5 Rules To Watch Collecting $1k - $5k

Note: This is the second of a series highlighting what to look for in a watch within a given price range. Our goal is to help you make a more informed purchase on StockX.

In our first installment, we covered the basics of buying a watch under $1,000. Each of those “rules” apply to this segment as well, but watches in the $1k to $5k range present a new set of topics to be aware of. This price bracket represents one of the most competitive segments in the industry, with savvy shoppers expecting a lot for their hard earned cash. If this represents you, we’ve got 5 more rules for you to keep in mind before hitting that Bid button. 

1. This Is Not An Investment

$5,000 is a lot of money for most of us. It’s tempting to view products we buy in this range through the lense of an investment. While some of the watches in this range will hold their value better than others, and some may even gain a few bucks, that doesn’t make them sound investments. There’s a better way to view products in this range, as that of longevity with the goal of buying fewer, better things. Watches in this price range should last, whether it’s with you or through a dozen owners, they are generational by nature. Keep that in mind when shopping. 

2. Buy For The Lifestyle You Have

We’ve all been moved by effective marketing campaigns that position watches in incredible scenarios on the wrists of the most fashionable among us. This is good and well, but rarely do we see ourselves reflected in these moments. As moving as cool ambassadors are, it’s important to keep in mind how products fit into your everyday life. The clothes you wear, the setting you live, work and play in, the functional elements you might put to use are each more important than a sexy ad. Buy for the life you have. 

3. Understand The Movement

In the $1k to $5k range you’ll begin to see the term in-house movement thrown around a bit more. Read this if you’re not sure what that means. Much of the value here will come from the movement used, and will range from complications to heightened accuracy. Don’t expect anything too exotic in the way of complication, but put some time into understanding exactly what it is before pulling the trigger. Are the complications added via modules are or they fully integrated? Is it a certified chronometer? What’s the power reserve? These are all questions you’ll want answered.  

4. Don’t Baby It

To reiterate the first point, watches in this range should be built to last generations. A watch that has been in use for one generation will undoubtedly mean more to the next. More so than a watch that’s been sitting in a safe, that is. You spend a lot of time and resources finding the right watch, and you’ll realize a far greater joy in putting the watch to use in your everyday life (which is why point 2 is so important). 

5. Buck The Trends

Finally, in a culture fueled by FOMO, don’t be moved to make a watch purchase based solely on the hype factor. Sure, it’s perfectly natural to be drawn to the latest greatest, flashiest, but don’t buy without first coming to terms with why it’s right for you, and not just your instagram feed. Don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten path, there are some true treasures to be found in this price range.