Why do Luxury watches cost more? Here’s a rundown of the main differences between luxury and common watches
A watch is an important accessory. Any man worth his salt knows the importance of time and wearing a watch is the first step towards making the most of it. However, the world of horology is complex and diverse. It is filled with different types and classes of watches.
Even though they serve the same purpose i.e. tell time, they differ in their appearance, purpose, worthiness, and price.
The world of horology is filled with timepieces ranging from $50 to $50,000. The high-end and expensive watches have rightly been termed as luxury watches. They are produced by some of the best and most renowned brands of watches.
If you are a watch aficionado, you might wonder if the high price tags for luxury watches are justified? Lido Watch Club explains to you why luxury watches are different from low-end watches and what makes them so expensive.
Workmanship and Skill
- The first difference between luxury and ordinary watches lies in the level of skilled labor that goes into the making of luxury watches. Luxury watches are prepared by skilled watchmakers that are veterans of their field and remain dedicated to watchmaking their entire lives.
The making of luxury watches involves the application of complex engineering. Even though watches are dainty and small, they are made of hundreds of tiny parts all of which are sewn together meticulously.
- More than a year’s effort and craftsmanship goes into the manufacturing of one Rolex watch. On the other hand, ordinary watches are mass-produced. They are manufactured within no time and with very little effort. The difference in the level of craftsmanship becomes apparent in the quality of casing, bracelet, and watch face.
Materials Used for Manufacturing
The difference in the quality of watches can be observed when we compare the materials used for luxury and ordinary watches. Take for e.g. the quality and material of glass that is used for watch faces. Cheap watches use average quality mineral glass which usually lies in the lower end of the price spectrum.
- Whereas, the glass faces of luxury watches are made from good quality crystals such as sapphire. They are rare and carry a high price tag. Sapphire crystals are prone to breakage and resistance. They have a much longer life compared to mineral glass. Watch faces of luxury watches are scratch and damage-resistant whereas low-end watches are prone to damage.
Good quality glass faces contribute to the excellent aesthetics of luxury watches. Luxury watches are adorned with good quality crystals which help in preventing metal to metal resistance. These crystals include rubies and sapphires.
- Ordinary watches are not adorned with any such crystals.
Complex Manufacturing Methods
Luxury watches come with a much higher price tag because complex manufacturing and engineering methods are involved in their making. Due to this, luxury watches have high accuracy and display precise results.
A lot goes into the making of luxury watches. The refinement attributed to luxury watches is due to the following reasons:
- Good quality hand finishing
- Use of excellent materials like non-reflective glass
- Use of hand bevelling and hand engraving techniques
Luxury watches are inundated with complex features that add value to them. For e.g. diver watches are water and pressure-resistant. Most luxury watches also have an accurate stopwatch feature.
Contrary to that, cheap watches only tell time. In some cases, they tell day and date, but they lack the complex and fine features of luxury watches. Hence, the higher price tag for luxury watches is justified.
As a seasoned horology enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of the intricacies within the world of watches, I can provide valuable insights into the compelling reasons behind the higher price tags associated with luxury timepieces. My passion for horology extends beyond a mere appreciation for the aesthetic appeal of watches; it delves into the craftsmanship, engineering, and history that make each timepiece unique.
The article explores the disparities between luxury and common watches, touching upon critical aspects that contribute to the significant price difference. Let's dissect the key concepts introduced:
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Workmanship and Skill: Luxury watches stand out due to the unparalleled level of skilled labor involved in their creation. Renowned brands invest in veteran watchmakers dedicated to their craft. These artisans commit their entire lives to watchmaking, ensuring a level of expertise that is unmatched. The meticulous assembly of hundreds of tiny parts by skilled hands distinguishes luxury watches from mass-produced, ordinary timepieces.
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Materials Used for Manufacturing: The quality of materials is a pivotal factor in the divergence between luxury and ordinary watches. The article highlights the distinction in the glass used for watch faces. While cheap watches utilize average quality mineral glass, luxury watches opt for high-quality crystals like sapphire. The rarity and durability of sapphire crystals contribute to their higher price tag. This choice results in scratch and damage-resistant watch faces, elevating the overall aesthetics of luxury watches.
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Complex Manufacturing Methods: Luxury watches justify their higher cost through complex manufacturing and engineering methods. The meticulous hand finishing, use of premium materials like non-reflective glass, and techniques such as hand bevelling and engraving enhance the refinement of these timepieces. The article mentions the inundation of luxury watches with complex features, such as water and pressure resistance in diver watches and accurate stopwatch functionality. These sophisticated attributes contribute to the precision and reliability of luxury watches, setting them apart from their cheaper counterparts that often provide basic timekeeping functions.
In conclusion, the article effectively communicates that the elevated price of luxury watches is justified by the extraordinary craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and complex manufacturing processes involved in their creation. As a connoisseur of watches, I appreciate the nuanced details that contribute to the allure of luxury timepieces and firmly believe in their inherent value.
