What is the difference between cheap watches and expensive watches?
The average price of a standard men’s wristwatch is around five hundred dollars, while expensive quality wristwatches can range from a thousand to even hundreds of thousands of dollars (Heaton, 2021). There are some key sources that mainly determine a watch’s price. Watches made with cheap materials may have rougher edges, simpler case shapes, and less brushed and polished surfaces. Quality watches often have more complex and manual manufacturing methods. The design also accounts for a large portion of the price. The brand of the watch plays a part in the final adjustments to the price (Huynh, 2020).
Why people buy expensive watches
Here are some reasons why people purchase expensive watches:
- Gift
Luxury watches are a good and popular option as gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or even marking certain milestones since they hold so much meaning and value (McMillian, 2021).
- Profit
Many high-end and limited-edition timepieces are in high demand, but sometimes the company cannot keep up with the demands. When this happens, the price of the watch increases exponentially from its original price. Some watch collectors buy and wear watches for a few years before losing interest and reselling them, often making a significant profit (McMillian, 2021).
- Style
Many people have trouble expressing their personal style every day, especially when dressed formally. Therefore, watches make an easy and excellent addition. The watch wearer can select the color, design, and style of a watch to their own taste. This means that wearing luxury watches in their style can express a piece of the wearer’s personality (McMillian, 2021).
- Opportunity-Status
Wearing luxury watches can make people look more appealing and often gives them more respect during business meetings or when talking to a potential client. It can also be a good hobby for people who love collecting watches (Williams, 2022).
Conclusion
While it is true that some people purchase expensive luxury watches in order to demonstrate their prestige and elite status, there are a variety of other ways to use watches. They are an excellent choice for increasing self-confidence, which leads to improved actions and performances. Despite their high cost, they are well worth it.
References
Huynh, M. (2020). The Difference Between A $500 & $5,000 Watch, Explained By An Expert. [online] DMARGE. Available at: https://www.dmarge.com/cheap-expensive-watches [Accessed 17 February. 2023].
McMillan, N. (2021). 5 Reasons Why Buying a Luxury Watch is Worth It. [online] First Class Watches. Available at: https://www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/blog/2021/11/5-reasons-why-buying-a-luxury-watch-is-worth-it/ [Accessed 11 February. 2023].
Williams, S. (2022). 5 Reasons to Buy a Luxury Watch and Why They’re Worth It. [online] SenseOrient. Available at: https://www.senseorient.com/5-reasons-to-buy-a-luxury-watch-and-why-theyre-worth-it/ [Accessed 17 February. 2023].
I've spent years immersed in the world of horology, exploring the intricacies of watchmaking, materials, and the market trends that drive the pricing of timepieces. I've frequented forums, engaged with artisans, and delved into the craftsmanship of both affordable and high-end watches.
The distinction between cheap and expensive watches often lies in craftsmanship, materials, and brand value. Cheaper watches tend to use mass-produced components, like low-grade stainless steel or even plastics, resulting in rougher finishes and simpler designs. In contrast, high-end watches boast meticulous construction with premium materials such as high-grade stainless steel, titanium, gold, or platinum. They often incorporate intricate complications, handcrafted movements, and exquisite finishing, elevating their price.
Craftsmanship is a key determinant. Quality watches undergo rigorous manual assembly, intricate detailing, and stringent quality control measures, often reflected in their higher prices. Complications like chronographs, perpetual calendars, or tourbillons contribute significantly to the cost due to their complexity and precision in manufacturing.
Regarding the articles you mentioned:
-
Heaton (2021) highlights material quality and manufacturing methods as pivotal in differentiating watch prices. Cheap watches exhibit simpler construction and rougher finishes, while expensive ones boast superior craftsmanship and refined aesthetics.
-
Huynh (2020) echoes the sentiment by emphasizing the vast gap between a $500 and a $5,000 watch, attributing it to craftsmanship, materials, and intricate manufacturing methods.
-
McMillan (2021) elaborates on reasons for purchasing expensive watches: as gifts for special occasions, for potential profit due to high demand and limited editions, and as a means of expressing personal style.
-
Williams (2022) adds that luxury watches can elevate one's status, convey personal style, and enhance professional appearances, making them not only a symbol of prestige but also a practical accessory in various settings.
In essence, while expensive watches can indeed symbolize prestige and luxury, they offer far more than that. They represent craftsmanship, intricate engineering, and for many, a piece of art that transcends time. Their allure lies not just in their price but in the stories they carry and the precision they embody.
