By Tim Harrison, co-founder and director of WatchPilot
Your watch is more than a way to tell the time. It’s a statement, a focus: a piece that says something about who you are and that tells your story. However, with this aside, choosing the right watch can also be a worthwhile investment.
You can be forgiven for thinking that you need to spend a lot of money to find a striking piece that does all this while seeing you through countless occasions – and all while still holding its value. However, this doesn’t have to be the case.
There are so many investment-worthy watches that you can purchase without the eye-watering price tag – affordable watches that look great and perform beautifully while holding their value.
Which luxury watches are good investments?
Watches made by big-name Swiss manufacturers like Rolex, TAG Heuer, Omega, Patek Philippe and Breitling are often cited as the most collectable watches – and those that are most likely to go up in value.
It must be said though: not all the watches made by these brands will increase in value (at least, not at much as some models). Those most likely to increase in value include:
- Rolex Submariner
- Rolex Daytona
- Patek Philippe Calatrava
- Omega Speedmaster
- Breitling Navitemer
- TAG Heuer Carrea
Even within the luxury watch market, it seems that some watches are more valuable than others.
These timepieces are so expensive partly because their value increases over time. Why? Because they have recognised names that are synonymous with quality and a strong watchmaking tradition; have covetable, reliable mechanisms and are often made using precious metals. However, there are other brands that tick these boxes and still make for a worthwhile investment.
Why are Swiss watches so popular?
Swiss watches are amongst some of the more popular watch brands to invest in.
Why are Swiss watches still so covetable? It’s partly because Switzerland is still the watchmaking capital of the world, and Swiss watches are renowned for their quality, precision and desirability. Many of these brands cost thousands of pounds – even second-hand – so are often snapped up by serious watch enthusiasts with serious money to spend.
Many models are particularly collectable, which adds to their price, especially if:
- They’ve been produced in limited numbers
- They’re older models that are no longer being manufactured
- They’re particularly rare
- They’re vintage
- They’re a model that’s in particular demand
What other watches hold their value?
Luxury watches aren’t the only timepieces on the market: there are plenty of affordable watches to invest in too.
Designer watches – such as those made by Police, Ben Sherman and Timberland – are popular pieces that have all the glamour and sophistication of their luxury counterparts, but without the large price tag.
And your watch doesn’t have to have to carry a designer name: there are plenty of models made by well-renowned watchmakers, like U-Boat and Graham, that are investment-worthy too.
These timeless timepieces are stylish whilst also being made by reputable brands. This helps them to maintain their value, and they even make great heirlooms, which helps them to be worth investing in.
To buy or not to buy?
Making an emotional investment is often more powerful than a purely financial one, and that connection to something is a strong driving force behind so many purchases. So why should your watch be any different?
Of course, value doesn’t have to equal price: many cherished items are so treasured because of their sentimental value and the tale they tell – and that’s something that’s truly priceless.
Regardless of how much your watch costs – or what name it carries – ultimately, you buy with your heart. So, the first question you should ask yourself is: do I like this watch?
If it’s something you really can’t imagine not owning, wearing and looking at everyday – and it’s within your budget – then go for it. And love wearing it.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.