Interviews

Ask Roxane: What Should I Know Before Buying a Watch?

By Roxane Zand
Roxane Zand, Sotheby’s Deputy Chairman of the Middle East shares her wealth of life experience with readers of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia in her regular column where she answers questions on love, life and luxury. Take a look at an extract from her column below and visit Harper’s Bazaar Arabia to read more…

I love watches and have noticed more women taking an interest in them. What should I know before buying one as a real investment?

There is nothing so universally appealing and status-defining as a beautiful watch, with more and more women buying glamorous watches that are not just artefacts full of technical wizardry, but also extravagant, fabulously feminine, bejewelled wrist decoration. Watches can be items of jewellery in themselves, and the most valuable are those that carry an iconic status, beyond the design and gems, due to their impeccable craftsmanship.

PATEK PHILIPPE, A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE REF 4960 AQUANAUT CIRCA 2002

A timepiece that becomes a timeless piece, which is the case with some of the most unusual and prized watches by brands such as Piaget, Cartier, Patek Philippe or Van Cleef & Arpels. Some of the first-namers who wear these wonderful creations include Diana, Greta, Jackie and Michelle, so you’d be well-advised to stand in line for the next opportunity to acquire one – new or vintage.

CARTIER, A WHITE GOLD AND DIAMOND-SET BRACELET WATCH CIRCA 1940

The trend towards female watch-buying relates to the notion of today’s strong, confident determined yet feminine woman. Women are building watch collections, just like men have done, with a timepiece for every occasion, outfit or mood. The creation of high-jewellery is a fast-growing and much-treasured aspect of the watch market, with one-of-a-kind, gem-encrusted timepieces that the owner is merely a custodian of. Less ostentatious watches can be equally good investments – think of the Cartier Tank and the elegant Jaeger-LeCoultres, which can be worn seamlessly from one occasion to another. My advice... while there are many to tempt you, browse the options before you commit.

Read more from Roxane at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia including:
- I often think about having cosmetic surgery. Do you think this shows as a lack of self-esteem?

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