How to choose a watch and never regret the purchase

The choice of new watches leaves no one cold these days. It's not just a tool that lets you know what time it is. A watch is also an accessory that tells the world who you are and what you care about. And since you probably want your image to remain perfect, you pay due attention to their selection.

Unfortunately, navigating the luxury watch market can seem a bit tricky. How do you choose the right watch among a variety of famous brands, different styles of designs and types of movements? We've put together a simple guide on what to look for when choosing this unique accessory.

Watch movement: quartz versus mechanical movement?

As you start looking for a watch for your wrist, first ask yourself what kind of watch you're looking for. Is it a 'battery-operated' watch or a watch with a mechanical movement? While quartz models need electricity to run, mechanical ones work thanks to springs and gears that guarantee the movement of the hands.

One of the biggest advantages of quartz movements is their almost total accuracy, not forgetting the minimal maintenance required to keep the battery charged and the lower price compared to mechanical watches.

The magic of a mechanical movement

If you are a lover of precision craftsmanship and watchmaking tradition, you will probably be captivated by a mechanical model.

Despite claims that they cannot compete with quartz watches in timekeeping accuracy, mechanical movements can be as accurate as possible. You just have to choose correctly. If you choose one that is COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certified, you don't have to worry about the watch being late. In addition, mechanical movements are distinguished by their long service life, which allows the watch to be passed down from generation to generation.

A watch with a self-winding movement gets its energy from the movement of your wrist, which means you don't have to worry about winding it regularly. On the other hand, when choosing a watch with a manual winding movement, you need to consider that you will have to wind the crown regularly to keep the watch running. For many watch enthusiasts, this ritualistic activity is an integral part of the enjoyment of owning a mechanical watch.

Watch brand: a symbol of tradition and quality

If you desire technical excellence, tradition and history, choose the products of renowned watchmaking houses. When you buy them, you get a guarantee of absolute quality, especially if the watches come with certifications that attest to their value.

Renowned watch brands for the discerning

A considerable advantage of the big brands is that they are also authorised dealers selling models all over the world, guaranteeing the originality of the goods and certainty in the event of a claim or service. Since 2007, BENY Jewellers has been an authorised dealer for a number of world-famous watch brands such as Chopard, Franck Muller, Arnold & Son, Zenith, Girard-Perregaux, Parmigiani Fleurier, Bell & Ross, Corum, Graham, Montblanc, CVSTOS, Longines, Maurice Lacroix, Frederique Constant, Gucci, Perrelet, Rado, Oris, Hamilton, Baume & Mercier, Raymond Weil, Fortis or Tissot.

Choosing a brand to suit your lifestyle

Each of these prestigious watch brands has its own identity and specialisation:

• Chopard and Franck Muller are among the highest categories of luxury watches with an emphasis on craftsmanship.
• Bell & Ross excels in aviation and technical watches.
• Longines and Tissot offer excellent value for money.
• Rado is renowned for its innovative use of materials.
• Oris specialises in mechanical watches for outdoor enthusiasts.

When choosing a watch brand, it is important to consider how it corresponds to your lifestyle, personal taste and possibly investment potential.

Watch design reflects your personal style

One of the aspects that will matter most to you, apart from the correct running of your watch, is the look. The most important thing is, of course, who the watch is for.

Will it be a men's watch or a women's model? Once you've clarified this criterion, think about the size of the watch, which should be based on the width of your wrist. If it's narrower, choose a smaller dial that won't look distracting; if your wrist is wider, you can choose a more massive model.

It depends where you wear the watch

When it comes to watch design, the choice is entirely yours. But the first question to answer is what use the watch will have for you. Do you want it to be part of your everyday life, or do you want it to be the perfect accessory for a formal outfit? While lovers of modern style will love a sporty watch, a classic model will easily become a symbol of your social status.

Today, designer watches often combine traditional watchmaking with modern touches. Iconic models such as the Bell & Ross BR 01 with its square case, the Zenith El Primero with its legendary chronograph or the extravagant Corum Bubble with its distinctive domed glass have become unmistakable design gems.

Trends in luxury watch design

We are currently following several clear trends:

• a return to smaller case diameters (38-40 mm)
• the growing popularity of vintage models
• experimentation with dial colours and materials
• integration of smart functions into traditional mechanical watches
• growing interest in technically sophisticated skeletonised models

Material: not only appearance is important, but also durability

With regard to materials, we recommend focusing on your lifestyle when choosing a watch. For casual wear, steel or titanium is the most suitable as these materials are very resistant to damage. While titanium is very lightweight and also anti-allergenic, steel is most commonly used for making waterproof watches. On the other hand, there is gold, which is a sign of luxury, but of course less affordable. If you can't opt for either option, you can find an alternative in a steel case with gold plating, which gives the watch a unique look without a significant increase in price.

Innovative materials in luxury watchmaking

Today's luxury watch manufacturers are experimenting with modern materials such as:

• ceramic: extremely scratch-resistant but relatively fragile
• carbon: an extremely light and durable material
• bronze: the development of a patina during wear
• sapphire crystals: for both the glasses and the watch case

Straps and bracelets as a stylish finishing touch

The strap or bracelet is also an integral part of the watch design. Leather straps give the watch an elegant look suitable for formal occasions, while metal bracelets are more practical for everyday wear. Rubber or textile straps are ideal for sports models and water activities.

Many luxury watches today offer a quick-change strap system, allowing you to adapt your watch to different occasions.

The price of watches can vary considerably

Once you have all the running and appearance details figured out, the big decision comes: how much money to invest in a watch? This question is quite complex, because on the market you can discover a whole spectrum of models in a diametrically opposed price range.

While the status of some is created only by marketing, there are also watches whose high price stems from impeccable craftsmanship, high-quality materials, modern features or precise details. So before you buy, consider whether the value really matches what you expect from the watch.

Luxury watches as an investment

A luxury watch can be not only a pleasure for the owner, but also a smart investment. Especially limited edition or precious metal models often increase in value over the years.

Among the brands with the highest investment potential are Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. But other prestigious brands such as Chopard, Zenith or Franck Muller can also represent an interesting investment opportunity.

Where to shop? Safety first

With the development of the internet, e-commerce has also developed, but unfortunately this is accompanied by uncertainty and fear of fraudsters. Especially when buying high-value products such as luxury watches, do not rely on portals offering watches at very cheap prices to be on the safe side. The best choice is to buy from a reputable retailer who ideally also has a brick-and-mortar branch where you can try on men's or women's watches. BENY boutiques are available for you at 4 prestigious Prague addresses.

Advantages of buying from an authorised dealer

When you buy a luxury watch from an authorised retailer you get:

• guarantee of authenticity and originality
• full international manufacturer's warranty
• the opportunity to try the watch before you buy it
• expert advice from trained specialists
• the assurance of service and long-term care
• access to limited and special editions

Lifetime care of your watch should be a given

Investing in a luxury watch doesn't end with the purchase. Regular servicing is important to maintain the value, accuracy and beauty of your watch . Regular servicing should take place every 3-5 years for mechanical watches, and every battery change for quartz watches.

How to choose a watch that will make you happy

Choosing a luxury watch is a process that combines technical knowledge, aesthetic preferences and financial capabilities. Whether you're looking for a classically elegant watch for business meetings, a sporty chronograph for an active lifestyle or an investment piece to pass on to the next generation, the key to success is thorough preparation and buying from a reputable retailer.