Now I know we’re currently in the worst financial crisis since who knows when, but I want to talk about my journey to purchasing my first Rolex watch. This post is quite lengthy so if this is not your cup of tea, run along

So I’ve been saving for awhile now and I’m excited to announce that I am on the verge of getting this Rolex watch I’ve been dreaming about. The watch cost AU$6650 (US$4300). I know a lot of you will balk at the cost but I really see a Rolex watch as an investment. I know some will say I’d be better off putting it into shares, property or whatnot but this isn’t just about ROI. A Rolex watch is timeless, a classic and the craftsmanship is sheer brilliance.

Ok, so my watch requirements is something simple, no blings, no frills.

I have indeed looked around other watches and also loved Patek Phillipe. However, I simply cannot afford one as the price is way beyond my budget.

The second watch I like is by IWC. The style is classic but they don’t really make lady watches and even the smallest men’ watch is still too big for my wrist.

I then encountered Rolex and fell in love with the Rolex Cellini Classic. It is a dress watch and thus very high in maintenance (like me lol). It is not water proof and not automatic – I need to hand wind it once every 2 days. I’ve been looking for a dress watch so the Cellini Classic is perfect!

After some research here are some info about watches for those who are interested.

1. Dress Watch VS Sports Watch

A Sports watch is usually durable. They are water proof and automatic. So you can use it vigorously within reasons thus to play sports, etc. It is usually thick in size.

A Dress watch, on the other hand, is very thin in thickness. The aim of this watch is to be worn underneath your suit. It is more fragile and sometimes not water proof. It requires high maintenance.

I would suggest you look at your lifestyle. If you are an active person, you should get a sports watch. If you’re like me, wanting a watch to match your dress then you know which watch to get . Another thing to consider is if you want your watch to have a date feature.

2. Quartz Automatic VS Manual

Another factor to consider when you buy a watch is whether the mechanical is quartz auto or manual. Automatic watch runs either by hand movements or battery. A manual watch requires you to wind it once every second day. Which one is more accurate one may asked? The manual watches are less accurate and depending on the maker (Rolex or IWC or other brand), a manual watch may lose more seconds than automatic/quartz.

3. Which Brand?

There are so many nice reliable brands. Again, this is simply my opinion based on researches I have done. Other people may have different opinions.

Rolex was originally a dive watch. It was used in US Army/Navy or something like that.  Rolex spends most of their revenue on marketing and protecting its brand (one of them is against counterfeiters). Thus, Rolex watches tend to retain their re-sale value.

Brands such as Omega are value for money. Seikos are very reliable and are made in Japan. IWC is famous for its pilot’s watch and is also one of my favourite brand in terms of style. I love IWC style a lot as they are more in line to my taste but unfortunately are too big for my wrist. Brietlings are also famous for their pilot’s watch. There are also other good brands such as Panerai which is labelled to be the ‘New Rolex’

Patek Phillipe, Piaget and Cartier are the big daddy of watches. They have excellent craftmanships and style. They are very very expensive but as the Patek Phillipe’s saying goes – you do not own a watch, you pass it on to the next generation

4. The engine of the watch

Yes, it is something that we do not see unless we open and butcher the watch. The reason why luxury watches are expensive other than the materials used and the craftsmanship, is because of their technology. To give you an example, Rolex watch movements are all built in house while IWC watches below AU$10,000 (US$6400) use technology from Swatch.

5. Always buy a watch from authorised dealer

Never buy online. Check the official website and look up for local dealers.  I mean you’re going to be spending a lot of money so you don’t want to buying some dodgy watch made from China.

6. Do I need to service my watch?

Like a well tuned car a watch also needs servicing. With Rolex watches, you may need to service it once every 2 years. Each service will cost up to AU$200 (US$128). Service includes tuning your watch and cleaning the engine. It is required to preserve your watch.

7. How do I know which watch is for me?

This one is really personal choice. My quick answer would be the one that makes you happy . A watch is something that you wear everyday. The motive should to please yourself and not others.

Metal strap or leather strap, again this is a personal choice. Most people like metal strap but I prefer leather strap. I feel the watch looks more classy in leather.

Blings, intricate details OR Simple? When I went to Rolex and IWC dealers, the seller told me that the older you are the more details you want in a watch. This means more diamonds, more detailings. For me, young or old I will stick to the no frills, plain, simple (boring) style.

A watch is something you wear everyday thus cost per wear vs cost of buy are relatively great.

People tell me that I should enjoy the journey of finding the right watch as much as finally wearing one. So, that is where I am at the moment. I have not got the watch yet, but hopefully it will be sometime this year

Will certainly keep you updated and wish me lots of luck and maybe a payrise .. or 2.

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