Luxury Watches Make Perfect Gifts: Patek Philippe, Omega, and more

To celebrate special occasions with the one you love, you’d want nothing but the best gift possible. Consider the gift of a luxury watch from Patek Philippe, Omega, or IWC for a timeless investment. A luxury watch, such as a Patek Philippe, is passed on from one generation to the next and appreciates in value over time. Just like your feelings for that special person, a luxury watch becomes more valuable with the passing of time.

Chopard - Happy Sports New Generation

Aside from being timeless investments, luxury watches are also practical. A Patek Philippe watch that is handcrafted to perfection is unbeatable in precision and accuracy. Patek Philippe and other luxury watch brands serve a multitude of purposes, such as a date tracker, a stopwatch, an alarm, etc. Practical and timeless, a luxury watch is a possession that will be cherished for a long, long time.

A Patek Philippe watch, an Omega watch, Chopard, Panerai, etc. also serve as s stylish investment. With many fine pieces to choose from, luxury watches meet and match anyone’s lifestyle. For example, Patek Philippe or Tag Heuer sports watches offer many options for different sporting needs. If your better half is a businessperson or a socialite, luxury watches come in a range of colors and embellishments to match any business suit or evening gown.

Given as a gift, Patek Philippe and other luxury watches carry a sentiment that is unmatchable by any flower, wine, greeting card, clothing, or a fancy dinner.

On Becoming a Luxury Watch Collector…

Part of the appeal of collecting something stems from our childhoods spent hoarding comic books, stamps, stickers, sports cards, coins, etc. The thrill of seeking out something to add to a collection brings an inexplicable joy. Collecting luxury watches such as a Patek Philippe, Omega, Tag Heuer, and the like are no exception to the fascination and satisfaction brought about by being a collector. Seeing the endless array of Patek Philippe watches, Rolex watches, and other cutting edge timepieces created by the finest watchmakers is just as exhilarating to a watch collector as vintage cars are to automobile enthusiasts. The fascination that watch collectors have with the latest styles, mechanisms, movements, and precision of luxury timepieces makes them want to collect more and more Patek Philippe watches, among other luxury watches.

Thinking of becoming a luxury watch collector? Here’s how:

Omega - Steel-Red Gold on steel-gold full bar

While seeing the many styles of Patek Philippe, Omega, IWC, Panerai and others stimulate your passion to start collecting luxury watches, the hobby doesn’t allow you to instantly pick out a luxury watch simply because it looks appealing. If you are serious about becoming a watch collector, it is best to develop your collection slowly. Try and gain insight on the luxury watch making industry as the more information your have, the more likely it is that your Patek Philippe or other similar brand watch becomes an integral and lasting addition to your collection.

With the many Patek Philippe, Longines, Chopard, etc. styles to choose from, where should one start in luxury watch collecting?  As a newbie luxury watch collector, start by choosing a Patek Philippe watch for work, a Tag Heuer watch for sporting activities, a jeweled Chopard or Bvlgari watch for dressing up, and perhaps another Patek Philippe or Omega watch for casual events. As you gain more insight on luxury watches, your collection can be expanded to different types or styles of watches. For example, you might consider collecting the different types of movement watches, which involves the engineering of a luxury watch. Or you might consider a collection on complication timepieces or even watches with perpetual calendars such as the ones offered by Patek Philippe and other brands. The possibilities are endless and the choices are almost infinite.

Lastly, seek out publications that focus on the ins and outs of Patek Philippe and other luxury watch brands. Join social groups who are into luxury watch collecting. Watch collectors have a wealth of information they are eager to share to help you become successful in your luxury watch collecting efforts.

Caring for your Luxury Watch

Brands such as Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Omega, and the like are valued for their precision and movement. While luxury watches from Omega, Patek Philippe, and Tag Heuer, etc. boast of supreme quality, these watches still need the proper maintenance to keep them functioning properly and maintain its longevity.

Below are some points to consider in caring for luxury watches:

Water - Most luxury watches, such as those from Patek Philippe, are already made resistant to water. Be sure to rid the watch of remaining chlorine when used in swimming. Salt water, however, causes more damage than regular water as salt can cause corrosion to the watch’s exterior. Remove watches prior to salt-water swimming.

Shock - One strong impact can instantly damage a watch in a second. It is advisable for athletes, sportsmen, or runners to remove the watch before doing such activities, lest the luxury watch is made to specifically withstand such conditions.

Temperature - Refrain from exposing the watch to extreme heat or cold for extended periods of time. Extreme heat shortens battery life while extreme cold affects the timekeeping accuracy.

Chemical Contact - Gases, solvents, chemicals, etc. damage the watch by causing discoloration and deterioration. Refrain from wearing the watch when dealing with chemicals.

Electrical Contact - While most household appliances do not pose a threat, most luxury watches cannot withstand strong electric fields or static electricity. Refrain from wearing the watch in these areas, lest it is made to withstand such conditions.

Expert’s Touch - Luxury watches, such as those from Patek Philippe, Omega, and Tag Heuer need to be cleaned and serviced from time to time. Since every watch is made unique, refer to the manual for special instructions and the frequency of having it serviced. Always let a specialist handle the watch.

How to Clean Wristwatches

Wristwatches define a lifestyle. Luxury timepieces from Patek Philippe, Bvlgari, Omega and Chopard make a definite statement and are heirlooms that will be passed from one generation to the next. It is important that proper care is given for these pieces to last. Below is a list on how to care for your sublime wristwatch.

1. First, gather your materials. You will need rubbing alcohol, a soft-bristled toothbrush, lint-free cloth, white vinegar and baking soda.
2. If you can, gently remove the bracelet but do not force it if the bracelet is difficult to disengage. Be extra cautious to keep the watch from getting wet as this might damage the timepiece.
3. To make scrubbing easier, soak the bracelet in water and dish soap or rubbing alcohol for a couple hours.
4. After soaking, scrub out the dirt in between the links of the bracelet by using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Swiss watches like Patek Philippe are manufactured with only the highest quality bracelets that make scrubbing easier.
5. As much as possible, use a lint-free cloth when drying the bracelet to avoid getting fibers stuck in between the links. If you had dismantled the bracelet from the watch, it can now be re-attached.
6. Leather straps can be cleaned by using a mixture of white vinegar and water. Scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure that the straps are dried thoroughly before wearing them. Luxury timepieces such as Patek Philippe, Omega, Breguet or Harry Winston offer wristwatches with leather straps that are easy to clean and dry.