What Is Swiss Made? A Guide to Swiss Movement Watches
Learn what makes a Swiss Made watch and why Switzerland is renowned for luxury watchmaking.
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Buying Guide: 9 Expert Tips for Your First Luxury Automatic Watch
Discover essential tips for buying automatic watches and discover must-have features for your first luxury timepiece.
November 2024
Find the Perfect Automatic Watch
Purchasing your first automatic watch is an exciting milestone. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, elevating your style, or diving into horology, finding the perfect timepiece can be both thrilling and overwhelming. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled 9 expert-backed tips to help you select the ideal automatic watch—from understanding the movement to choosing durable materials.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Find the Perfect Automatic Watch
Purchasing your first automatic watch is an exciting milestone. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, elevating your style, or diving into horology, finding the perfect timepiece can be both thrilling and overwhelming. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled 9 expert-backed tips to help you select the ideal automatic watch—from understanding the movement to choosing durable materials.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. Understand Your Intentions
1. Understand Your Intentions
Your first automatic watch is more than just a timepiece—it’s a symbol of a significant moment. Whether marking a milestone or adding to your collection, understanding the purpose behind your purchase is key. Automatic watches are built to last, so choose a reputable brand known for craftsmanship and service. Both established Swiss houses and independent brands offer unique value with exceptional quality. If you’re purchasing a heritage watch, consider its potential resale value. Ultimately, a luxury watch should tell your story. Choose one that resonates with you and brings you joy.
Your first automatic watch is more than just a timepiece—it’s a symbol of a significant moment. Whether marking a milestone or adding to your collection, understanding the purpose behind your purchase is key. Automatic watches are built to last, so choose a reputable brand known for craftsmanship and service. Both established Swiss houses and independent brands offer unique value with exceptional quality. If you’re purchasing a heritage watch, consider its potential resale value. Ultimately, a luxury watch should tell your story. Choose one that resonates with you and brings you joy.
2. Invest in the Movement
2. Invest in the Movement
The movement dictates the quality and accuracy of the watch over time.
The movement dictates the quality and accuracy of the watch over time.
The movement is the heart of any automatic watch. It dictates the watch’s accuracy, longevity, and overall quality. To ensure precision and dependability, we recommend investing in Swiss automatic movements—renowned for their craftsmanship and reliability. Leading brands like ETA SA Manufacture (of Swatch Group), Sellita, and Ronda set the global standard. When assessing the movement, also consider factors such as the jewel count (which affects smoothness), power reserve (how long the watch runs without winding), and water resistance depth.
Learn more about automatic movements in our guide: How Do Automatic Watches Work? The Complete Guide
Learn more about automatic movements in our guide: How Do Automatic Watches Work? The Complete Guide
The movement is the heart of any automatic watch. It dictates the watch’s accuracy, longevity, and overall quality. To ensure precision and dependability, we recommend investing in Swiss automatic movements—renowned for their craftsmanship and reliability. Leading brands like ETA SA Manufacture (of Swatch Group), Sellita, and Ronda set the global standard. When assessing the movement, also consider factors such as the jewel count (which affects smoothness), power reserve (how long the watch runs without winding), and water resistance depth.
Learn more about automatic movements in our guide: How Do Automatic Watches Work? The Complete Guide
Learn more about automatic movements in our guide: How Do Automatic Watches Work? The Complete Guide
3. Get Materials That Last
3. Get Materials That Last
The materials used in your watch play a significant role in both durability and aesthetics. Look for high-grade 316L stainless steel for the case and bracelet, as it offers excellent strength and resistance to corrosion. For the glass, sapphire crystal is the most desired as it's nearly as hard as diamond and provides superior scratch resistance. If you want to elevate your timepiece, consider luxury materials like gold or diamonds, which enhance both the aesthetic and value of the watch over time.
The materials used in your watch play a significant role in both durability and aesthetics. Look for high-grade 316L stainless steel for the case and bracelet, as it offers excellent strength and resistance to corrosion. For the glass, sapphire crystal is the most desired as it's nearly as hard as diamond and provides superior scratch resistance. If you want to elevate your timepiece, consider luxury materials like gold or diamonds, which enhance both the aesthetic and value of the watch over time.
4. Look For Swiss Made
4. Look For Swiss Made
Certified Swiss Made is the gold standard for quality luxury automatic timepieces.
Certified Swiss Made is the gold standard for quality luxury automatic timepieces.
Swiss Made is a legal designation awarded only to the most meticulously crafted and reliable timepieces. To ensure authenticity, look for the Certified Swiss Made label on the dial or caseback. Be cautious of counterfeit watches that may carry the Swiss Mov’t label, as they could feature a Swiss movement but be manufactured anywhere in the world..
Swiss Made is a legal designation awarded only to the most meticulously crafted and reliable timepieces. To ensure authenticity, look for the Certified Swiss Made label on the dial or caseback. Be cautious of counterfeit watches that may carry the Swiss Mov’t label, as they could feature a Swiss movement but be manufactured anywhere in the world..
5. Showcase Your Style
5. Showcase Your Style
An automatic timepiece is a reflection of your personal story.
An automatic timepiece is a reflection of your personal story.
Take time to appreciate the craftsmanship and design from all angles. Opt for a piece that’s versatile—one that can be worn with both casual and formal outfits. Many collectors seek out limited edition models to begin their collections, making the purchase even more special. Consider how the watch fits into your lifestyle and if it complements your aesthetic preferences. After all, a luxury watch is not just functional but an extension of who you are.
Take time to appreciate the craftsmanship and design from all angles. Opt for a piece that’s versatile—one that can be worn with both casual and formal outfits. Many collectors seek out limited edition models to begin their collections, making the purchase even more special. Consider how the watch fits into your lifestyle and if it complements your aesthetic preferences. After all, a luxury watch is not just functional but an extension of who you are.
6. Ensure Comfort and Fit
6. Ensure Comfort and Fit
Comfort is just as important as design and functionality. Your automatic watch should feel natural on your wrist, whether you wear it every day or for special occasions. Pay attention to the case size relative to your wrist—if it’s too large or too small, it won’t feel comfortable. Also, consider the type of strap or bracelet: metal bracelets tend to feel heavier than leather or rubber straps, so choose based on your personal comfort. Ensure that the clasp is secure and easy to use for a seamless wearing experience.
Comfort is just as important as design and functionality. Your automatic watch should feel natural on your wrist, whether you wear it every day or for special occasions. Pay attention to the case size relative to your wrist—if it’s too large or too small, it won’t feel comfortable. Also, consider the type of strap or bracelet: metal bracelets tend to feel heavier than leather or rubber straps, so choose based on your personal comfort. Ensure that the clasp is secure and easy to use for a seamless wearing experience.
7. Superior Packaging Experience
7. Superior Packaging Experience
The unboxing experience of your watch can add to the luxury feeling. When purchasing an automatic watch, look for one that comes in an elegant watch box or watch stand, that not only protects the watch but also enhances its presentation. Additionally, a Certificate of Authenticity and an Instruction Manual should be included to verify the legitimacy of the watch and ensure proper care. Packaging reflects the quality of the timepiece inside, so don’t overlook this detail.
The unboxing experience of your watch can add to the luxury feeling. When purchasing an automatic watch, look for one that comes in an elegant watch box or watch stand, that not only protects the watch but also enhances its presentation. Additionally, a Certificate of Authenticity and an Instruction Manual should be included to verify the legitimacy of the watch and ensure proper care. Packaging reflects the quality of the timepiece inside, so don’t overlook this detail.
8. Sustainable Business Practices
8. Sustainable Business Practices
In today’s world, sustainability matters more than ever. Look for watch brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, use eco-friendly materials, and offer packaging made from recyclable materials. Supporting luxury brands with sustainable practices ensures that your purchase aligns with your environmental values. Research the brand’s commitment to the planet, and consider supporting those who are working to reduce their carbon footprint while creating high-quality timepieces.
In today’s world, sustainability matters more than ever. Look for watch brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, use eco-friendly materials, and offer packaging made from recyclable materials. Supporting luxury brands with sustainable practices ensures that your purchase aligns with your environmental values. Research the brand’s commitment to the planet, and consider supporting those who are working to reduce their carbon footprint while creating high-quality timepieces.
9. Get Servicing Support
9. Get Servicing Support
Service an automatic watch every 3-5 years for long lasting wear.
Service an automatic watch every 3-5 years for long lasting wear.
Like any high-quality machine, your automatic watch requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. It’s essential to have your timepiece serviced every 3-5 years to maintain its accuracy and prevent wear and tear on the movement. During servicing, a skilled watchmaker will disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble the movement. This ensures that your watch continues running flawlessly for decades to come.
Explore more on watch care with our guide: Caring for Your Luxury Automatic Watch: Top 10 Tips.
Explore more on watch care with our guide: Caring for Your Luxury Automatic Watch: Top 10 Tips.
Like any high-quality machine, your automatic watch requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. It’s essential to have your timepiece serviced every 3-5 years to maintain its accuracy and prevent wear and tear on the movement. During servicing, a skilled watchmaker will disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble the movement. This ensures that your watch continues running flawlessly for decades to come.
Explore more on watch care with our guide: Caring for Your Luxury Automatic Watch: Top 10 Tips.
Explore more on watch care with our guide: Caring for Your Luxury Automatic Watch: Top 10 Tips.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I consider when buying my first automatic watch?
Focus on the watch’s purpose, quality of the movement, durable materials, comfort, and personal style.
Why is the watch movement important?
The movement determines the accuracy, durability, and overall performance of the watch. Swiss automatic movements are renowned for their precision and craftsmanship.
What materials should I choose for durability and value?
Look for high-grade stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for durability. Premium materials like gold or diamonds enhance value and aesthetics.
How do I choose a watch that fits my style?
Look for high-grade stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Premium materials like gold or diamonds can enhance both value and aesthetics.
Why choose sustainable brands?
Choosing sustainable brands supports ethical production practices, aligning your purchase with environmental and social values.
Focus on the watch’s purpose, quality of the movement, durable materials, comfort, and personal style.
Why is the watch movement important?
The movement determines the accuracy, durability, and overall performance of the watch. Swiss automatic movements are renowned for their precision and craftsmanship.
What materials should I choose for durability and value?
Look for high-grade stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for durability. Premium materials like gold or diamonds enhance value and aesthetics.
How do I choose a watch that fits my style?
Look for high-grade stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Premium materials like gold or diamonds can enhance both value and aesthetics.
Why choose sustainable brands?
Choosing sustainable brands supports ethical production practices, aligning your purchase with environmental and social values.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I consider when buying my first automatic watch?
Focus on the watch’s purpose, quality of the movement, durable materials, comfort, and personal style.
Why is the watch movement important?
The movement determines the accuracy, durability, and overall performance of the watch. Swiss automatic movements are renowned for their precision and craftsmanship.
What materials should I choose for durability and value?
Look for high-grade stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for durability. Premium materials like gold or diamonds enhance value and aesthetics.
How do I choose a watch that fits my style?
Look for high-grade stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Premium materials like gold or diamonds can enhance both value and aesthetics.
Why choose sustainable brands?
Choosing sustainable brands supports ethical production practices, aligning your purchase with environmental and social values.
Focus on the watch’s purpose, quality of the movement, durable materials, comfort, and personal style.
Why is the watch movement important?
The movement determines the accuracy, durability, and overall performance of the watch. Swiss automatic movements are renowned for their precision and craftsmanship.
What materials should I choose for durability and value?
Look for high-grade stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for durability. Premium materials like gold or diamonds enhance value and aesthetics.
How do I choose a watch that fits my style?
Look for high-grade stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Premium materials like gold or diamonds can enhance both value and aesthetics.
Why choose sustainable brands?
Choosing sustainable brands supports ethical production practices, aligning your purchase with environmental and social values.
SUMMARY
Buying your first automatic watch is an exciting venture into the world of horology. With careful consideration of factors like movement quality, durable materials, style, and sustainability, you can confidently select a timepiece that reflects both your personality and a love for craftsmanship. Use these expert tips to guide your purchase, ensuring that your first automatic watch is a timeless investment that you’ll cherish for years to come.
SUMMARY
Buying your first automatic watch is an exciting venture into the world of horology. With careful consideration of factors like movement quality, durable materials, style, and sustainability, you can confidently select a timepiece that reflects both your personality and a love for craftsmanship. Use these expert tips to guide your purchase, ensuring that your first automatic watch is a timeless investment that you’ll cherish for years to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN
As Canada’s first female founder of a luxury watch brand, Jess is passionate about horology and dedicated to crafting Swiss Made automatic timepieces that merge artistry and precision with VIEREN.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN
As Canada’s first female founder of a luxury watch brand, Jess is passionate about horology and dedicated to crafting Swiss Made automatic timepieces that merge artistry and precision with VIEREN.
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