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Ask The Experts: Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry
10/23/2008
Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry
55 Route 9 South
Manalapan, NJ 07726
(732) 577-1030
www.garymichaelsfinejewelry.com
Michael Littman is co-owner of Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry, home to New Jersey’s largest selection of diamonds and collection of fine jewelry and watch brands.They have received many awards, including:America’s Best JewelerAward andAmerica’s Coolest Store. Michael Littman has been in the jewelry and watch business his entire life, and appears often in jewelry trademagazines. For more information about Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry please visit the website.
There are a lot of nuances regarding watches that most consumers are unfamiliar with. What factors should be considered when purchasing a watch, and why?
When buying a watch, the most important thing to consider is what needs does the watch fulfill? Are you looking just to tell time; do you want to make a fashion statement; are you a collector; and, of course, what is your budget? Answering these questions will help you narrow the down from thousands of choices on the market. When you wear a watch it makes a statement about you. You should also consider your habits. Although automatic, self-winding watches are typically of a higher quality, will you find it annoying to wind the crown? If so, you may be better off with a quartz watch that runs on a battery. Some people don’t realize that they look at the date on their watch every day. Thus, this customer should not forget about acquiring a watch with a date function. Try the watch on for comfort. Some steel bracelets are irritating, so if that is the case for you, perhaps you would be better off wearing a watch on a strap. One of the key factors is the place you buy your watch; you should always buy your watch from an authorized dealer. This way you will know the watch you buy is new and 100% authentic. The authorized retailer will also service the watch for you. Sometimes you can buy a watch on the internet for less, but you are often buying second-hand merchandise or refurbished merchandise, and they won’t provide service.
To help educate the everyday consumer, please explain the different categories of watches.
I believe there are five categories. High complication pieces for the consummate watch collector include the most sophisticated timepieces. Patek Phillipe and Franck Muller Geneve are two examples of this level of watch making. Fashion watches help finish off your clothing wardrobe. The Michele watch is a great example of a fashion watch. The sports category speaks for itself, and is dominated by Tag Heuer and Breitling. Jeweled watches are timepieces that have diamonds or gemstones decorating the watch. Cartier and Harry Winston have exquisite jeweled timepieces. Finally, we have our everyday classics. Within these five categories there are a myriad choices to fit every style and budget.
We always hear watch manufacturers discussing movement, but what exactly is that, and what makes a good movement? Also, how do you value that into the cost of buying a watch?
The movement is the engine that drives the hands and displays of the watch. It is the most critical element of the watch. Automatic selfwinding movements allow the mechanical watch not to require hand winding, and are typically featured in more sophisticated and more expensive timepieces, as are manual-winding, automatic movements. A watch with a quartz movement runs on a battery. Typically, the finer watches will be manufactured in Switzerland, which carefully regulates the watch industry. The higher standards for Swiss-made watches denote higher quality and, therefore, command higher prices, as opposed to Chinese or Japanese movements. Currently, there is a worldwide shortage in high-quality Swiss movements that has hampered the production of many fine Swiss brands. Many Swiss brands are starting to make their own movements, which will inevitably drive the prices of watches higher.
You have been selling watches a long time. If someone asked you what are your top three or four brands, regardless of model, what would you say and why?
I love and sell my three favorite brands. Franck Muller timepieces are incredible because they merge the quality of high complications with incredible design in both ladies’ and men’s watches. For me, Cartier defines classic, timeless elegance. The Tank Francaise is probably the most classic timepiece created. Twenty years from now it will still be worn. The new Ballon Bleu collection is perhaps the most exciting new collection of fine timepieces I’ve seen in years. I also love the Tag Heuer line, because all models exhibit great quality and style in a sporty design. Tag Heuers can really take a beating.
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