Anatomy Of A Swiss Luxury Watch

The Make Up Of A Luxury Watch

Swiss luxury watches incorporate some of the finest materials in the world. Many luxury watches use 14kt or 18kt yellow gold in the case and bracelet. White or rose gold and platinum are also popular materials used for fine timepieces. Many of the finest Swiss luxury watches simply use stainless steel bands and dials.

Leather straps are a more casual option than metal bracelets, and provide a more reserved look. The more popular selections come in calfskin, lizard, and alligator patterns. A gold bracelet will provide a pronounced air of luxury. Although a solid gold band will be more expensive, it will also be an investment in itself.

Diamond watches are popular among men of late and have always been the luxury watch of choice for ladies. Colorful gemstones are set in to some of the most expensive luxury watch designs. You want to make sure the gemstones are authentic, as they will significantly add to the value of the timepiece.

Horology is the process of designing of fine, mechanical timepieces. Watch collectors tend to prefer manual wind or automatic watches. Mechanical movements display the skill of the watch maker and are most elite luxury watches. Quartz movements are the most precise and do not require as much maintenance.

Watchmaking is a tradition started in Switzerland over 100 years ago and the Swiss are still innovating. Functions such as the stopwatch on a chronograph are referred to as complications. Complications tend to increase the price of the watch and display additional skills of a watch maker. Here are some features you should be looking for when purchasing a new Swiss luxury watch.

Band: A metal bracelet, leather strap, or rubber band. Case: Round, rectangular, or square shape. Materials: Gold, platinum, silver, stainless steel,titanium, or ceramic. Gems: Diamonds or other gems; set in the dial, case or band. Movement: Mechanical, automatic or quartz. Specs: Analog or digital dial; a divers watch with water resistance, a chronograph with a stopwatch; calendars, moon phase dials. Brand: A traditional  Swiss company like Rolex or Patek or a watchmaker like Franck Muller.

A Swiss watch is a work of art, as well as a functional accessory. One should be aware of materials and craftsmanship when considering the value of a fine timepiece. It is this combination which creates such a mystifying experience for the watch collector.