In recent years, there are probably many women who are considering purchasing a luxury watch as a reward to themselves.
Some people may be thinking, "I'm a woman, so do I really need to buy such an expensive watch?" However, a survey by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry has revealed that the demand for branded watches has been increasing in recent years, especially among people in their 30s and 40s.
In this article, we will tell you about the key points for choosing ladies' watches and recommend some brands. We hope this article will be helpful for those who are purchasing their first luxury watch or those who are considering replacing their current watch!
The demand for ladies' watches is on the rise
Today, more and more women are being promoted to managerial positions in well-known companies, and as a result, opportunities for women to advance in society are increasing year by year. According to a survey by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, women's awareness of purchasing watches is also increasing proportionately, with 14.2% of respondents saying they would budget for a watch of 1 million yen or more, exceeding the 13.1% who said they would budget for less than 100,000 yen .
This is approaching 17.6% of men with a purchasing budget of 1 million yen or more, and it appears that the opportunities for men and women to obtain watches are now becoming equal in the watch market.
How to choose a ladies' watch that you won't regret
So, here are some tips on how to choose a watch for women so that they won't regret it later.
Focus on the brand's status
As mentioned above, the employment status of men and women is approaching equality. As a result, it is expected that women will increasingly be expected to follow the "rules of the business world" that have long been expected of men.
The main reason why men were expected to wear watches in business settings was because of the status that the brand offered.
The status of a branded watch is directly evaluated by others as "financial power," "sense of fashion," and "attention to detail." Of course, there is no need to force yourself to wear a brand you don't like, but if it's in the same price range, it's necessary to aim for that effect so that you don't regret it later.
Choose something relatively simple
A jeweled watch that is too flashy is not appropriate in a business setting. With the exception of jobs that require a flashy look, such as those in the jewelry or entertainment industry, if you choose a jeweled watch in a business setting, you may be perceived as someone who does not know how to dress appropriately for the time, place, and occasion.
By choosing a simple watch that has presence but is not overly decorated, you can create a watch that can be worn as you age into your 40s and 50s.
Set a slightly higher budget
The recommended budget for purchasing a branded watch is said to be between 3% and 30% of your annual income.
If your annual income is 5 million yen, that would be about 15,000 to 1.5 million yen. However, as you can see, there is a large gap. Of course, you don't have to make it 30%, but by setting it a little above what you think is appropriate for you now, you will be able to enjoy a high-performance, high-status watch that you can use without any problems even when you are in your 40s or 50s.
Setting a budget that allows you to feel that "it's a little too early for me right now" or "I'll be fine if I stretch a little" is the key to avoid "paying more for something cheap" later on.
Checking people's watches
It can be a little depressing when you have the same watch as someone around you.
However, there is a very high chance that you will be seen by other popular models. This may be fine if you are close to the person, but it will just be awkward if you are a business partner.
In order to avoid this, it is very important to check before purchasing a watch. Also, choosing a rare model that is available on the second-hand market is effective in reducing the possibility of having the same watch.
Considering reuse of unique items
Many people have a negative impression of "reused goods (second-hand goods)", but just like works of art, a high-quality watch has the characteristic that it becomes more appreciated over time. This allows you to obtain a watch with a unique character that is just for you.
Quality watches have what are known as "rare points" that occur due to deterioration of the components of the materials.
Examples of rare points that are also valued as works of art include the following:
- Index burn
- Cracks on the dial, known as "spider dial"
- Dial discoloration (brown or tropical)
Used watches don't have a very good image, but if they are well-used and well-used for many years, they can be called vintage or antique.
It might be interesting to find a watch that has aged beautifully and make it your own vintage watch.
In addition, reused items can sometimes cost less than buying new, so you may be able to purchase a higher-quality watch .
Consider "limited edition" items that will increase in value
Luxury watch brands do not think in terms of "making a lot" like mass-produced products. All models other than the current model are out of production and are limited editions .
They are sometimes sold at premium prices, meaning they are bought and sold at much higher prices than normal. There is also a chance that they may become even more popular after you buy them and sell at a higher price.
However, because these models are so popular, it can be extremely difficult to buy them at official stores. However, even if they are limited edition items, they may be sold quickly due to some reason of the purchaser and be listed in second-hand shops as "unused items," so it might be worth a visit.
However, there is a risk that you may end up with a fake if you just go around shops randomly, so make sure to go to trustworthy stores that have competent "appraisers" on staff.
Choose a watch with high asset value
Marriage and childbirth are major turning points for women. Some choose to continue working, while others choose to focus on raising their children and taking care of the home.
In either case, it is worth considering purchasing a watch that has high investment value.
Some luxury watches do not lose value over the years, while others actually increase in value. This means that if you no longer need the watch for some reason or want to trade it in for a different watch, you can sell it for a higher price, making it a valuable asset in case of emergencies, and can also be used to fund the purchase of your next watch .
The key to avoiding regret is to remember that "just because something is high-end doesn't mean it won't depreciate." There are only a few brands with high asset value, and there are stories of people who ended up regretting their purchases after just following their tastes.
When choosing a watch brand, be sure to pay attention to the "asset value."
5 Recommended Brands for Women in Their 30s
The points we have introduced so far that you will not regret are that they are simple, have a high status, and are high asset value. We will introduce some ladies' watch brands that take this into consideration.
Cartier
Cartier is a manufacturer that excels at making watches with feminine designs, and was ranked second in the list of watch brands that women want in a survey by the Swiss Watch Association . Cartier is a prestigious brand that cannot be left out when talking about watch brands, as it is the first in the world to produce watches with soft, feminine designs.
Cartier is famous for its jewelry division. The same trend is seen in their watches, and their watch designs are simple yet somehow glittering, which is unique to Cartier.
Not only does it enjoy overwhelming status among women, it is also highly popular on the secondhand market, so you can expect it to have a certain amount of asset value.
Rolex
Many people think that "Rolex is a brand for men, isn't it?", but in fact , Rolex also puts effort into women's watches. It is so well-known that any man knows it, and while it retains the sophisticated design that is characteristic of Rolex, it also exudes a feminine atmosphere.
In addition, Rolex is known for its high second-hand market value and for the fact that it rarely loses value. A survey by the Swiss Watch Industry Association also ranked it as the number one watch brand that women want .
This watch is suitable for both men and women, even in business situations.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is a globally prestigious brand, with many people saying, "When you think of the best watch brand in the world, you think of Patek Philippe." Patek Philippe for women is simple, yet has a noble quality that makes it seem as if it were worn naturally by royalty or aristocrats.
In addition, the foundation of the brand, which is known as one of the three major watch brands in the world, is its overwhelming technical capabilities. Patek Philippe specializes in complex mechanisms among watches, and there are many masterpieces that offer a charm that cannot be found in other watches.
Of course, due to its solid technology and noble design, the price is among the highest in the world, but it is recommended for those who want to own one with consideration for its status and asset value.
Audemars Piguet
"Simple is good, but it's better to have something a little more glamorous." If you're going to wear it, you want a watch that makes you feel excited. Audemars Piguet is the brand that developed the world's first luxury sports watch, the Royal Oak, which can also be used as a dress watch .
Although men's watches tend to be featured, all of Audemars Piguet's watches, including the women's Royal Oak, are stylish and elegant.
It has such high status and asset value that it is counted as one of the three major watch brands in the world, so it is a brand that we highly recommend.
Chopard
Like Cartier, it is well-known as a jewelry brand, but it is also a long-established watch brand that was founded in 1860. It has many series that are desirable to look at, such as the simple yet glamorous Happy Sports model that combines stainless steel and diamonds.
The designs, which incorporate ancient traditions and a focus on light, have attracted the hearts of many women.
Because of its high asset value, design and popularity, it is recommended for those who are active in a variety of situations where they want to exude femininity, such as in an environment where many women work.
summary
In this article, we are talking about watches for ladies.
In recent years, the demand for luxury watches has increased with the advancement of women in society. In order to avoid regretting your purchase of a ladies' watch, we have introduced the following points to keep in mind.
- Purchases focused on the brand's status
- Set a budget a little higher than you currently have.
- Check to see if it is the same as someone else's
- Consider reusing items that have a unique look
- Consider "limited edition" items that will increase in value
- Choose a watch that will have high asset value for your future life and for replacement
We have introduced five representative brands of watches that meet these criteria.
- Cartier is a long-established manufacturer that is popular among women.
- Rolex is a classic luxury watch that is well-known in Japan and has a low asset value.
- Patek Philippe, one of the world's three major watch brands
- Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak is a versatile watch that can also be used as a dress watch.
- Chopard: a company with a long history of making gorgeous watches that are as gorgeous as jewelry
Whichever brand you choose, these are worthy of being your lifelong companion . Ultimately, the most important thing is whether you want to wear it yourself. Why not take a look at the various watches and find one that you won't regret?
Thank you for reading.
Why not take this article as an opportunity to consider purchasing a ladies' watch that will last a lifetime?
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Commit Ginza!