Designer Watches - Are They Worth The Extra Money?
The designer watch industry has stood at the helm of the luxury retail category over the last decade. Where else can you pay over $10,000 for an item that essentially does the same thing as an almost identical looking $5 model at your local discount store? They may look similar from a distance (and sometimes even close-up), so what is the real difference? Let's explore...
As demands on production and punctuality have increased in our daily life timekeeping has become increasingly important. Since having things happen precisely and on time is an important part of our daily life wristwatches have become a daily necessity.
Eventually, design houses added wristwatches in their line of products with their brand's name emblazoned upon it. Traditionally, the Swiss are renowned as watchmakers. However, they are focused on a more exclusive, upper-market clientele. As it turned, the Japanese have earned a reputation for producing reliable and affordable mechanical and electronic workings for these timepieces.
Timepieces have been sub-divided into several distinct categories. The stopwatch is a commonly known and well-used example. Anybody who calls themselves an athlete these days can tell you their best times around the track or in a half marathon. Another group that rely very much on precision time keeping are sailors. In modern day yacht races, it is not just about the quickest time to the finish line, but also time spent on a specific course before tacking. Formula One race car drivers are often featured in television commercials wearing the latest chronometer with one-hundredth of a second accuracy capability.
When looking to buy wristwatches, consumers are often in search of a discount watch. These are usually the $5 model you find at the local five-and-dime. These are inexpensive, true, but usually are sealed to prevent battery swaps. When the battery is dead, so is the watch. These are also rather plain and boring products; they are sometimes called "disposable watches" due to their nature.
Designer watches, conversely, are much more than just timepieces. Their functionality isn't found only in providing an owner with the right time of the day. Instead, they serve also as fashion statements for the ones fortunate enough to own them. It is like wearing Gucci or some other famous name brand. As well as bearing famous names, these watches are well known for making the owners stand out among crowds because of their sheer elegance. These wristwatches are often not only made with silver or gold, but they are also usually admired for being adorned with an amazing array of gemstones, most often diamonds--e.g., Rolex and some others.
When shopping for a designer watch, remember to compare warranty periods as part of your final decision. If buying used, do some research on the Internet to determine if the brand you are considering has a reputation for quality and longevity.
There are those who like to give someone dear a designer watch as a birthday gift, for a special event, or as part of the gift-giving during the end-of-year holidays. Such watches have gained popularity as well with bosses who present them to workers as bonuses for specific accomplishments. Regardless of the reason, a designer watch always delights its recipient, male or female. Since your time is worth so much, you might as well track it stylishly.
About the Author: Explore the high-fashion and glamourous world of designer watches at The Designer Watches Superstore. We showcase hundreds of the most popular name brand wristwatches at discount watch prices. Watch our videos for demos and reviews, and read more about designer watches on our blog.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 17 views | Nov 19 2008
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