A good watch is always an investment piece worth considering when building your essential wardrobe; however, when we’re talking about the successful wardrobe that can launch your career, it’s non-negotiable.
You may be a luxury watch fan, as I am, or you may be one of those folks who could take them or leave them. Either way, you need to know watches are a must—and I do mean a must.
You will never—and I mean NEVER—see a truly successful businessman who does not own an extraordinary luxury watch. It is a finishing touch that is a HUGE tell about where you land and live on the success spectrum. So wrap your mind around knowing you need to own a sensational timepiece. This advice is sound and will serve you more than you can imagine.
And let’s face it. As women, we love jewelry. So think in terms of this possibly being, at least in the beginning, your fabulous jewelry statement. Your luxury watch will last you a lifetime; you will wear it constantly, and you will love having it.
Types of Luxury Watches to Look For
So, let’s explore the looks and various makers of these remarkable additions to your wardrobe. I always recommend a round face. For this particular investment, I also recommend a men’s size face—not a larger one, but the standard size. A woman’s size does not do the trick, so take that off the list.
You are seeking a true luxury brand that does NOT include Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Hermès, Michael Kors, Michelle, or Gucci, to name a few. You want to stick with a name that carries a reputation for luxury and value and that will be a lifetime treasure. And remember, though this is an essential addition to your success wardrobe, it is also an emotional decision. Take the time to truly look and find the one that speaks to your soul. You will be glad you did.
Details to Know When Buying a Luxury Watch
Buying a watch of this caliber is an investment in you. In our post-COVID world, things have changed so much in the luxury watch space that I can tell you without hesitation that not only is this an investment in your career but simply a great investment in general.
For those intending to buy new luxury watches, the rules have changed drastically. If you have previously purchased one of the luxury watch brands or have some connection to a luxury watch retailer, it will pay off in spades. The waiting list is long and perhaps even longer than waiting for your Birkin bag to show up. And that’s saying something!
If you’re going the pre-owned route, be sure you’re working with a reputable (and I do mean reputable!) reseller. Do your research! You can also make use of our sourcing services here at Be Iconic Style! If you’re interested in our helping you source authenticated luxury pieces for you—including luxury watches, be sure to reach out to us at [email protected].
The Brands to Familiarize Yourself With
We found the fabulous list below and wanted to share it with you because education is always a huge help when learning a new subject. First, however, are my own additions to this list:
- Piaget
- Cartier*
- Omega
- Vacheron Constantin
These brands are only in addition to the choices below—all of which are on our most-wanted list.
*The only Cartier watch considered an investment watch is their vintage Tank Watch.
Top Luxury Watch Brands
Originally, Ulysee Nardin focused on producing marine chronometers for the Navy, however, the company eventually began to concentrate on crafting luxury timepieces with an innovative style and second-to-none craftsmanship. Today, the Swiss company has won over 4,300 awards in watchmaking. In 1983, Rolf Schynder purchased the brand and it has remained in his hands ever since. Schynder keeps the company financially independent, which allows Ulysse Nardin to grow creatively and to grow with the times on its own terms.
Founded in 1791 by Orphan Jean-Francois Abautte, Girard Perregeaux was set for innovation and great heights from the beginning. An exceptionally talented watchmaker, Girard Perregeaux quickly became known for his extra-thin watch models. Designing and crafting their own movements, the Swiss brand is known for creating innovative technology such as the first mechanical movement at high frequency and Tourbillon with three gold bridges. The company limits its annual production to only producing around 12,000 watches per year.
The company whose commercial slogan states that it has never produced quartz watches and that it never will pride itself on the quality of its timepieces. While bigger companies like Rolex produce a couple of thousand watches per day, Blancpain crafts fewer than 30 watches per day, and each watch is made by a single watchmaker. The Swiss brand is also renowned for crafting one of the most complicated mechanical watches ever made, the Blancpain 1735. This stunning timepiece is described as the “benchmark of watchmaking art.”
Established in Glashütte, Saxony, by Ferdinand A. Lange in 1845, the German manufacturer watch brand produced some of the world’s most sought-after watches up until the Second World War, which subsequently led the company to a brief hiatus. The brand is known for its Glashütte design which includes three-quarter plates, hand-graved balance cocks, and screwed gold chatons. It is interesting to note that all of its movements are made from “German silver,” a metal composed of copper and nickel. Following German Reunification in 1990, the great-grandson of Ferdinand Adolph Lange set about reviving the brand, and eventually, in 2000, it became part of the Richemont Group.
As the world’s oldest watch manufacturer (it has been in continuous operation since 1755) the brand has acquired expertise in the craftsmanship of fine watches like no other. Ever since its foundation over 250 years ago, it has been a favorite amongst royalty and was the preferred brand of choice for official gifts. Indeed the Federal Swiss Government gave a stunning Vacheron & Constantin watch to Queen Elizabeth 11 on her coronation in 1953. It is also interesting to note that the brand’s timepieces surpass the technical criteria of the Poinçon de Genève, the highest standard of finishing and decorating of mechanical movements.
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