What Watch Insiders Know (and You Should Too)

Whether you’re just getting into watches or you’ve been around the block, there’s always something cool to discover in this world, even though it’s been around for ages. That’s why we’re going to share 3 key things about watches that are good for everyone to know.

Expensive Watches Aren’t Always Better Quality

Our brains like to keep things simple, so we often think that if something costs more, it must be better quality. Like, more money means more effort put into making it good, right? Even if it’s not twice as good for twice the price, you’d still expect the quality to go up with the cost.

But with watches, that’s not always the case. It’s way more complicated than just a simple price-to-quality thing! If you had the money to make them as good as a top brand like Patek Philippe, you’d probably end up spending less than they do. But then what? You’d just have a bunch of amazing timepieces no one knows about. You’d have to spend a ton of money on marketing and getting people to want your watches.

And it goes deeper than that. Back in the 70s, when everyone thought mechanical watches were dead, Audemars Piguet changed the game. They made people see watches not just as time-telling tools, but as status symbols. Suddenly, even a weird-looking watch made from cheap metal could be worth way more than a solid gold, super complicated watch.

Don’t Think of Every Watch as an Investment

This second thing is a bit newer, but it feels like it’s been around forever. Just like how we all thought diamond rings for engagements were super old, the idea of watches as an investment feels like it’s always been a thing.

Now, when people start getting into watches, the first thing they often ask is about investment. Like, which watch will hold its value? Which one will go up in price? It’s pretty common. A lot see a watch as an expensive treat, and they want to know they can sell it if they need to without losing a bunch of money. We totally get that.

But there’s way too much talk about watches being investments, and not that many watches are actually worth investing in. Most watches won’t go up in value, and some will even drop. The ones that do become super valuable are usually way too expensive for most of us to even think about buying.

Instead of focusing on “investment” maybe think about stability and personal enjoyment. If you want a watch that won’t lose a ton of value right away, exploring pre-owned options is a good idea. Or, consider something different—like a wooden watch. They often hold their value well, and they’re a unique and stylish choice. Look for brands that are known for quality and durability such as GOWOOD. The point is, pick something you genuinely like, from a brand that tends to hold its value over time. 

It might not make you rich, but it can give you peace of mind knowing you’re not just throwing money away, and that you have something special and unique on your wrist.

When it Comes to Accuracy, Mechanical Watches Aren’t the Best!

You see those fancy mechanical watches, the ones with the hefty price tags? Well, they aren’t the kings of accuracy, not even close.

You might think they’re super precise, especially since people used them for navigation before computers. There were even contests back in the day, where watchmakers tried to build the most accurate watches. But honestly? Those old champs aren’t nearly as accurate as what we have now.

Even the best modern mechanical watches might gain or lose about half a second each day. Most of them are off by a few seconds daily. So, after a year, you could be looking at being off by like 20 minutes! Seriously! A cheap, basic battery-powered (quartz) watch can be just as accurate, if not more accurate. If you add fancy tech like temperature control or syncing to a radio signal, those quartz watches are only off by a few seconds each year.

And if you compare the most precise mechanical watch to the most precise time-telling technology we have today? Well, it’s a bit of a joke. Atomic clocks are so accurate that if one had been ticking since the Big Bang (you know, billions of years ago), it wouldn’t be off by even a single second. So yeah, mechanical ones are cool and beautiful, but they’re not about being super accurate.

Final Thoughts,

Above all else, and we really can’t say this enough, the most important thing to know, whether you’re just starting or have been into watches for years, is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Everyone has different tastes, priorities, and budgets. It’s great to offer advice and show people things they might not have considered or info they might not know about, but it’s not our place to tell someone they’re wrong about their choice.

Some people buy because they love the look and don’t care too much about the inner workings. Some want a watch from a well-known brand. Others just want a watch to tell the time—remember those? There are so many reasons why someone might pick a particular one, and just because it’s not your reason doesn’t make it a bad reason. So, if someone loves a Tissot, Daniel Wellington, or even an eco-friendly watch, like a beautiful wooden watch, which some purists might not get, please offer to share your knowledge if you want, but let’s not tear people down for their preferences.

With the younger generations not buying as many luxury watches, maybe we should all be embracing the freedom to choose and the joy of owning a watch that we personally love and need. I’ve felt that horrible sinking feeling of being told I’ve made a “bad” purchase, and it ruins what should be a great experience. It doesn’t have to be like that. Let’s be welcoming and inclusive, not exclusive. 

We should all be able to share our love of watches and also recognize our responsibility to choose eco-friendly timepieces when possible, for a better future.