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Buying a luxury watch is about more than just telling time. It’s often tied to celebration, personal style, or the desire to invest in something lasting. Unlike most accessories, a watch blends craftsmanship, heritage, and emotion into one small, wearable statement.
If you’re starting the search, here’s how to shop with clarity and confidence.
Know What You Want
Before diving into brands and specs, think about why you want the watch. Is it for everyday wear or special occasions? Is it something you’d like to pass down someday, or are you celebrating a milestone?
Your lifestyle matters too. If you’re active, durability and comfort come first. If you’re into style, the look might carry more weight. Whether you lean classic or bold, vintage or modern, narrowing your preferences will make your search a lot easier.
Familiarize Yourself With Watch Basics
You don’t need to be an expert, but understanding a few key terms goes a long way. Luxury watches typically come in three types: mechanical, which includes both (hand-wound) and automatic (self-winding) watches, and quartz (battery-powered) watches. Mechanical watches are prized for craftsmanship, while quartz is often more precise and low-maintenance.
Outside of aesthetics, What makes a watch really sought after are its complications. Complications are any function on a watch outside of just telling time – This is where watch brands really love to show off their ingenuity. Some common complications include date, day + date, and GMT, which tracks multiple time zones at ones. You don’t need to know every detail, but having a general grasp of these can help you compare models and understand what sets them apart.
Have a Watch Budget in Mind
Luxury watches typically start at a few thousand dollars and can climb into the six-figure range, with rare or one-of-a-kind pieces occasionally selling for millions. That said, there’s a wide spectrum in between, and setting a budget will help you narrow your focus and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Several factors influence price: the brand’s reputation, the materials used, and the complexity of the movement all play a role. For example, a stainless steel automatic watch from a respected brand might start around $3,000, while precious metal cases or models with complications like perpetual calendars or chronographs can quickly multiply that figure by ten or even a hundred fold.
It’s also worth considering whether you want to buy new or pre-owned. Pre-owned watches can offer strong value—sometimes giving you access to higher-end models or discontinued pieces for less. Just make sure you’re buying from a trusted source that guarantees authenticity.
If you’re unsure where to begin, it can be helpful to set a flexible range rather than a fixed number. That way, you’ll be open to more possibilities while still shopping with intention.
Start Researching Watch Brands and Models
Once you know what you like and how much you want to spend, it’s time to dive into the world of brands. Some have centuries of fine watch making heritage behind them—like Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet—while others like Rolex, Omega, and Cartier balance tradition with broader cultural appeal.
Reading reviews, watching side-by-side YouTube videos comparisons, and speaking to watch specialists can help you zero in on what resonates. Over time, you’ll start to notice which models consistently hold value and attention—and which ones tend to come and go with trends.
Try on Watches—If You Can
Fit matters more than you might expect. A watch might look perfect online but feel completely wrong on your wrist or not match your existing stack. Trying it on gives you a sense of the weight, size, and how it sits against your skin.
If you’re buying online, consider visiting a local dealer or boutique just to test the fit of similar styles. It’s also a chance to notice small details—like how the clasp works or whether the dial is easy to read in person. At Lauren B, you can schedule in-person appointments to see our curated inventory of like-new timepieces and try on any models that catch your eye.
Decide: New or Pre-Owned?
Almost all of the timepieces in our inventory are “like-new” and have never been worn, offering you the best of both worlds—pristine condition with the value often found in pre-owned selections. That said, if vintage watches are what you prefer, we can absolutely source those as well.
Both new and pre-owned watches come with their own advantages and considerations. Buying new provides peace of mind with a full warranty and flawless condition. Pre-owned options often come at a better price point and can offer access to discontinued models or vintage charm, though they do require more careful evaluation.
If you choose pre-owned, it’s important to verify authenticity, condition, and service history. Always work with reputable dealers or platforms that provide thorough verification.
Double-Check Watch Authenticity and Warranty
Luxury watches are frequently counterfeited, so it’s worth verifying every detail. It takes a trained eye with years of experience to spot a fake, and nothing really competes with buying from a truly trusted source.. That said, there are plenty of videos and articles online that can help you with some of the authentication process.
The original box and papers aren’t just nice to have—they can help prove authenticity and retain value later. Older models may come with actual papers while newer models typically come with plastic cards. A quick google search of the serial number may just be the fastest way to authenticate a watch.
Make sure you understand the warranty terms as well. Some brands offer transferable warranties, while others don’t.
Think About the Long Term
Owning a luxury watch means planning for maintenance. Mechanical watches typically need servicing every few years, which can be costly depending on the brand.
Also think about value retention, especially if you’re hoping to eventually sell or pass down the piece. Some models appreciate in value over time. And if your watch is particularly valuable, insuring it is a smart move.
Time to Decide
Take your time. The best watch is the one that feels right every time you wear it. Ask questions, read up, try things on, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right. The right one will be worth the wait—and you’ll know it when you see it (and try it on!).