Everything You Need to Know About The Differences Between Fashion Watches & Luxury Watches

Are you on the hunt for an investment timepiece but finding yourself pondering which one to choose? You’re not alone.

There are a myriad of watches to choose from at FASHIONPHILE, and because there are so many choices, we group them into two categories to help you navigate the selections better. When shopping for watches at FASHIONPHILE, you’ll come across fashion watches and luxury watches. This post covers the characteristics that define each, what brands typically fall under these two categories, and their price points. It’s hugely beneficial to know these details when shopping for an investment watch, especially if this is your first time doing so or if you’re shopping for a watch as a gift for someone special. 

So, what is a fashion watch?

Fashion watches are typically categorized as watches made by major fashion brands. Think Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Hermes. These beautifully crafted watches exude elegance and applaud their fashion brand’s DNA. Although typically priced lower than luxury watches, fashion watches are made with high-quality parts, which means they’re still amazing and great attainable investments. Fashion watches are a smart choice for anyone looking to jumpstart their watch collection or surprise someone with a watch as a gift for the holidays without breaking the bank.

Jorge Ramirez, a FASHIONPHILE Timepiece Manager, Recommends: 

Jorge’s fashion watch recommendations include Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Chanel. “All three of these brands are making really good watches, both design and quality. They all produce automatic movements which add some value to it.” If you want to learn more, we have a great post that covers the different types of watch movements and watch parts. A great fashion watch to consider is the Hermes Heure H watch, and we have a guide that covers Heure H case sizes, bracelet types, and more! The Chanel J12 is another great contender. Here is a closer look at how we authenticate the Chanel J12 watch. 

What is a luxury watch?

Luxury watches are, well, luxurious and are typically made by brands that strictly specialize in timepieces. Sometimes, luxury watch names include brands that fall under the fine jewelry category, as well. Think Cartier, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and more. Luxury watches are typically higher in price point as you’re buying from a reputable brand whose DNA is all about watches, and these brands specialize in horology with traditions and craftsmanship that have been passed down for generations. It’s the legacy you’re buying into. Luxury watches are unbeatable. Not to mention, have you heard about engagement watches? Slightly going off-topic here but there are tons of luxury watches that make great engagement watches. Here are four reasons for an engagement watch. 

Jorge Ramirez, a FASHIONPHILE Timepiece Manager, Recommends: 

Jorge recommends Omega and Cartier as great luxury watch starters because many of their pieces are priced under $4,000. “Omega and Cartier are both iconic brands with a great history in quality watchmaking and have been around forever. Without paying what you would with Rolex, AP, or other brands, they (Cartier and Omega) have great variations of different models to choose from at more attainable price points for a luxury watch.”  To get up to speed, read our guide to Omega watch collections and our guide to Cartier watch collections. You wouldn’t believe the number of different Cartier Tank styles that exist! 

There are so many watches to choose from when shopping at FASHIONPHILE, and depending on your budget or style preferences, you have options: fashion watches, luxury watches – or all of the above! 

With investment watches, there’s a wealth of information to explore, especially if you’re just learning about them. FASHIONPHILE also offers watches under warranty. You can learn more about watches under warranty here. And if you’re curious, this post covers how our timepiece experts authenticate luxury watches.