5 Watch Mistakes Newbies Make | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

Even the savviest watch collectors have been newbies once. We all start somewhere. And along the way, we learn some truths about watches and collecting that we wish someone told us before.

Now, this isn’t a complete list of mistakes new watch guys can make and not every one who is new to watches have fallen for these, but they still are common today.
br

Here are the 5 most common mistakes watch collecting newbies make, and how you can avoid them:

Many people still believe that watches are guaranteed to appreciate in value, but that is actually not true for all watches.

Pre-owned watches do hold their value pretty well; and a lot of watches such as Rolex sport models have appreciated in recent years. In fact, if you bought one pre-owned you can likely sell it for more than you bought it for a few years ago. However, this type of price movement is by no means guaranteed. The “buy low, sell high” adage isn’t as applicable in the watch world because of industry changes.

Therefore, buying a watch as an investment, or because you think it will appreciate in value, may not be the right motivation. It’s best to get one instead for your personal enjoyment.

Nonetheless, keep your watch in tiptop shape in case you want to sell it someday.

If you’re buying your first ever watch, we understand the allure that “brand new” has. But know that you can also get quality watches pre-owned.

Many pre-owned watches are sold or traded-in to retailers in excellent condition, and sometimes, even unworn. So this means you can get a good-as-new watch for less. Moreover, the pre-owned market also makes your options broader – if you’re looking for a watch that’s no longer being produced, such as vintage or limited edition pieces – that’s where you’ll find it.

Just make sure to do your research and buy from a trusted retailer. Start by asking Is that a Real Rolex? or by knowing How to Spot a Restored Dial.

It’s good to listen to the insights of more experienced watch collectors, but at the end of the day, the watch will sit on your wrist.

So the most important factor when choosing a watch is whether it fits your lifestyle, activities and personal taste. With all the categories, designs and models to choose from, this may take time, but ultimately, you should buy what you truly like and the best that you can afford.

Here’s our 10-Step Guide to Choosing a Watch, to start with.

There are watches you’ll almost never go wrong with (like Rolex sport models) but you’ll get the most out of your investment by actually using its features.

Aside from its brand name, heritage, reputation and design, a watch’s complication is what sets it apart from other watches. By complication, we mean what your watch can do aside from telling time. A few basic ones are:

– Date or Day-Date Display – tells you the date or both the date and day of the week

– Triple Date – tells you the month of the year in addition to the day and date

– Chronograph – a watch that can be used to record time or as a stop watch

– Greenwhich MeanTime or GMT – tells time in two places simultaneously, often used for traveling

As a new watch owner, you’re probably excited to keep your watch in tiptop shape and show it off to others, but it’s also possible to love your watch too much. Avoid the following pitfalls:

Going over the top on the polish – Polishing your watch will keep it looking shiny and new, and keep unavoidable scratches away, but be aware that whenever you add polish to the casing and buff it, you’re also removing a thin layer of metal or gold. Over-polishing also affects the value of your watch if you plan to re-sell it.

Exposing it to elements – Water, sunlight, and magnets are avoidable elements that you should limit your watch’s exposure to. Vintage watches, most especially, are prone to hairspring and mainspring damage brought about by magnets, so avoid exposing them to smartphones and laptops.

Part of the joy of owning a watch is learning about them. You may commit mistakes along the way, but with continuous learning, you’ll become watch savvy in no time.

____

SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO:

Best Watches for Starting a Collection | SwissWatchExpo

____

Best Watches for Starting a Collection | SwissWatchExpo