Watches stable in value

« 5 watches that are lucrative as an investment »

Grandes Complications from Patek Philippe, Royal Oaks Offshore from Audemars Piguet or a limited edition Bing Bang from Hublot: Almost worthless for many people are the investment tips of discerning watch collectors, because they fail due to the financial possibilities. The good news: watches that retain their value can be affordable, and historical examples prove that it is precisely the beginner models that like to turn into precious rarities.

The secret of high-yield watches – a flair for the special and connections to the good fairy

In 1963 Rolex launched a chronograph with a link to racing, which could not keep up with the highlights of the Geneva luxury brand at the time. The usual sales price of around 200 US dollars, which would correspond to around 2,000 euros today, was therefore moderate. Daytona sports watches caused a sensation in 2017 when a vintage example changed hands for $17 million.

Part of the reason for the record price was that it was an heirloom of Paul Newman, the legendary actor who was an avid racing driver and went all out as the main actor in the 1969 motorsport drama film “Winning” on the Indianapolis circuit. The icing on the cake for collectors with the right nose: Those who opted for the underestimated and therefore cheap sports watch early on can look forward to a value of up to 500,000 euros today. Of course, this is an exception that is more than stable in value, but Rolex, Omega and Co. still offer watches from time to time that watch investors enthusiastically add to the list. And of course there are always models that you own because a good nose already gave an idea of the surprise coup special increase in value.

Safe bet – design classics from Rolex

The story makes it clear how many factors beyond design, workmanship and technology ensure that a luxury watch not only retains its value, but also generates lucrative returns. “Waterproof” forecasts would be dubious as to which brand new model will impress with its increase in value in the future. What is clear, however, is that the classics from Rolex, which tend to be simpler than ostentatious, have shone as watches of stable value for decades.

The catch: Waiting lists make it difficult to access the popular watch collections, which are brand new and expensive. It is therefore clever to look for a used time piece from a reputable specialist dealer. Documentation and presentation are just as important as excellent condition. If you get hold of an impeccable full set, a discreet evergreen from Rolex will also prove to be at least stable in value – for example the purist Oyster Perpetual 41.

Adventurers from Omega with an everlasting power of fascination

When it comes to a watch that will retain its value, Omega is regularly referred to. The traditional Swiss brand has always inspired people with its pioneering spirit – in advanced watch technology and the conquering of new spheres. It shapes the Seamaster diving icon as well as the Speedmaster, which was the first wristwatch in space and on the moon. Classically designed representatives of the legendary collections are regarded as watches that retain their value. The Diver 300M Chronograph or the Professional Moonwatch are good examples of this.

Is there a thirst for adventure, daring to invest in a watch? The Speedmaster owes its current popularity to the fact that NASA certified it as “moonworthy”. In the meantime, Omega has managed to have a professional watch qualified for Mars expeditions by the European Space Agency. For example, it takes into account that the days on the red planet are 39 minutes longer.

There is currently little interest in the Speedmaster Marstimer with a multifunction quartz movement when it comes to investing in watches that retain their value. However, the Titan visionary could become a lucrative star if the first manned flight to Mars succeeds. NASA expects this to happen in around 20 years.

TAG Heuer – traditionally open to new ideas

In the portfolio of the manufacturer based in Le-Chaux-de-Fonds, you will discover manufactory watches that are reminiscent of the masterpieces by Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe in terms of craftsmanship and price. At the same time, TAG Heuer has a heart for luxury watch fans with smaller wallets. These models are often bought to be worn all the time. Because of the unavoidable signs of wear, these everyday companions are basically not stable in value in the sense of an investment. If you think of the personal benefit and the emotional bond, the investment pays off several times over. If you reach for unusual novelties, the used time indicators can still turn out to be comparatively stable in value at some point.

TAG Heuer was one of the luxury brands that ventured into the field of quartz watches with digital displays – with the sobering realization that cheap manufacturers soon copied the spectacular innovations. They often languished in drawers after excessive use. They are now in demand as a vintage statement and fetch surprisingly high prices.

It is quite possible that with the Aquaracer Professional Solargraph, TAG Heuer not only has its finger on the pulse of the times, but also the taste of the future. The “sundial” made of durable titanium, water-resistant to a depth of 200 m, supplies itself with energy. In this way, it pays tribute to the increasing awareness of a sustainable lifestyle in a forward-looking and timelessly chic manner, which could one day inspire watch collectors or retro fans.

Award-winning and irresistibly beautiful – watch collections from Nomos Glashütte

Watches that retain their value are not only found in Switzerland, but also in Germany. Those who know the profession are just as aware of this as they are of the long watchmaking tradition in Glashütte. The location was chosen by the manufacturer Nomos, which – like Hublot – is comparatively young. In contrast to the luxury brand based in Nyon, the East German company scores with a fantastic price-performance ratio.

When it was launched in 1992, the Tangente wristwatches did not receive the feedback they deserved for their design and watch technology. Nevertheless, they turned out to be watches of stable value. In the meantime, three times the original purchase price is paid for well-groomed debutantes. Experience shows that award-winning models can also increase in value.

This puts the spotlight on the Tangente Neomatik in platinum grey, which won the iF Award 2023 for its remarkably simple and flat design. In theory, the award winner has the best chance of distinguishing itself as a watch with stable value. In practice, one can hardly resist the temptation to take the modern beauty of Nomos Glashütte out of the leather case and admire it on the wrist every day.

Precious for life across generations – Frederique Constant

Cool calculators see the value-stable watch as an attractive alternative to the bank account, in order to build up reserves with as few losses as possible. Anyone who finds timepieces for the wrist to be practical above all will measure their value in terms of functionality and aesthetics, which are attractive in the long term. Frederique Constant scores on needs without expecting big investments.

Time, date, moon phase: the timelessly elegant Classic Heart Beat Moonphase men’s watches are informative. This information does not lose its value even in the advanced digital age – especially when it is displayed without resource expenditure thanks to the mechanical movement with automatic winding. Long-lasting workmanship is important to Frederique Constant. Nothing stands in the way of the grandson’s wish to wear the heirloom enthusiastically.