| Watch is an instrument of fine precision with a | | | | the movement of the watch. A minute repeater, |
| primary aim of telling time. However, over the years, | | | | tourbillons, chronographs, perpetual calendars and |
| besides its function of exhibiting time and date, the | | | | bi-retrogrades are some such examples of precision |
| designer watch has turned into an investment, | | | | and intricate mechanisms. Whether single or in |
| masterfully crafted and made of materials like silver, | | | | combination, it is these features that sky-rocket the |
| platinum, gold and even encrusted with diamonds. | | | | pricing of watches. |
| Many luxury watches, especially the ones | | | | Materials |
| manufactured by the world famous Swiss | | | | Depending on which materials are used, a fine Swiss |
| watchmakers are treated like designer wear and fine | | | | watch will vary in pricing. Whereas a stainless steel |
| art, to be treasured and valued for generations. In | | | | watch may cost $3000 - $5000, a gold watch will |
| fact, if you look after them well and keep them in | | | | cost $15000 and platinum will rise to double of that. |
| pristine working order, their values increase | | | | Watches simply gold plated will be less while diamond |
| exponentially over the years. | | | | encrusted jewellery watches will go into six figures. |
| The manufacturers therefore consider their designer | | | | Custom-designed |
| watches to be in high estimation and mark-up the | | | | Swiss watches that are custom designed and |
| prices significantly. Universally speaking, then, the | | | | produced in small quantities are likely to be higher in |
| suggested retail price of a designer watch will always | | | | cost. Some series are produced in numbers less than |
| remain much higher than what you would actually pay | | | | ten, the value of which goes up considerably as they |
| for it. | | | | are regarded to be collector's items. |
| So, what exactly are the factors that determine the | | | | Brand Value |
| price of a designer watch, especially a watch that is | | | | Some brand names may attract a higher price and a |
| handcrafted, made with perfect precision and is | | | | select clientele than others. While some brands will |
| considered the treasure of a lifetime? The pricing | | | | only be known for their high range in quality and price |
| guide for designer watches is determined by factors | | | | that never waver from the highs, others may be |
| like movements, metals and materials used, brands, | | | | rising to reach that level. |
| scale of production etc. | | | | Technology |
| Mechanism | | | | Many watch companies offer models with new |
| The first most important element in determining the | | | | technological breakthroughs in the form of |
| cost of a watch is the kind of mechanism used in it. | | | | accessories. These tend to be more expensive than |
| The prices rise proportionately to the complexity of | | | | simpler and older models. |