Understated watches that still make a statement

We all have different ideas about what makes a great watch. For some, it’s the colour that seals the deal. For others, it could be an imposing square face. It could also be due to what’s trending like the latest dial colour, and there are the traditionalists who like classical features. 

Are you looking to enhance your personal style?

Not everyone’s looking to stand out in the crowd. If you’re reading this, you’re probably more comfortable blending in, but still want to be able to express your personality and have a unique style. To make a statement and still do it subtly, visual elements and brand names might factor heavily in your decision. The more expensive the brand name, the more recognition you’ll receive, and the more it will affect your status. Another consideration is the watch’s aesthetic basics such as dress, sport, modern or retro. Diamonds, tourbillon-spinning watches the size of small dinner plates are all very expensive looking, but a good luxury watch can also be subtle, reliable and help enhance your outfit. 

Here are some of the things you’d consider when picking your luxury watch and still remain understated.

Brand name

A true luxury watch is made of far more than just the metals, materials and technology that go into its construction. It’s also built upon the history and heritage of the master craftsmen who have made it. The best luxury watches are produced by world renowned watchmakers who have spent decades or even centuries continually innovating or refining their timepieces. Switzerland is probably the country most famous for its watchmaking heritage. As the home of the most skilled watchmakers on the face of the earth, the country takes pride in its traditions and its prestige is virtually unrivalled. Some of the most high end Swiss watches display the Seal of Geneva, universally regarded as the ultimate stamp of quality from the world’s foremost watchmaking experts. 

Timeless design

What’s timeless? Slender hands, silver dial, a manually-wound movement, these are some of the simpler and timeless designs. They are beautifully simple inside and out. Rolex for example, makes some of the world’s most beautiful timeless pieces. One of the most well-known Rolex men’s watches, the Rolex Datejust, is a favourite of the aspirational gent for decades. Its fluted bezel, cyclops over the date window and crown logo make this an icon of the watch world, and a safe bet with which to start your classic collection. 

Chronometer rating

Not everyone will be aware of this but you may come across a luxury watch with Chronometre Certife or a similar phrase on the dial. This means that it has been chronometer rated, independently tested to rigorous standards by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute), the world’s foremost institute responsible for certifying the accuracy and precision of Swiss watches. The tests themselves are exhaustive, monitoring the watch’s accuracy in various different environments, temperatures and conditions over a number of days. Only watches which pass these punishing tests are awarded a chronometer rating, a testament to their durability and precision. So, if this feature is at the top of your list, wearing a watch that has gone through such stringent tests will definitely give you a quiet sense of pride.

Complications

Complications refer to various additional functions certain watches can perform beyond telling the time. These include internal calendars and chronographs, complex date complications for different time zones, and in the case of diving watches, monitor oxygen levels for deep sea diving. Just be aware that a watch doesn’t necessarily need to be complicated in order to be classed as a luxury watch, but it can be an excellent indication of quality. 

Value appreciation

Now this is a quality that you won’t be able to tell just by looking at the watch, but for many people it’s the crucial part of their buying decision, specifically collectors. If you never plan to sell the watch, you might be more concerned with how it looks and feels, so its value appreciation may be less important. But if you’re buying your watch as an investment, you might want to consider its value appreciation. Rolex, tends to increase in value over time. This is due to its high profile with celebrities and powerful figures, both real and fictional.