Fashionable clothes are rarely the most comfortable, and a good looking coat is never as warm as the classic, yet utilitarian, parka. However, there are fashionable accessories that can not only look great, but serve an important function as well, and those accessories are jewelry watches. Often made of gold or others precious metals and frequently encrusted with rare gems as well jewelry watches are the perfect marriage of style and substance, especially when the watch contains a high quality precision movement.

Depending on the style of watch, the story will vary. A classic Rolex speaks to success and power with its 18-karat gold bezel and diamonds marking the hour. Wearing a Rolex watch, with its unmistakable design, sends a message of rugged style and social status which is something even an expensive suit and shoes cannot do. There are few things that one can wear that are as universally recognized as a Rolex watch. If Rolex tells a tale of status and power, then Cartier announces that the bearer is someone of wealth and high society. Dating back to the 19th century, Cartier watches have a lasting appeal that spans generations and eras. A watch of that magnitude never goes out of style, and it is that quality that makes jewelry watches more than a timepiece and more than a fashion accessory as well.

A pair of Manolo Blahnik boots might turn heads and tell a story about her, just as a Brioni or Giorgio Armani suit tells a story about him, but neither of those high fashion items possess the staying power that watches possess. Clothing and footwear, no matter how well made, will eventually become worn or go out of style. Enjoying jewelry watches is not reserved for those who can spend thousands of dollars on a single timepiece. Some fine watches can be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars. However, regardless of the price, watches all share some common traits that appeal to their owners.

If you are interested in purchasing such a watch then proceed with caution. While you can probably rest comfortably when dealing with a reputable jeweler –especially if the jeweler is an authorized dealer of the brand you are purchasing – there are many counterfeit watches on the market that require a trained eye to distinguish from the real thing. When looking to purchase watches from any other source, and be sure to do your homework that will help you identify the watch as genuine. With careful planning you can purchase and own jewelry watches that convey your sense of rich style while providing you with a valuable addition to both your wardrobe and your net worth.