Swiss watches have a reputation for being expensive as well as being very accurate. In fact, Swiss production accounts for half of the watches sold in the world. In 1960, Swiss engineers tested the first watch with a quartz movement and battery, a mechanism that is now widely used throughout the watch industry. Since Switzerland exports around 95% of its production, there is a wide choice of products from Swatch, in plastic, to luxury watches. In this guide, you will find information on how to buy a Swiss watch.
Steps
Step 1. Decide if you want a fully Swiss made watch
As Switzerland is the home of watches, many designers from other countries use Swiss design and manufacturing methods. Japan is famous for having even made improvements to the Swiss manufacturing method, so the quality of Japanese-made watches is comparable to that of Swiss watches.
- You can choose a watch with a "Swiss mechanism". This protected designation means that at least 50 percent of the watch's moving parts come from a Swiss factory and that it uses Swiss components. However, this does not guarantee that the entire production process took place in Switzerland. The mechanism can also be "Swiss quartz" or "Swiss automatic".
- You can choose a "Swiss Made" watch. This means that the watch was completely assembled with Swiss components in a Swiss factory. These designations should appear on the case or face of the watch.
- If you don't find any of these on the watch, then it is very likely that what you are evaluating is not a Swiss watch. Since they are protected designations, they generally correspond to the truth, with rare exceptions.
Step 2. Decide if you want a watch with a mechanical, automatic or quartz movement
These terms apply to watches from all sources. A watch with a mechanical or automatic movement may be more difficult to find. Watches with a quartz movement, since they oscillate at 32,000 vibrations per second, are very accurate.
- A mechanical watch needs to be wound every 36-40 hours. These watches are often expensive and well built, even passed down from generation to generation. However, they need to be loaded and adjusted often, as they can lose seconds or minutes every week.
- An automatic watch uses the energy produced by the spring to wind the watch. If you are not wearing it every day, it is advisable to purchase an automatic watch charger. However, an automatic watch requires much less maintenance than a mechanical watch.
- Watches with a quartz movement are the most accurate. A battery works together with the vibrating crystal to ensure the accuracy of the watch. The battery typically needs to be replaced every 1-2 years; however, it requires less maintenance than a mechanical watch.
Step 3. Decide how much you are willing to spend
A Swiss watch is not necessarily expensive, especially if it is made of plastic or plated with precious metals, but if it is made of materials such as gold, platinum and diamonds the price will be substantially higher. Since the invention of the quartz movement, the price of a Swiss watch has ranged from 50 to a few thousand euros (from 70 Swiss francs upwards).
Step 4. Buy directly from the Swatch store if you want to see the entire collection and choose the one you like best
If you already know you want a Swatch there are many retailers, 600 official stores around the world and 8 country specific websites for online sales.
The Swatches are produced in digital and analog versions and in many colors. The company regularly launches new collections and if you want to be promptly updated on new releases you can subscribe to the company's mailing list
Step 5. In a department store like La Rinascente or Harrods you can find a large selection of quartz and automatic watches
You can ask a clerk to show you the Swiss watches they have in store.
Step 6. If you want a luxury mechanical or automatic watch, contact a high-end jeweler, who will be able to recommend the best models
He might even show you some vintage collectible pieces.
If you want to buy a luxury watch, you can also contact a personal shopper who is looking for it for you. Specify that you want a "Swiss Made" watch and he will look for the best deals from various retailers
Step 7. Search the internet for "Swiss made watch" to find a list of dealers
Beware of scams or counterfeit products. If a luxury Swiss watch is priced particularly cheaply, it is most likely too good to be true, so it is a fake.
Step 8. Look for online or traditional auctions where you may find collectible antique Swiss watches
Many consider the classic mechanical movement to be a work of art. Check eBay or other online auction sites regularly.
