Question: Quartz vs Automatic Watch? Online versus AD?

[love_miu]

Hi ladies,

I'm hoping to buy my first high-end designer watch in the next year or so and am doing some research first. I'm loving Cartier and Rolex, but the latter is a bit expensive for now but I'm keeping it as an option.

Just wondering:

1) I did a random Google search and found out that Cartier watches keep their value as long as you avoid buying the quartz version. Does anyone find this to be true? That is a bit of a sad news for me as the smaller-sized Cartier watches seem to be mostly quartz.

2) I find new Rolex watches cheaper online, but as these online dealers are not AD, the warranty offered is not international and will not be honored in another country (I am not from the States, by the way). Does anyone know of any reputable online shops that provide international warranty for Rolex or Cartier?

I'm new to watches; have been wearing mostly fashion watches till now, but now that I'm 30, I think it's a good time to start investing in classics! Would love to hear from you all. TIA!!

 

[couturequeen]

I'd only worry about resale value if you don't plan to keep the timepiece. Cartier is a "jewelry brand" to most watch collectors, which is why the quartz is not as sought after. If you plan to keep the watch, quartz/auto doesn't matter - get the watch you love. Which model are you looking at?

Not sure about international warranty. Hopefully someone can assist!

 

[nvie]

Automatic watches seem to hold better value than quartz but again depending on brand. I find automatic or quartz is really a personal preference.

I can't comment about online dealers but if you are ready to pay so much for a watch like Rolex or Cartier, I would go down authorised dealer's route to ensure international warranty's coverage.

 

[Mr. Ho]

If you are wanting a high-end watch then, in my opinion, you should only be looking at the automatics/mechanical. Both Cartier and Rolex hold their value well and are considered excellent pieces.

When looking at a Cartier, look at the Calibre de Cartier collection, as they use their in-house movement and will hold their value better.

Rolex all use in-house movements and are well known for holding their value, especially the Submariner.

A couple reputable online dealers are swissluxury.com and prestigetime.com. I have never purchased from them, so it is just what I have heard. You may also want to take a look at the for sale section on rolexforums.com. There are several grey market dealers that can get you a good deal on BNIB.

Honestly though, if you are about to drop 6-10k+ on a watch, a few hundred doesn't make much difference. The enjoyment of experiencing good customer service from an AD is worth it.

 

[love_miu]

Thanks couturequeen, nvie and Mr. Ho!

I'm guessing automatic is a more worthy investment too. And I'm also not comfortable not at least having an international warranty and possibly having to ship my watch back to wherever I buy it from. I guess you are right, an AD will be more reliable in this sense.

Just tried on my dream Rolex watch IRL today and it's to die for! Somehow Cartier didn't look as good on me. This is super bad for my wallet! Back to deliberating....

 

[nvie]

Thanks couturequeen, nvie and Mr. Ho!

I'm guessing automatic is a more worthy investment too. And I'm also not comfortable not at least having an international warranty and possibly having to ship my watch back to wherever I buy it from. I guess you are right, an AD will be more reliable in this sense.

Just tried on my dream Rolex watch IRL today and it's to die for! Somehow Cartier didn't look as good on me. This is super bad for my wallet! Back to deliberating....

love_miu - if you have your eye on something to die for, then I suggest you better go for it, if you have the budget, rather than settling for something cheaper but regret later.