Angel Crossley is a GIA-trained, 20-year expert in fine jewelry and timepieces. Currently she serves as a Senior Consultant and investment-grade broker for one of the world's largest watch dealers. Her impactful role includes recording 250+ educational and marketing videos for prestigious brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and others. Formerly, as Sales Director at Tiffany & Co. for 9 years, Angel led a diverse sales team of 35 people, exceeding $40 million annually, and earning Store of the Year twice for North America. Angel's experience extends to Store Director at Brown & Company Jewelers, excelling in buying estate pieces, designing jewelry, selling investment-grade diamonds, coordinating events, and conducting multimedia marketing strategies and business analysis with high-profile client confidentiality.
Tips and Definitions to Help You Select the Perfect Timepiece for the Guy in Your Life
1. An aftermarket diamond setting is when someone adds diamonds to a watch when it didn't come from the manufacturer that way. This will void the manufacturer's warranty and significantly reduce the watch’s resale value (no matter how much you've spent to have it done). This is especially true for luxury brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet.
2. Straps vs. Bracelets While straps (leather, rubber, fabric) are comfortable, lighter, and come in a wide range of colors, they wear out faster and need to be replaced every 2-3 years on average. Bracelets (metal, steel, gold) are more secure and great for water sports and give a more luxurious look. They are more susceptible to scratching and may require a jeweler to adjust the size of the watch.
3. Quartz vs. Automatic vs. Manual Wind Movements Quartz watches are powered by a battery and extremely accurate. They are very low maintenance, requiring a battery change every few years) and are typically more affordable. Most true watch collectors do not prefer a battery, which are not typically appreciated by serious collectors.
4. Automatic (Self-Winding Mechanical) Automatics are wound by the motion of your wrist and do not need a battery. Most luxury watches are self-winding and they do not need daily winding if worn regularly. They have collector appeal and prestige. These types will need regular servicing approximately every 5-7 years. They are not as accurate as quartz (typically ±5–10 seconds/day). They are great for enthusiasts, and those who wear a watch daily.
5. Manual (Hand-Wound Mechanical) Manual watches are like the automatic type, but must be wound by hand every day. The case will be the slimmest and it gives a more vintage appeal. This is the original form of watchmaking. You will also need to service this watch approximately every 5 years. It may not be a great choice for those who are very busy and punctual.