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Watch Review

When Buying A Watch Is A Waste of Money

Paul Altieri

Watches are often viewed as investments because they hold their value better than most other things. Cars and electronics get outdated as new and improved designs make their way to market; however the function of a watch has not changed over the years, and as a result, a watch never truly becomes outdated, thus making it one of the best investment opportunities.

However, not all watches can be investments; and many watches will depreciate overtime, with some becoming effectively worthless over the years, regardless of their initial purchase price. Timeless luxury watch heirloom pieces will maintain some of their initial value; however, buying some watches is essentially like throwing money away when you consider the long run.

How To Waste Your Money

The Apple Watch, while revolutionary in its own right, it is terrible when it comes to retaining value. Its primary downfall in this category resides in how quickly it will become outdated, as new and improved models get released and existing applications get updated and optimized for later-generation platforms.

No one wants outdated tech. and it is not the best investment.
An Apple watch is certainly innovative, but there is little to no retention in value as time passes. (credit: Apple)

In addition to resale value decreasing due to the advent of newer and more feature-packed Apple Watches, current models will likely become outdated over the course of the next few years, once they are no longer able to run Apple’s latest operating system – much like how first-generation iPhones have become effectively useless, regardless of their condition.

Waste Your Money Here Too

As for watches from fashion brands, their trendy designs may seem appealing; however, their visual appearance is where most of your money is being spent. Mechanically, these fashion watches are entirely unremarkable; and since their primary function is simply to look good, overall build quality frequently leaves a lot to be desired.

Dont get fooled. Fashion watches are not best investments.
Don’t be fooled. Fashion watches are typically out of style in less than a year. (Credit: Michael Kors)

Additionally, since new models are often released on a seasonal basis, fashion watches become outdated more quickly than almost any other kind of watch. Why this matters, is because the release of new models decreases the value of previous ones, and fashion watches often become effectively worthless just a couple years after they were purchased.

Another Strategy To Lose Money

While buying high-end luxury watches has the potential to be a sound investment, paying full retail price often guarantees a financial loss. Although a true, luxury timepiece will never become entirely worthless; the astronomical premiums that accompany new watches do not translate to the pre-owned market.

The GMT-Master is an amazing watch, but paying full retail is not awesome.
Taking items from retail is actually not worth the money since the price drops the second you walk out the door.

The Logical Conclusion

When a watch is labeled as pre-owned, it means that it has had a previous owner; however many “pre-owned” watches can be found in brand-new, unworn condition. Although these watches do not come with factory warranties, they provide buyers with a pristine, contemporary timepiece, without the immediate depreciation that occurs as soon as the watch leaves the authorized dealership.

Certain timepieces can be legitimate investments that maintain their value over the years and can even appreciate in the long run. However, not all watches are heirloom pieces; and in some instances – such as buying a smartwatch, or some fashion brand’s latest seasonal design – purchasing a watch can be just like throwing money away.

Paul Altieri
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