lifestyle.

Here is an overview of some of the most common watch styles:

  • Sport or performance watches may include functional features like heart rate monitors, sleep monitors, step/distance counters and more. They are typically water-resistant or waterproof and well-insulated to resist dirt and environmental invaders that come with an active lifestyle.
  • Dressy watches have very few features and are meant to be worn for special occasions and activities with little to no impact. They may spotlight diamond accents and are often presented with white and yellow gold elements.
  • Estate watches are pre-owned heirlooms that tend to catch the attention of vintage enthusiasts and collectors with their distinctly unique bygone charm.
  • Affordablewatches are great, budget-friendly options for everyday wear or for those who want an extensive collection to match their every mood and outfit. Though they may not be made by high-end designer brands, there is still an assortment of well-priced watches on the market that will last for years to come with proper care.

Special Watch Functions

In addition to their movement and overall style, some watches feature special functions:

  • Chronograph watches have a stopwatch integrated into the timepiece that can perform various timekeeping functions depending on the model – a feature favored by divers and sports buffs.
  • Day-date watches are ideal for those on the go, as they have a built-in calendar.
  • Moon phase watches illustrate the current phase of the moon, which is a unique feature for those with an interest in such astronomical phenomena.

Water Resistance

Many watches feature water resistance under specific pressure levels, typically denoted in meters, to measure depth-related pressure. It's crucial to understand that this indication doesn't imply the watch is safe for submersion at that depth. For instance, a timepiece labeled as water-resistant to 30 meters shouldn't be worn while swimming. Even if you aren’t diving to 30-meter depths, swimming movements can expose the watch to pressures that surpass this threshold.



Popular Styles for Gifting: Unveiling Timeless Elegance for Him and Her

  • Pre-Owned Rolex Watches: Experience the renowned luxury of a pre-owned Rolex watch. With timeless designs and unparalleled quality, a pre-owned Rolex is more than just a timepiece – it's a storied statement of sophistication and refinement.
  • Automatic Watches: For those who appreciate the artistry behind traditional watchmaking, automatic watches offer a blend of mechanical precision and timeless elegance. Powered by the movement of the wearer's wrist, these self-winding timepieces forge a unique bond between man and machine.
  • Vintage Watches: Delve into the rich history of our pre-owned Estate watches. Each piece tells a story of a bygone era and features exquisite craftsmanship and timeless charm. From 14kt and 18kt gold to diamond-studded statements, our vintage collection is sure to captivate any collector's heart.

Luxury Watch Care and Maintenance

Preserve the beauty and functionality of your luxury watches with proper care and maintenance tips. From cleaning and storage to periodic servicing, ensure that your prized possessions stand the test of time. After all, a quality watch can be passed down for generations to come. 

Quartz Watch Care:Since quartz movement watches have fewer parts, they generally require a bit less upkeep compared to mechanical movement watches. Still, it is a good rule of thumb to examine your quartz watch once a year, or whenever you need to change the battery.

Mechanical Watch Care:Like all watches, you should keep your mechanical watch clean and kept away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Since this movement type needs to be wound to keep time, it’s best to wear your mechanical watch daily or store it in a watch winder.

Automatic Watch Care: Caring for your automatic watch again starts with ensuring its cleanliness and integrity. For water-resistant models, gently wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth and periodically check their water resistance, as seals and gaskets may degrade over time. Avoid subjecting your watch to high pressure, chemicals, extreme temperatures or magnetic fields.

These steps can help keep your watch well-preserved and functioning smoothly. Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to have your automatic timepiece professionally serviced every 3-5 years.

Watch Winders:If constant wear or manual winding aren’t your preferences, there's a practical solution: a watch winder . These sophisticated devices mimic the natural movement of hand winding, providing circular rotations to keep your timepiece running smoothly and preserving its longevity. With a watch winder, you can safely store your watch without worrying about it losing synchronization.

Many watch winders include storage and display space for your timepieces, making them useful and versatile pieces that will help optimize space on your dresser or bureau. They are available in a range of sizes to accommodate a single or couple of watches, all the way up to a double-digit collection.

Other Watch Storage Solutions:As your watch collection grows, so does the need for elegant storage solutions. Ensuring luxury timepieces are stored correctly aids in their resilience against environmental factors, like dust, and even accidental misplacement of your precious accessories. Our selection of meticulously crafted watch boxes offers functionality and style, providing a secure home for cherished timepieces.

At Ross-Simons, we take pride in offering a curated selection of luxury watches and accessories to elevate your style and enhance your collection. Whether you're treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift, we invite you to indulge in the timeless elegance of fine timepieces that transcend mere fashion to become cherished heirlooms.

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