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The Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Watches

June 20th, 2024

A close-up of a man’s hand picking up a luxury watch from an elegant table.

Embarking on the journey of watch collecting is a refined pursuit, blending a fine appreciation of artistry with meticulous craftsmanship. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to get started. As you delve into this sophisticated realm, consider the essence of what captivates you— be it the heritage of a time-honored brand, the intricacies of movement, or the elegance of design. Understanding the nuances of horology as well as your own interest helps set a discerning standard will ensure your collection not only mirrors your personal style but also stands as a testament to timeless luxury. Begin this exquisite venture with thoughtful consideration and an eye for enduring beauty, and trust the expertise of local jewelers like Exclusively Diamonds to help you start your collection.

A close-up of a well-dressed person with folded arms, emphasizing their dress watch.

Set a Budget

Sticking to a budget is a vital first step when starting a watch collection, ensuring you navigate the vast world of horology with clarity and purpose. Luxury watches, often priced to reflect their craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity, can range significantly in cost. Establishing a budget from the beginning helps you prioritize your acquisitions and build your collection over time, allowing for thoughtful, deliberate choices. Pre-owned watches offer an elegant, cost-efficient option for starting your collection, granting you access to esteemed timepieces that might otherwise be beyond your budget. By defining your financial boundaries early, you create a foundation for a discerning and rewarding collecting journey.

A close-up of an elegant luxury watch with chronograph complications.

Learn the Basics

Understanding the basic concepts of luxury timepieces is essential in deciding which watches to add to your collection. A solid understanding of key details such as movement types— automatic, manual, or quartz— along with complications like chronographs, moon phases, and tourbillons, will enhance your appreciation of these stunning adornments and guide your choices as you start your collection. Familiarity with materials, from stainless steel to precious metals and innovative composites, further aids in making informed purchases. This knowledge will empower you to identify pieces that align with your personal style and the collection's overall theme, ensuring each acquisition is both meaningful and valuable.

A person’s hand holding an elegant watch in their hand, outside in the rain.

Decide What Watches You Want to Collect

Focusing on your interests is vital when starting your watch collection, ensuring that each piece resonates with your personal taste and passion. Your collection should reflect what captivates you, whether it's the history of a particular brand, the elegance of classic designs, or the innovation of modern horology. By letting your enthusiasm and personal preferences guide your choices, you create a collection that is uniquely yours, filled with timepieces that bring you joy and satisfaction. This personalized approach not only enhances the pleasure of collecting but also ensures that your collection remains a true expression of your individuality.

A sporty wristwatch displayed on a cable knit sweater with two cameras.

Visit Watch Stores In-Person

Visiting watch stores in person is an essential step when starting your collection, as it allows you to experience the craftsmanship and details of each timepiece firsthand before you commit to a purchase. The expertise of a jeweler can significantly aid your decision-making, providing insights into the history, functionality, and value of various watches. Engaging with knowledgeable professionals and seeing the watches up close helps you make more informed purchases and builds confidence in your choices, ensuring that each addition to your collection is both genuine and of the highest standard. Similarly, buying only from reputable sellers is crucial to ensure that only the highest quality, most authentic pieces enter your collection.

A fashionable young woman wearing a luxurious wristwatch.

Explore Luxury Watches at Exclusively Diamonds

Begin your watch collecting journey with the expert guidance of Exclusively Diamonds in Mankato, Minnesota. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the best timepieces for your unique collection and lifestyle, ensuring that every purchase is one that you’ll cherish with every use. We proudly feature the industry’s finest timepieces in our showroom, each as elegant as the next. We also offer jewelry repair services to help keep your beloved adornments stunning for years to come. Visit our luxurious showroom or request an appointment with a member of our staff to discover the crown jewel of your collection today.