Now, more than ever we are becoming an increasingly more eco-conscious generation. Hearing the word ‘luxury’ doesn’t instantly bring to one’s mind the most eco-friendly image -from extravagant excessive materials, lavish showrooms and beautiful packaging. Generally, it is a very glamourised experience -far from our natural perception of what might be eco-conscious.
So how can we enjoy the finer things in life, indulge in some luxury yet still be a responsible buyer?
The answer is simple really: shop pre-owned.
Shopping within the second-hand watch market encourages continuous use of the item. Luxury watches boast of durability and longevity. They are investments and heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation. You get to experience the joy of watching your grandchild’s eyes light up at that first Omega your father gave you that made your very eyes light up in the same way.
Most importantly, it allows us to give this watch a new life. A new story. A new purpose. A new meaning. All while carrying a deep history with it.
That’s some pretty powerful stuff right?
The pre-owned market allows us to pay respect to these extraordinary timepieces by keeping them alive. They are different to the ordinary purchase. They are special. They are worthy of the respect and the care to be selective on who is allowed to have the honour of wearing it on their wrist next.
If you have a true love for watches and an appreciation for its art, then the pre-owned industry is really the best place to shop.
Not to mention the rare or discontinued timepieces that you can find within the second-hand market. It is a shopping world filled with opportunity to discover some of the finest and most meaningful watches.
Aside from the power of being able to give a watch a second life, shopping pre-owned also comes with some great sustainability benefits.
Shopping luxury generally means longer lasting wear and not having to upkeep the habit of frequent purchases from high street brands.
Unlike the habits we see consumers adopt in the fast fashion market, it would be rare for buyers to purchase a special timepiece and then simply throw it away when they are bored -in fact it would be borderline insanity.
Shopping within the pre-owned market means a reduction in the need of energy use and waste. Each luxury watch brand has their own commitments to sustainability that you can align your values accordingly when deciding where to shop. For example, Breitling use Econyl fibre made from ocean plastics for its bracelets and IWC uses recycled gold in some watches. Deloitte produced a survey for its Swiss Watch Industry Study 2020 stating that over 50% of watch buyers considered sustainability as a determining factor when purchasing and Deloitte projects that this number will continue to increase.
Ultimately, the pre-owned market allows you to enjoy a glamourised experience while still being responsible and eco-friendly. That’s a win win if you ask me.
]]>Read the full interview below.
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into watches?
I'm Lucy - also known as @thewatchboxdiaries based in Lincolnshire, England. I don't work in the watch world (yet!) but I've been an enthusiast for about 5 years now. The watch that started it all? A beautiful vintage 36mm Rolex DateJust with a champagne dial. It made me fall in love with not just watches, but specifically ones with a history.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day means the celebration of women - from how far we have come in gaining equality, to highlighting how determined we are for the future. I love that it provides the opportunity to show how strong we are, and that the world gets to celebrate it.
What was the story behind your first luxury watch?
My first well known branded watch was a lovely little quartz Omega Deville (which I still have and love dearly!) but in terms of luxury, it would be my Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm. It's the 369 style with the beautiful blue sunburst dial. Since that DateJust, which was my stepfathers, I've always loved the idea of buying a watch, wearing it, making memories, and then passing that piece down to my children. Like passing down stories.
What do you love about watches the most?
The history. Watchmaking is an artform and the level of skill involved in creating a piece always amazes me. They're also incredibly beautiful, versatile and come in such varieties that there is a watch for everyone.
What has been your experience as a woman within this industry?
People are always surprised when they find out just how into watches I am! From those outside of the industry or as a hobby, there's mostly intrigue. From other enthusiasts, they find it refreshing to see a female talk so passionately about them. Sadly, there have been many times I've stepped into a boutique and either been directed to the fashion brands or been met with surprise when I mention movements or references, but I'm hopeful this will continue to improve.
What advice would you give a woman who was looking to buy her first watch and was new to the industry?
Do your research. You don't have to do much - just enough to get a rough idea of what you're looking for. I'd suggest watching YouTube videos (this is part of how I still learn new things today) as there's content for beginners as well as in-depth reviews. Also, one of the best things I did was to join Instagram and the watchfam. It's such a friendly, helpful, non-judgmental community that you can feel confident asking anything, even if you feel it's silly.
Are there any communities, accounts, or resources that you would recommend for females within the industry?
Oh, so many! My favourite YouTube channels are Jenni Elle and Watch.Gringa. For Instagram, it depends what you're after but @winters.watches, @watchstudies and @oldwatchlady are a good mix. Then there are always publications like Hodinkee, Scottish Watches and Time and Tide to get through too.
Who are your female role models?
There are so many incredible women in the world! I have huge admiration for those who fight (whether internal battles or external problems) and still keep their sense of humour. That's really hard to do! In the watch world, people like Cara Barrett and Brynn Wallner (aka Dimepiece) have careers they've worked really hard for and are thriving which is incredible to see.
Follow Watch Box Diaries' Instagram here and subscribe to her Youtube channel here
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]]>The popular "Pepsi" watch -you cannot go wrong with this watch. A classic addition to any watch collection this watch makes the perfect gift.
Purchase here £13,950
Give the gift of relaxation with this beautiful 15 wick candle bowl. With 6 different luxury fragrances to choose from to fill the room this is a Winter necessity.