Are watches a good investment?
Some say if you buy a premium watch, you won’t see a return on investment. But if you ask someone who knows the industry well and is passionate about watches, they’ll tell you that simply isn’t true.
Why? Because buying a luxury watch is about more than just the money you’ll get when you eventually sell it. It’s about the confidence it gives you while wearing it, making a lifestyle statement and knowing that the value of your pre-owned watch can help you upgrade when the time comes for a new one.
There are countless rewards of investing in a watch that you just can’t put a price tag on, from helping you nail a first impression to helping you close a big deal. That’s why it’s important to see the bigger picture: the money you receive after trading in a wach is only one of the many perks of buying one.
Best Investment Watches
There are plenty of watches on the market today that can provide you with the return you’re looking for—as long as you’re smart about the model you buy and careful about its condition. To help you make an accurate decision, we listed eleven of the best watches for investment below. Enjoy!
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Self-Winding
Vacheron Constantin has produced premium timepieces since 1755, making it one of the oldest luxury watch brands in the world. What’s surprising, though, is that this is the first automatic non-sports model to be introduced by the Genevan brand.
Drawing inspiration from mid-century design, the two self-winding options are available in rose gold or steel. And when it comes to Vacheron watches, this model is on the cheaper end of the spectrum, offering a perfect entry point into investment watches.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox
Introduced to celebrate the 50th birthday of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s classic Polaris, the stylish 2018 Memovox is a fine tribute. The limited series comes with features similar to the 1968 timepiece, including an exquisite diving helmet, an alarm mechanism, and an exclusive anniversary inscription.
Omega Seamaster Professional 300M
This model may not make you a millionaire overnight, but it’s still one of the most dependable when it comes to retaining value. As a result, we couldn’t leave it off our list of best investment watches.
Since Omega recently pulled the quartz model from its lineup with a vision to advance in the luxury market, buying a Seamaster Professional might be a wise investment.
Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante
As complicated as they come, the Rattrapante’s dual-handed, split-seconds movements allow you to stop one hand and measure an intermediate time while the other keeps on ticking.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin
The Royal Oak’s iconic silhouette is designed with self-winding movement measuring an incredible 3.05mm—about the same thickness as a wafer-thin mint.
Read more about the Royal Oak:
How Much Does a Royal Oak Cost?
The History of Audemars Piguet
Panerai Luminor Marina
This model may not be limited edition, but the reasonable price of the PAM00422—as well as its in-house movement and vintage appearance—makes it an irresistible option and a top pick for an investment watch.
Based on the history of the brand, Panerais typically increase in value as time ticks on.
So, if you hold onto to this one until the company stops making it, you can eventually sell your Panerai watch and make out with a nice return.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph
As one of the top watchmaking brands in the world, Jaeger-LeCoultre has supplied the likes of Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe with its movements.
This Deep Sea Chronograph was inspired by a previous design in the brand’s historical archives, and continues to generate a strong following.
It’s not difficult to see why—who can ignore those striking good looks?
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller
People didn’t quite know what to think of the Deepsea when it first hit the market, and low sales have turned it into a rare commodity among collectors.
Impressive RRP rises have already seen early adopters of this model cashing in, and experts say there’s more to come.
The Deepsea was a pivotal move for Rolex, and an innovative step like this from a brand can capture the attention of collectors further down the line.
In November 2022, Rolex released a new 50mm Deepsea in titanium, the Deepsea Challenge — it’s first ever titanium watch
See it on the wrist: Rolex Sea-Dweller Wrist Roll
Tag Heuer Autavia, 42mm
When Tag asked online users which model they should relaunch, the revival of the supreme 1966 Autavia won the popular vote, indicating it will remain a highly sought-after item.
Rolex Sky-Dweller
The Sky-Dweller came as a surprise when it was introduced in 2012. Its technical ability is sure to attract even more followers as time goes on, and with it will come a deep appreciation.
Rolex is well-known for MSRP increases, which suggests the value will stay strong. Until the Sky-Dweller is eventually replaced, it will be on our list of best investment watches.
Patek Philippe 5205
The words “Patek Philippe” and “complicated” may not be enough to restart the economy, but they’ll certainly generate comfortable appreciation.
It doesn’t even have to be this model specifically—take your pick, they all have potential to offer great rewards in the end.
And nothing quite compares to the thrill of having a product from the world’s leading watchmaker residing on your wrist.
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