According to most predictions, 2023 was the Year of the Small Watch. Though the ongoing fascination with smaller, dressier, or gold timepieces is undeniable, collectors want more variety. So, brands are responding by expanding their offerings.
- Do you find it hard to understand which luxury watch you ought to shell out a lot of money for?
- Where does one begin when investing in watches?
- Which models and brands are considered to be the best?
These are only some of the questions that this post will address. From finding the best investment watches to monitoring their worth, we've got you covered as a timepiece investor.
Check Out The List Of 10 Best Investment Watches
- 2024 Rolex Datejust
- Hublot Big Bang
- Audemar Piguet Royal Oak 42mm Chronograph Mens Watch
- Franck Muller Vanguard Racing Red Diamond Dial Automatic
- Omega Speedmaster Men’s Omega First In Space Watch
- Tag Heuer Carrera Skeleton Gray Men's Watch (CAR2A1H)
- Couture Nautilus by Patek Philippe
- Vacheron Constantin Overseas
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- IWC Schaffhausen
Why Watches Are A Great Investment?
Investment in timepieces has several appealing benefits. One of them is the potential for a return on investment (ROI). Timepieces are more than just time-telling gadgets; they are stylish accessories that may add value to your collection.
Forecasts show that the global luxury watch market will expand from its 2024 valuation of $49.8 billion at a CAGR of 2.25 percent between 2024 and 2028.
The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index ranks timepieces as the second most lucrative luxury good after rare whisky and wine, with an average ROI of 147% over a decade.
Some specific examples of high-performing pre-owned timepieces include the Nautilus series from Patek Philippe, which increased 150% from 2019 to 2022, and the Daytona from Rolex, which increased 60% in the same period.
These numbers demonstrate that timepieces can be profitable purchases if you choose the correct brands and models. Auctions may bring in millions of dollars for some timepieces.
For example: in 2019, a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime fetched a record-breaking $31 million.
10 Best Investment Watches for 2024
You should know this before you buy watches: not all watches increase in value. Actually, most watches, particularly mass-produced, low-quality, or knock-offs, don’t bring much value.
Consequently, buying such watches to sell them for a profit is a poor investment strategy.
Here, we showcase renowned watch companies that have gained interest throughout the years owing to the rising prices of their models. Here, we go deep into certain high-end timepieces that have held their worth and tracked price changes in the past.
2024 Rolex Datejust
If you buy a Rolex, it will almost certainly retain its value. One of the most enduring models from Rolex is the Datejust. Iconic among high-end wristwatches, the Rolex Datejust has an automated date-changing mechanism. An immediate sensation, this timepiece quickly surpassed all others to become Rolex's most beloved creation. Bands composed of solid gold, steel, and two-toned gold are among the many variations available for this type. The popular Rolex 126334 Datejust 41 in White Rolesor will cost you more than $13k.
Hublot Big Bang
Hublot often presents eye-catching, one-of-a-kind designs that defy convention and intrigue in their collections, like this 301. pc.1007.rx. If you plan on selling your Hublot watch, you should know that they retain their worth rather well. All Hublot timepieces are backed by a guarantee. If your watch ever malfunctions, you won't have to worry.
Audemar Piguet Royal Oak 42mm Chronograph Mens Watch
You may get a lot of money for an old Audemars Piguet wristwatch on the secondary market.
Your antique Audemars Piguet watch's worth is very conditioned and model-specific. An item from the past, especially if it is in pristine condition and has a high level of collectibility, might sell for more than it originally cost. But the value of a classic watch will drop if it's in bad shape.
In addition to the signature Audemars Piguet collections, you can earn great money from selling the limited-edition Royal Oak chronograph men’s watch.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak prices range from a low of $18,900 for the cheapest (a 33mm quartz model) to an exorbitant $1.5 million for the most spectacular Grande Complication. This information is current as of December 2023. The most popular Audemars Piguet Royal Oak models are the 15400ST, 15400OR, 15500ST, and 15500OR.
Some models in the luxury watch industry are known as hype watches, and they are as desirable, expensive, and easily identifiable as the term implies. A buzz watch that has seen a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Due to the scarcity of some models at AP shops and boutiques, the secondary market value of Royal Oak watches has risen due to the rising demand for these timepieces.
Franck Muller Vanguard Racing Red Diamond Dial Automatic
Franck Muller's timepieces are well-respected for their quality and workmanship. Gold, diamonds, titanium, and platinum are just a few of the premium materials these manufacturers use to create their exquisite jewelry.
Due to Franck Muller's vast catalog, pricing might vary considerably. A basic women's watch costs about USD 3,500, while a modest men's model costs USD 5,700 to 7,500. A watch containing diamonds or other valuable stones, a tourbillon, and a perpetual calendar cost approximately USD 70,000 or more.
Omega Speedmaster Men’s Omega First In Space Watch
In 1957, Omega debuted the Speedmaster, a timeless timepiece. The Speedmaster is also known as the "Moon Watch" because of its association with the 1969 lunar landing and its 1962 space flight, which place it high on the collectors' holy grail watches.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional is only one of several Speedmaster timepieces that have followed suit since then. Depending on the model, an Omega Speedmaster may cost around $5,600.
Omega launched the 60th-anniversary reference to the original in the "First Omega In Space" Speedmaster (FOIS) in 2012 to commemorate Schirra's achievement—orbiting the Earth six times aboard the Sigma 7 spacecraft.
Tag Heuer Carrera Skeleton Gray Men's Watch (CAR2A1H)
Another luxury watch from our list, Tag Heuer, tends to retain its worth for a long time due to its high quality and precious materials. Another reason TAG watches will retain their value is because they are dependable and keep excellent time.
Couture Nautilus by Patek Philippe
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a very desirable and pricey timepiece. Its illustrious designer, Gerald Genta—also responsible for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the IWC Ingenieur—introduced it in 1976.
Its most recognizable features are its gorgeous dial, integrated bracelet, and porthole-shaped case. There is a significant waiting list for the Patek Philippe Nautilus, one of the world's most premium and rare watches. Its worth has skyrocketed throughout the years, particularly for stainless steel versions.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas
Even though it is the most contemporary and youthful of the high-end sports watch brands, Vacheron Constantin. It’s complications, replaceable bracelet and strap system, and exquisite and refined design have made it outstanding from the others. Among the world's most elegant and well-crafted timepieces, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas ranks high. The watch has shown consistent and reliable performance; particularly among chronograph and dual-time models.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
One of the most prestigious names in the watch industry, Jaeger-LeCoultre is known for its intricate timepieces and meticulous craftsmanship. Because of the brand's constant pursuit of new ideas and meticulous craftsmanship, its timepieces have become prized collectibles.
Collectors and experts in the field covet Jaeger-LeCoultre clocks for their exquisite design and complex mechanisms. Notable collections from the company that have maintained their worth exceptionally well include the Atmos, Reverso, and Master Control lines.
IWC Schaffhausen
The Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen is world-renowned for its exquisite clocks that combine modern design with traditional craftsmanship. The brand's dedication to time-honored watchmaking methods and its link to aviation history are two factors that have ensured its value will endure.
Exquisite complexity and painstaking attention to detail characterize IWC timepieces. Collectors greatly value and seek models such as the Pilot's Watch, Portugieser, and Da Vinci, making them important additions to any watch collection.
Which Watch Should You Invest In?
Picking for the perfect timepiece is a very subjective and individual process. When it comes to selecting the ideal timepiece, there is no magic formula. Nonetheless, you may reduce your alternatives and make a well-informed decision by following specific general standards.
Determine Your Watch Preferences
Understanding your watch preferences is the first step. You might ask yourself a few things to understand your preferences.
- What kind of style are you most drawn to? traditional, athletic, or contemporary? Would you want a straightforward or intricate dial? Are you more partial to square, rectangular, or round cases?
- How large or little do you like your watch to be? Is the fit comfortable for your wrist? Is it the right size, and does it fit comfortably?
- What is your preferred metal or material for the watch? What about ceramics, titanium, steel, gold, silver, or another material?
- What kind of movement are you looking for—mechanical, quartz, or a hybrid? How important is the movement's precision, durability, and workmanship to you?
- The watch's characteristics: What additional features or capabilities are important to you in a wristwatch? Is a chronograph, moon phase, date, or anything else required?
- Regarding the brand, do you prefer any particular names or manufacturers? Is the brand's status, reputation, and past important to you?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Watch Brands Are The Best Investment?
The 10 brands for the best investment watches are-
- Rolex
- Hublot
- Audemars Piguet
- Franck Muller
- Omega
- Tag Heuer
- Patek Philippe
- Vacheron Constantin Overseas
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- IWC Schaffhausen
What Is The Best Watch To Hold Value?
The short answer would be Tag Heuer, Audemars Piguet, JLC, Vacheron Constantin, and Rolex -- however, this isn't the only factor. The condition of the watch is the most obvious factor. It's age if you have box/papers, and if it is possibly still under manufacturer warranty.
What Watches Will Rise In Value?
Although the final result could differ, the components—reputation, high-quality manufacture, and restricted quantity—remain constant. The obvious way to increase a watch's worth is to add desirable features, such as a limited edition status, a gold or platinum case, a rare finish, an exotic leather strap, or titanium.
Are Watches A Good Investment?
Investing in a watch is usually a smart move because it tends to hold or even increase in value over time. A watch's market worth may be affected by factors such as its popularity, rarity, condition, model, and brand. Pre-owned luxury timepieces are particularly solid investments.
Conclusion
Some high-end watch brands have consistently shown strong value appreciation throughout the years. The resale values make them attractive investment options. Resale values for timepieces from prestigious companies like Rolex, Tag Heuer, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Omega, and Franck Muller Vanguard tend to be rather high.
Looking for the best pre-owned luxury watches? Check out our collection!