The Swiss watch industry is forever taking the world by storm, with new ranges of personal luxury goods constantly appearing on the market. The word luxury in the watch trade can vary in meaning depending on the person. But for many, this usually refers to a combination of quality construction, intricate design, and long-lasting craftsmanship.
One of the most common questions that is asked by consumers is: “What distinguishes a luxury watch from other standard models?” We’ll explore their true nature and uncovering the attributes that make them a truly worthwhile investment.
The brand
The brand behind the production of a luxury watch often speaks volumes about its quality. They have often worked hard for many years to establish their status. Manufacturers like TAG Heuer are renowned for their luxury watch collections that set them apart from other timepieces available on the market.
The technological advancements and preciseness of these brands are why they have remained firm favourites in the industry. You also have limited edition models that feature elegant design aesthetics. These are the epitome of luxury and are highly sought after, making them a worthy investment.
Tag Heuer Carrera
Men’s luxury watches: The materials
Materials matter, particularly where luxury watches are concerned. Typically, they are made from titanium or stainless steel, which are known for their durability, and feature scratch- and shatter-resistant sapphire crystal glass. Other materials include precious metals, such as gold and platinum, which are synonymous with luxury due to their rarity and difficulty to extract.
Some novelty timepieces have even featured incredibly rare elements that are worthy of the luxury status, including dust from the moon and metal from the sunken Titanic ship.
Gemstones are also used to increase the appeal and value of a watch. Precious stones, like diamonds, can be used for decoration on the strap, bezel, or face. Either way, any sort of diamond screams luxury, especially those that are flawless. It’s important to note however that precious gemstones aren’t needed for a watch to be classified as luxury.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200
The type of complication
Men’s luxury watches aren’t just for telling the time, they are also about demonstrating mastery and superiority in horology. One way of demonstrating this is through the use of complications. Essentially, these are features beyond timekeeping, which can make the watch appear more fascinating and technically advanced.
The most well-known complication is the chronograph, popular for its ability to precisely measure elapsed time. This is great for those involved in sporting events or races that require accuracy.
Additionally, the tourbillon represents another intricately crafted horological complication that enhances precision through its ability to counteract the disruptive influence of gravity. It requires a great level of skill and craftsmanship to pull off.
Top image: Tag Heuer Carrera Date, images from Tag Heuer
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
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