Five Tips for Buying a 14k Watch

When looking for any type of gold jewelry it is important to know just what you are looking for. It is also important to understand what the K means in gold jewelry as well. There are five tips for buying a 14k watch that you should be aware of:

1.    Make sure it bears the 14K stamp and is not just plated.
2.    Color: white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold.
3.    Brand:  Know variations in value brand to brand.
4.    Condition is everything, including warranty and availability of parts for repair.
5.    Age:  For the vintage collector, older is most often better but not always.

The first thing to know is that if you are looking for pure 14k than you need to look at the stamp on the watch. If the stamp says 14k then chances are it is solid 14 carat gold.   If the description of the watch you are looking at says 14k, but it is not stamped on the watch, then it may not be gold at all.  You should also be aware of the fact that 14kp means that the depth of the gold is only skin deep.  It is 14k gold plated.   That means that a coating of gold is put over another type of metal.  The difference in value is extreme between 14k gold plated and solid 14k gold.  Mistaking a plated watch for a solid gold one would be a very expensive mistake.  Make sure the watch you buy is solid 14K gold.  When it comes to watches, 14k is priced just right for most people and it will last a lifetime if it is taken care of properly. It is also a beautiful quality watch for both men and women.

Another tip to look for is color. The watch can still be 14k even if it is not the traditional gold color.  You could be looking at white gold, traditional gold color, or even rose gold.  This means that the watch could have a different look to it in certain light. If you are not sure what you are looking at it is important to ask the jeweler just what type of gold the watch is so you know what you are getting.

The brand of 14k watch will have a strong impact on its value.  Obviously, a 14K Rolex will traditionally cost more than an Elgin or Waltham.  You will need to learn the differences in values for brands such as Seiko, Cartier, Tiffany, Tudor, Hamilton, Gruen, Witnauer, and Longines and many others.  Perhaps you may want to study the features and values for a limited number of brands and concentrate on those to
start.

One of the other five tips for buying a 14K watch is condition of the watch when determining value.  Condition is everything.  The watch needs to be in good cosmetic and working order.  The existence of a warranty on the watch also enhances value and puts the buyer’s mind at ease about condition.  You will need to know whether or not parts are available should the watch need future repairs.

When it comes to determining value for a vintage 14k watch, more often than not, older is better, but not always.  Learning how to determine the age of a watch is important when estimating the value of the vintage 14k watch.  Knowing the exceptions, the 14k watches with values that transcend age.
By simply following these five tips for buying a 14k watch, you will be able to make a wise choice in the selection of the perfect watch for your needs.