Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Watches - High Value Watches

High value watches have been around for decades, but if you have been paying attention to what’s going on in the world of fashion, you are aware that expensive designer watches are topping the list right now.Rolex replica,Porsche Design replica,Richard Mille replica,Zenith replica,Hublot replica and Ferrari replica watches have always been major players, but the fashion design houses are now competing in high end timepieces.
Why do people want to purchase these very expensive luxury watches? There really are quite a few reasons:
The wealthy can afford these costly fashion accessories.As a collectible – But remember, just as with beanie babies, these fads DO end.An investment in an economically unstable world – Jewelry is a tricky investment.The intrinsic value is lost the moment you buy it, and what is left is the gold and the jewels, which maintain their value.The exceptions to this are watches that are unique, rare or hard to find, limited editions, pieces that have a transferable warranty in force, and best of all, one that was owned or worn by a celebrity.There are pieces that are very good investments.The Omega Anniversary Speedmaster Moon watch can increase in value before it is even released to the buying public.And Patek Philippe is one of the most sought after brands in the watch industry. These extremely luxurious watches are some of the best ever made and can double in value in terms of 5-10 years..Many are known for their precision timing and durability.Certain brands of high value watches are popular in specific professions- for example, Breitling is highly regarded by aviators because they measure speed and have other relative functions. Digital watches like the Tissot T Touch, allow you to digitally measure altitude, compass position, and humidity.Wearing a luxury watch will immediately make you stand out in high couture circles.
There is a long list of high value watch manufacturers.Cartier is always associated with the fashion world, as are Chopard replica,Cartier replica,Chanel replica,Corum replica,Franck Muller replica,Graham replica,Longines replica,Tudor replica,Romain Jerome replica,Tag Heuer replica.
One very interesting aspect to high value watches is that the mechanical versions are more expensive than the quartz models…even in the same watch brand.A mechanical watch is one that uses an non-electric mechanism.It is driven by a spring that has to be manually wound, and which makes a ticking noise when it is running.They appeared in Europe in the 1600’s. Even though they cost more, they are not as accurate as the modern quartz watches; therefore are worn more for value and their aesthetic qualities than for their accuracy.
So why do they cost more?There are those who believe it is because the movements are highly refined. Some think that the quartz is less expensive. The difference in cost is very little, though the quartz is indeed slightly cheaper.More important are the following:
Almost nothing ever goes wrong with a quartz movement, whereas mechanical movements require occasional service.The cost of servicing these watches under warranty protection is factored into the retail cost of the timepiece.Quartz watches are purchased far more frequently than mechanical watches, so the quick turnover makes it less costly to sell.There is a premium put on any above average features in luxury jewelry.If you want precious metals, synthetic sapphire crystals, additional features and precious stones, you are going to pay for them.
And then there are the replica watches! Are these watches legal or not? You need to know more about them before deciding to go this route.
High end replica watches are still finely crafted and made to the specifications of the original designer.Some are almost perfect in their accuracy, and are difficult for even the trained experts to identify.Exact replicas even use the same processes and materials, but they aren’t as exacting when testing for the standards of the timepiece. They may still use 18 K gold, and stainless steel, authentic etching, etc.They aren’t cheap, though they cost far less than the originals.There is only one major problem.They are illegal.
Counterfeit watches are so extensively on the market today that you can literally buy them almost anywhere.They are sold online, on cruise ships, at vacation resorts, at rade centers, and in jewelry stores.There are two kinds of replicas available.
The inexpensive counterfeits carry the names of popular brands, but do not resemble either the quality or the designs of the originals.They are neither warrantied or guaranteed, and rightly so.No fashion conscious buyer would be fooled by them.
The expensive replicas are another story.Because they use fine materials, and have more dependable movements and more closely copy the originals, they often pass inspection.But don’t be fooled…nothing is better in terms of function and efficiency than the authentic watches. When buying, if you cannot see a certificate of conformance, you are most likely looking at a fake.
If you have decided to buy an authentic high end watch, you need to know what is and what isn’t important:
Knowing what you want and need in a watch is important. Are you trying to impress yourself or others? Are you looking for style or something that only you will know is special? Do you want a specific metal, unusual functions, diamonds?Will you be wearing it daily or just for dress?Shopping at a reputable dealer is important.
The reputation of the brand is important. History of the brand is also important though less so.Resale value is important only if you are an investor or a collector.Watch movement details are not important unless you are an expert.The number of jewels is not important.The jewels in the movement are not precious stones.
A couple of final thoughts before you go shopping.Unless a watch costs more than $20,000 it is NOT hand crafted. Don’t shop at discount or department stores for a high value watch.And the most important of all…if a deal looks too good to be true…IT IS!

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