Why Do We Buy Luxury Watches?

The pre-owned watch market, or grey market as it is often called, is colossal. It's an industry that is definitely thriving, as more and more people are becoming interested in the wonderful art of the luxury watch. These days, there are so many different types of people buying and selling Swiss watches, each with his or her own view of what is desirable and the most prestigious at any given time. Some buyers have their eye on a particular piece for some time, and they make it a personal goal to save up and purchase that piece. Some are fortunate enough to have the finances to own an entire collection and they regularly trade in and out of watches, financing a hobby that often costs thousands of Pounds, Dollars or Euros. There are dealers who make a living from buying and selling pre-owned watches and there are those who buy what they feel are sound investments and keep them locked away in a safe, as an appreciating asset, much like owning shares in a growing company.
So what influences a buyer's opinion as to what is the right watch to buy?
Often it comes down to personal choice; a huge watch doesn't always suit a small wrist. Some like stainless steel, some like rose-gold and some like the modern look like titanium. Obviously cost can also play a part as many pieces are priced out of reach for a large portion of watch enthusiasts.
One factor that probably plays a more significant role in the selection of a luxury watch than any other, is that of the status symbol. In the modern society in which we live, the status symbol is possibly more important than it has ever been. We are forever purchasing items that let the world around us know how well we are doing and how hard we are working. From the big house on Wealthy Avenue to the classy sports car, we show these possessions off in the same way that a peacock shows its feathers, and the luxury watch plays its part in this - in fact it is one of the largest second hand markets in the World. Evidence of this is the popularity of the most well known of the watch brands. People wear these watches not purely because they are well made or even sound investments but mostly because those around them will know the brand and recognise the perceived success that goes with wearing these pieces.
However, there are those who break this mould - the true watch aficionados. These are the folk who have been "playing" in the luxury watch playground for eons, and are usually as passionate about watches as Gandhi was about sandals. They are of the type who hold a watch and stare at it for ages, celebrating the superior craftsmanship, design and effort that has gone into making such a work of art. The true watch aficionado buys a watch because he/she loves that watch and not because others do. In fact, it is often a timepiece that most would not even recognise as an expensive watch, yet many of these pieces are worth the same as a house in the suburbs, whilst some are worth the same as four houses. Often the love affair is fleeting and more of a whirlwind romance that burns out as quickly as it fires up, while they move onto the next "true love", but sometimes it is a marriage that lasts forever. Some of the finest classics will never be sold by their owners.
Whatever your reason for buying, and whatever your personal preference might be, the luxury Swiss watch is a fantastic product and the industry is a breeding ground for some of the finest creators and innovators in the World.

Joannis Mousicos is a watch collector and dealer with an extremely good knowledge of the luxury watch market today and a keen interest in the history of luxury watches. He writes much on the subject and regularly consults on purchasing investment pieces.

Tissot Quartz Repair

Luxury Quartz watches are accurate and fairly easy to maintain. They are battery operated and usually only require a battery change and cleaning to perform well, but if your Tissot Quartz watch begins to run through batteries, faster than expected or if it stops and starts erratically, it mat be time to have it overhauled. Overhauling a Quartz watch movement should always be done by a trained professional, or by the manufacturer. Here is a list of considerations, when thinking about having your watch overhauled:
1. How old is your quartz watch? In some cases, depending on the age of the watch and its original cost, you may be advised to replace it, rather than having it overhauled.
2. In general, an overhaul of a quartz model will run you about $70-$90, but if additional parts are needed, this cost can rise, substantially. Weigh the value of the watch against the cost to maintain it.
3. Overhauling a quartz watch involves disassembling it and inspecting for damage. The inside of the watch will be cleaned of any build up, which is present, and any damaged components would be replaced.
4. Overhauling your quartz watch can be very cost effective, unless you have some damage to the movement, in this case you will have to make a determination on how to proceed.
5. Once the watch is overhauled, the watch maker will re-seal and re-test the piece, to ensure its water resistance.
Overhauling your quartz watches can extend the life, but you must weigh the cost with the value of the piece.

Choices For Men's Watches Today

There is a wide variety of men's watches available to purchase today. This items are often purchased as gifts for another person, usually to celebrate an accomplishment such as a promotion at work or something similar. At the same time a watch may be given as a gift for a birthday or other special occasion. The styles are numerous, as are the functions.

Various selections might include a pocket watch, for example. These are often worn with a chain. This style was made popular during a time when only the wealthy would have access to these items. Typically they would be kept in the vest pocket of a suit and attached with a chain. Many older people still used this type of watch today but on a more informal and casual level.

The selection that you might have will include choices for the band as well as the accessories that the watch may include. This could be things such as a timer or alarm setting. Some may have the ability to also help you make determinations such as altitude and heart rate as well as other options. When making this type of selection if you are buying for yourself you will decide what works best for you.

You will find that options such as the material that the band is made from. This might include rubber or plastic bands as well as leather or nylon webbing. When you are selecting the options that you might want, you will also need to factor in the cost of the item as well. There can be some that will be very expensive and others that will only cost a few dollars.

There are several choices that can be costly to buy including options for designer faces and things of that nature. The choice that you make will be based on the things that you enjoy as well as the cost of the item that you are considering. Making choices like this for a gift will be determined by the style that the other person prefers.

Today, men's watches are found that will fit into any situation. There are choices for a casual styles as well as a variety of styles that are considered formal wear. When you are making the selection you will find there are many different varieties available today. Purchasing the right style is important for the comfort of the person wearing it as well as the functionality.