Things to Consider Before Splurging on Your First 'Atas' Watch

It's no secret that owning a fancy watch is not a luxury the average person can afford. Needless to say, if you're a noob in the world of fine watches, the mere thought of buying one can be scary and a very, VERY expensive risk to take.

Back when we were younger, everyone was crazy about digital watches like Casio G-Shock and Baby-Gs. Nowadays, smartwatches are becoming a trend because of the convenience and connectivity they promote. But come to think of it, owning a really good quality traditional timepiece can give you a sense of stylo milo-ness and #adulting that your Apple Watch probably can't (no offense to Apple). In a world where we practically live out of our mobile phones and tablets, a fancy watch can actually become a valuable heirloom which can be passed down from your great-grandfather to your great-grandchildren.

According to recent studies, 34% of 25 to 34 year olds are overwhelmed by the amount of technology we use today. Sometimes, reaching for your mobile phone just to check the time could in fact make you feel more stressed because you are then obligated to check your emails, text messages or social media. On the other hand, a quick glance at your watch will help you avoid that kind of neccessary stress.

So what should you look out for before taking the plunge and buying your first atas watch?

Can I trust the brand?

The first thing you should consider is where the watch came from because history and background do play a role in a watch’s value. The longer a brand has been around, the more likely it is to be reliable and precise. There are many international forums that offer great advice when it comes to deciding on a brand of timepiece that best suits your needs and wants. No doubt, older brands with a long history are usually more popular among watch kakis because these brands have very unique technologies that are highly sought-after.

How much should I spend on it?

The price of watches ultimately boils down to the materials, length of manufacture as well as brand heritage. They don't call them 'luxury' watches for nothing, but you should never spend more than you can afford. So it is crucial to consider your budget and think about how much you are willing to invest. If you can afford a lot, that is great. But if you find yourself draining your bank account only to think of reselling your watch later, then you should reconsider your decision. Remember, watches are like cars. The value depreciates as time goes by and you will most likely not get the same value back, especially when mechanics are involved.

Digital, quartz or mechanical? What's the difference?

There are three types of movements in watches – digital, quartz and mechanical. Digital watches are powered by a tiny watch battery and can be found in most electronic stores. Quartz watches, also known as analog watches, function on a small, electrified quartz crystal within the mechanism. This type of watches is also very accurate in telling time. Mechanical watches are the most popular type of luxury watches and are often more expensive because they're made of hundreds of parts that are assembled by hand! This kind of watches is often a preferred choice in terms of collectibles, which is why most of the top watch brands still make them even though the technology is centuries old.

How do I keep it in tiptop shape?

Mechanical watches in particular don’t keep time as well as quartz watches because of the mechanical movements. Some of these movements are very complex and need to be regularly serviced and maintain. It is recommended to service your watch at least once every two years. When you start to notice that the time-keeping is no longer accurate, you should probably visit the watch doctor. You shouldn't delay the servicing because one dysfunctional component could damage the entire mechanical system.

Wear and tear is of course, unavoidable when it comes to luxury watches. Many collectors would advise you to wear your timepiece as often as you can so that the mechanism continues to run smoothly. In terms of overall care, keep your watch clean and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals. Also try your best to avoid wearing a fine watch to do sports or go to the beach. You wouldn’t wear your best fine shoes to go jogging, right? So don’t make the same mistake with your watch.

Finally, never test the limits of your watch. If you know that it has a certain level of water resistance, don’t try experimenting and dunking it in the swimming pool When properly taken care of, a good watch will last you a lifetime.

Ultimately, making a wise and informed decision before investing in a fancy timepiece will not only give you something that you can inherit to your family, you can also take a break from the overwhelming technology we are surrounded with today. And walking around with a nice watch on your wrist is also a bonus because we all need an ego boost once in a while, don't we?

If you're already looking out for your first fine watch purchase, start with MASA Horlogerie. In case you didn’t know, MASA Horlogerie is Malaysia’s first luxury watch company that makes Swiss watches. They even have a factory in Switzerland! The most distinct feature in MASA Horlogerie watches is the Malaysian trademark. The company incorporates Malaysian traditional and culture elements in all its watch collections, which makes it truly unique for us Malaysians! To find out more about MASA Horlogerie, visit their website or their private gallery in Country Heights, Kajang.

Good luck buying your first fancy schmancy watch!