Thanks to the internet and social media, the 21st century has ushered in a new era for the watch industry. Never before has accessing information been so easy. You can sit back and listen to or watch amateurs, professionals, dealers, collectors, enthusiasts, and even TikTokers (watchtok) from all around the globe share a wealth of knowledge about watches!
However, with an influx of information comes confusion and misinformation, which is unavoidable. On this gentle early winter day, let’s "expose" the truth behind some of the most pressing myths!
Luxury Watches Are Always a Profitable Investment
Sadly, this isn’t true. Much like a new car, their value drops the moment they leave the store. Of course, some watches genuinely make for worthy investments, with their value soaring year after year, primarily from brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. However, predicting this trend can be challenging. So, buy a watch because you like it! If it later becomes sought after and transforms into a "king" in the pre-owned market, congratulations!
Following Trends
Watches, like clothes and accessories, go in and out of style over time. There will be moments when you regret purchasing that bright green or orange watch or those oversized pieces that feel like weights on your wrist just because your idol was sporting one. It’s good to observe what others wear, but be selective when applying it to your style.
Isn’t this a bit too much of a watch? It’s way too large compared to the wrist size.
"Swiss-Made" Means Everything Is Made in Switzerland
"Swiss Made" is a term that signifies quality and craftsmanship, often instilling trust among consumers. However, it doesn’t mean that everything is 100% made in Switzerland.
The standard here dictates that at least 60% of the production costs must be incurred in Switzerland, and 50% of the essential production steps must be carried out there. This means that the remaining 40% and 50%, respectively, can occur anywhere else in the world. Key components of your 'Swiss' watch could be sourced from neighboring countries or beyond...
Luxury Watches Are Completely Handmade
Not at all. With CNC cutting technology capable of running continuously, producing hundreds or even thousands of components for a watch, everything from the case, gears, screws, to the dial is often made this way. The margin of error from machines is extremely low, surpassing what any human hand and eye can achieve.
However, to this day, mechanical movements still require skilled artisans to complete and bring them to life. Thus, from that perspective, watchmaking technology can be considered 'handmade,' but not entirely.
Mechanical Watches Last Longer and Run More Accurately When Not Worn Regularly
Like any machine, watches are made to run. If they sit idle, the internal parts can seize up. The decrease in lubricant, however minimal, is a primary culprit, along with environmental conditions and humidity causing oxidation of the moving parts, dial, and hands.
This process doesn’t happen overnight; it takes some time. While watches aren’t as easily damaged from infrequent use as cars or motorcycles, if you own a watch, you should wear it often, right?
It's Okay to Wear a Water-Resistant Watch in the Shower
While it’s generally okay, you shouldn’t "torture" your watch like that. Manufacturers test water resistance under static and cool conditions, while you’ll likely wear your watch under strong showers with hot water. The combination of heat and water pressure can easily exceed three bars - equivalent to submerging your water-resistant watch to depths of over 30 meters. Additionally, soap and shampoo can damage the rubber gaskets.
Comentarios