When it comes to watches that are good investments, there are several key factors to consider. The brand, complications, materials, condition, and potential for appreciation over time are all important in determining if a watch will be a good investment. Luxury watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet tend to hold value well, while complicated watches with features like chronographs, perpetual calendars, or minute repeaters also fare well. Precious metals like gold and platinum retain intrinsic value, and the overall condition of the watch is paramount. Ultimately, watches that are likely to increase in value over decades make the best investments.
Iconic and enduring luxury brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe make good watch investments
When it comes to watches, the most iconic and coveted luxury brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin are regarded as safe bets for investment. These brands have enduring cachet and represent pinnacle achievements in horology and watchmaking. Models like the Rolex Submariner, Rolex Daytona, Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak hold value incredibly well over decades and are highly sought after in the secondary market. The stellar reputation and consistent quality of these luxury brands make them watches that are likely to appreciate substantially in value over long periods of time.
Complicated watches with features like chronographs and perpetual calendars also make strong investments
Beyond just the brand name, watches with complicated features and mechanisms commanded by watchmakers also fare very well as investments. Features like chronographs to time events, moonphase indicators, power reserve indicators, and perpetual calendars that account for the different amount of days per month are especially valued. Complications demonstrate technical watchmaking prowess and increase a timepiece’s long-term value. Brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Tag Heuer, and Breitling are prized for their chronographs. Meanwhile perpetual calendar models from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin achieve high valuations at auction and strong resale prices.
Precious metals such as gold and platinum give watches intrinsic value
The materials used to construct a watch play a key role in its investment value. Precious metals like gold and platinum intrinsically retain their monetary value over the long run. Therefore, luxury watches made from 18K gold or platinum will always command baseline value for their raw materials. Gold is valued for its beautiful lustre that does not degrade, while platinum boasts resilience to scratches and dents. A material like stainless steel on the other hand does not have this built-in precious value. Alongside precious metals, natural gemstone hour markers on things like diamond, ruby, and sapphire Rolex watches also boost value. Overall, watches with valuable materials embedded will fare better as stores of value over decades.
A watch’s condition is paramount – mint condition examples appreciate substantially
The overall condition and maintenance history of a watch has huge implications on its investment prospects and resale value. Pristine examples in all-original, unworn condition fare the best at auction and on the secondary market. Watches with the original boxes and papers documenting provenance can fetch manifold price premiums. Meanwhile watches that are damaged, rusted, lack original parts, or have aftermarket modifications struggle to command strong money compared to mint condition pieces. As a result, buying watches in extremely fine condition is the best way to maximise investment potential. Preserving condition by minimising wear, keeping up with manufacturer service schedules, and retaining boxes/papers are also key.
When evaluating watches as investments, the brand pedigree, complications, materials, and condition determine what makes a good investment watch. Leading luxury makers like Rolex and Patek in solid gold and unworn condition will store and potentially increase monetary value the best over decades. More affordable but well-kept automatic steel sport watches can also appreciate nicely.