Why are some watches so expensive? A deeper look into what makes the price vary on a watch

In the watch world, there are so many different materials, components, complications and other options that can completely change the price of a watch. From where its manufactured, to where its parts come from, a watch can go from $60 to $60,000. So, what makes a watch more expensive than another watch?

Guess Rigor

The aesthetics aren't the only thing that makes the price of a watch high. A perfect example is the Guess W0040G3 or the Guess Rigor above. A watch that is absolutely aesthetically beautiful and comfortable to wear that resembles similarities between Hublot and Audemars Piguet, but doesn't have the components or materials to make it an expensive "high end" watch like Hublot or Audemars Piguet.

What makes a watch more expensive is 3 things. 1. What movement is inside the watch/how many complications are in said movement, 2. Where the watch is manufactured, and 3. What materials were used to build the watch.

The Movement:

A watch movement can change the price tag completely. There are 3 types of movements available; Quartz, Manual-winding and Automatic/Self-Winding movements. 

Quartz movements always use a battery to create power for the watch to operate. Since this style of movement runs on battery, the watch needs very little maintenance to operate and the battery lasts a few years before it needs to be replaced. 

Quartz Movement

Manual-winding movements are mainly powered by winding the stem of the crown to power the mainspring inside the watch. Manual-wind watches need to be rewound frequently since there is no Automatic/Self-winding capabilities, and it also ensures that all gears inside the piece are in working order.

Manual-winding Movement

Automatic/Self-Winding movements use a rotating weight called the rotor inside to keep the watch wound and running. As you wear the watch, the rotor uses the movement of your arm to ensure the watch stays wound and maintains power. However, the movement of your arm sometimes is not enough for the watch to keep power. A watch winder is a good way to keep these watches running properly and keeping good time when you're not wearing them.

Automatic Movement

Manufacturing: Where its made, and material choice

Made in China

Where a watch is manufactured can have a massive impact on the price tag of a timepiece. Budget friendly options are usually made in China and usually run a quartz or battery powered movement. However, there are many fantastic, budget friendly mechanical timepieces that are being manufactured in China. A lot of these brands will use some form of polished steel for the case and bracelet, and use cheaper materials to make their watches, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good watch. 

Tevise T-801A Automatic (Made in China)

Made in Japan:

Made in Japan timepieces are a big step up in timepiece quality. Well known companies like Seiko, Citizen, Casio and Orient are all Japanese made brands. When moving into Japanese made territory, there is an overall quality and feel difference that improves the overall aesthetics and wearability of a certain timepiece. Japanese brands will move into sapphire crystals over the dials, 316L stainless steel for the case and bracelets, genuine leather straps, and you also move into Japanese made mechanical and automatic movements, which a lot of the time, are amazing movements. Japanese brands also use quartz movements for certain timepieces, but the build quality is still amazing.

Seiko SKX007

Made in Germany:

We are now moving into high-end territory with German made timepieces. These pieces are absolute works of art, and are quite a bit cheaper than Swiss made watches (sometimes). These timepieces work with extremely intricate mechanical movements and high quality materials such as gold, white gold and platinum. Brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Archimede, Glashutte, Mont Blanc and Sinn are all amazing German made watches.

A. Lange & Söhne Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Platinum

Made in Switzerland:

Swiss made timepieces are the absolute best of the best when it comes to quality in watch making. Each timepiece is crafted by hand with the best materials and are equipped with designed and manufactured in-house watch movements to create absolute elegance and outstanding craftsmanship inside and out. Swiss timepieces will run you quite a bit of money, but you definitely get what you pay for when you purchase one. Brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, De Bethune, Omega and Tag Heuer are all beautiful examples of Swiss made timepieces. 

De Bethune DB28 Grand Sport

There are so many variables that can change the price of a timepiece in the market today. What really matters is what you love. What you decide to put on your wrist is completely up to you, and wear your pieces with pride. It doesn't matter the materials, where it was made, the best watch in the world is the one you choose to wear. We hope this gave you more of an insight to the world of watches, and thank you for taking the time to read our article. Check out our next article as we review the Tevise T-801A.