Top 5 Tips For Buying Your First Luxury Watch You’ll Love

Jurica Krajacic
Jurica Krajacic
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There is a reason watches get passed down from generation to generation. They are inheritable treasures that remind us that time is precious. Many men receive their first watch as a handed down gift from their father or grandfather. A really good watch can also be pretty expensive. If you’re looking to celebrate a milestone in your life by buying your first luxury watch, then keep these tips in mind as you research and shop. You could save yourself a lot of “if only I knew then what I know now” thoughts. 

#1. Think About Your Luxury Watch Budget

If you don’t already know a lot about watches then you could be in for some sticker shock the first time you go out shopping. High-end watches can get pricey, but keep in mind that a quality watch can last a lifetime and you will probably be wearing it every day. This is an investment you are making in yourself and your style for years to come but you still want to check out the best watch prices. 

While watch prices can go much higher, you can expect to pay at least between $3,000 – $5,000 on your beginner’s luxury watch. You can get a pretty impressive Omega or Rolex watch for this price and not be in over your head. 

Omega Speedmaster on a padded leather strap.
Courtesy: Photo by
Tommi Selander

#2. Avoid Buying Vintage For Your First Luxury Watch

Many first time buyers think about buying a vintage or used watch for their first purchase. This could be a mistake because knowing which vintage watch is worth the money can take years of timepiece education and research. While this might be a worthy pursuit someday, a new watch might be best for a first-timer. 

You’re going to be amazed at how many choices there are for colors, styles, sizes, and shapes. The world of watches is neverending in the scope of creativity and style. The most important tip, if you are going for a watch that will last a lifetime or even 2 or 3 lifetimes, is to go for a classic style. 

Avoid trends that could easily fall in and out of fashion over the decades. Designs that have already stood the test of time include the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the Cartier Tank, and the Panerai Radiomir. You also can’t get more classic or well-known than a Rolex. 

Cartier Tank – a classic option for you. Courtesy: Photo by Louis Mornaud

#4. Know Your Luxury Watch Brands

Don’t even know where to start? First, try checking out these very well known luxury watch brands that are known all over the world as being the best of the best. 

These are just a few of the top brands, there are many more to explore. You can shop online for luxury watches these days just as easily as going into the stores. It’s very easy to price compare online as well.

You can do it right on our metasearch and comparison for luxury watches here at WatchSignals

#5. Decide If You Want This To Be  A Family Heirloom

If you want the watch to be handed down for generations, stick with a classic style, and consider going for a mechanical watch rather than quartz. Mechanical watches are easier to fix and you’ll never have to worry that they will stop making a battery you need. An inscription on the back of the watch can also help tell a story or leave your mark for your son, grandson, or great-grandson. 


Our friend at Crown & Caliber, a certified pre-owned watch dealer from the U.S, recommended 9 good entry-level luxury watches for beginners. Make sure you don’t miss this video!

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