A luxury watch is the pinnacle of accessories for men and women. Other than the purchase of a multi-million dollar home or a luxury car, an expensive watch marks your place in the elite. Look at it this way, if one could afford to buy an elegant piece of accessory for one’s wrist, there is certainly enough disposable income to go around. But owning a luxury good goes much deeper than the face of it. These elegant pieces are as much of an investment as aesthetic.
Just like in any other investment, value is what drives the status and risk of the acquisition. Cars usually have a depreciation value of about 20% annually from its original retail price. And this fact holds true to any property, but another school of thought drives that our valuation for luxury items skews the other way. Luxury timepieces could attest to that trend. One mark of a good investment if it holds or grows in value. Watch collectors and enthusiasts alike kept the secondhand market alive with their high valuation for these timepieces. The trend of purchasing high-end watches surged in recent years, especially during the current pandemic.
Take a look at our list of 4 popular luxury watches that have held or increased in value since their releases – and some even since their discontinuation, making them a collectors’ item.
Patek Philippe Steel Nautilus Ref. 5711
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is one iconic luxury watch that has always been present in the social consciousness of individuals with high net worth. The ref. 5711/1A gets our first mention due to the fact that it’s one of the most popular PP Nautilus watches the elite has ever known.
Although it has since been discontinued, among the secondary market it is still thriving. It is the brand’s most iconic sports watch to date. It may have been its popularity that led to the brand discontinuing the model. Back then, authorized retailers had a 10-year waitlist, on average. This headache has even caused the brand to raise its retail price to 20% to thwart demand, to no avail. The enthusiasts were willing to pay double its original price so the increase seems like a bargain. Its average price before its retirement was about US$85,000. During the pandemic, it reached heights of about US$95,000.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700
This vintage PP Nautilus is the original model from the brand. It has since skyrocketed in popularity, even in recent years. The thriving secondhand market can attest to that fact. It was originally released in 1976. The ref. 3700 encapsulates elegance and style. Its timeless design is driven by its simplicity to this day. The excellent timepiece is highly regarded for its innovation at that time and has proved to be a timeless piece. This good investment is worth its weight in gold.
Omega Speedmaster ref. CK 2998
This classic timepiece has proven to be a staple in the luxury watches list, even in pop culture. This stunning timepiece came to be known as the “first Omega in space.” It earned its place in every watch collector with that tagline alone.
The Omega Moonwatch Speedmaster married class and elegance with innovative technology and functionality. It was first released in 1959 and still displayed popularity even in recent years. Arguably, a mark of a good investment. It proves to showcase a timeless design even more than 50 years since its release.
Rolex GMT Ref. 1675
The iconic Rolex GMT Master 1675 is a vintage watch that has stood the test of time. One could argue that its classic look is familiar even to non-enthusiasts. A simple 24-hour fourth hand with a blue and red bezel to display an alternative timezone.
Bearing one holds the status that one is a well-traveled individual that surely radiates power and status. Despite all of those, it remains to be a subtle accessory that would suit almost any style. Another vintage sports watch that is worth a look to invest in. A Rolex GMT model value is driven by the demand and, of course, the condition of the timepiece itself. But one can rest easy that with its popularity, one wouldn’t find it difficult to locate a perfect one for one’s budget − especially one looking to invest.
Takeaway
Of course, these are all watches. But one that is touted for its design, quality. It is among the art niche that the elite can bask on. An accessory that can go beyond its functionality and cosmetic value. With that in mind, it’s deeper than what’s on the face. The value lies with its owner, and honestly, the demand and envy of those who long for it. These luxury watches are considered to be blue-chip watches. They have proven to have a thriving market with an active turnover, even during the pandemic. A sound investment for even those beginning to invest. And at least, even to the seasoned investor, another medium to play around with isn’t always a bad thing.
