The reason we are writing this short guide is that many people find that it is a lot harder to choose a watch for someone else than they thought it would be. Most buyers lump buying a watch in with buying a shirt, or a tie. But buying a watch is more aligned with choosing a piece of art for someone else than choosing a shirt.
Many men will only own two or three luxury watches in their lifetime, and that is if they are very lucky. There are many more that would consider one luxury watch a very luxurious item.
The exclusivity of a watch makes it all the more special to gift and is the reason it is often gifted for special occasions like an engagement, a big birthday milestone, or a wedding gift. We hope this guide will help you choose the perfect watch & make the impact you hope to make with this gift.
7 Rules to Follow when Gifting a Men’s Watch
1. It will take longer than you think to choose the right watch
You will very quickly discover that the world of horology is vast. There is quite a lot to explore and it can feel a little overwhelming at first. But, if you give yourself some time then the process of choosing the right watch can become a journey of discovery and learning.
Take the opportunity to learn a bit about watchmaking and the different brands available. Research the different complications and movements available & finish your search with some new knowledge. As long as the process is not rushed it can be a pleasant experience.
2. Always research the person you are buying for
Buying the perfect watch as a gift is less about your taste and more about the person you are buying for. I know that sounds obvious but sometimes the most obvious points get ignored. It’s really easy to start choosing for yourself, especially when there are so many lovely watches out there. Make a list of the watches you want to buy for yourself and keep that separate to help you stay on track.
A buying persona can really help you with decision making. It should cover the person’s style, and look at what they currently wear. Do they prefer big name brands or do they only wear eco, for instance? Do they always dress up or do they go for trendy, or perhaps vintage. Try to get a feel for the person’s taste and write it down in your buying persona. If you can also get some information on which watch brands they like (and don’t) this should also go in there. If the person you are buying for is a watch collector it is worth asking some of their friends for advice since watch collectors have a very particular tastes and it’s not always obvious what they might like or not.
3. Buy from a reputable dealer
It is really important to make sure you are not buying a fake watch. You want to make sure that the investment you are making is going to pay off in the end. Many watches go up in value in the second hand market but only if they are authentic.
Always buy your watch from a reputable dealer. If you are buying new then you can find reputable dealers which each brand recommends you buy. For example, Rolex has this list of approved retailers on its site. If you are buying second hand, we recommend Chronoexpert.com because they authenticate the watches in their store.
4. There is more choice in the second hand market (& great deals)
Don’t forget to look into the second hand market when you are on your search for a watch. It’s easy to get swept into only buying new from a local watch retailer. But there is a lot more choice now that the watch world has entered the online arena.
Chronoexpert.com, as mentioned, is a great resource for second hand watches, every watch is authenticated so you know you are buying a genuine & they are known for their excellent customer service. So it’s definitely worth a look! There are also other second hand sites too now, the world of watchmaking is an exciting place and the digital retail experience makes it a lot easier to buy your watch online and have it delivered to your door ready to wrap up.
5. Quartz is best for budget buys
If your budget is in the range of $800 – $1500 then we suggest you go for a quartz watch since you will find more choices in this range. If you can spend a little bit more you can afford a mechanical or automatic watch that is in good condition in the second hand market. For a new automatic watch from one of the big brands like Rolex, Omega or Breitling you need to set at least triple that, and there is probably quite a long waiting list to access one as well.
6. Automatic /Mechanical is best for watch aficionados
If you have a bit more to spend you can get a second hand automatic or mechanical watch for around $2000, if you go back pre 2014 then you’ll find some available for the big brands. Just make sure that you are buying a second hand watch in good condition because sometimes the price is lowered because of the condition.
7. Set your max budget before starting the process
Budgets can easily become stretched and out of hand. Make sure you set your budget before you start looking. With so many finance options available it is very easy to get carried away and spend way more than is within your budget. If you do that you could be regretting it for a long time. It’s great that you want to show how much you care, but make sure you do it in a way that takes care of your pocket at the same time.
We hope this list has helped your search for the right watch, the person you are buying for is very lucky!
