Which Luxury Watch Holds Its Value Best?
3rd Jun 2022
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Luxury watches are among the most sought-after accessory investments for those looking to make a statement or impress others around them. While many types of watches make decent investments, only a few brands rise above the rest.
When choosing a luxury watch for your collection, you’ll want to pick a brand and model that holds its value. The most valuable timepieces, such as an elegant Rolex watch, are timeless classics that every horological fan should own. Discover which luxury watch holds its value best to help you decide which piece to add to your collection.
1. Rolex
Rolex has been among the world’s most recognizable watchmakers since 1905, making some of the finest investment watches available. The brand has a rich heritage, with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wearing Rolex watches as they made the first successful climb of Mount Everest in 1953.
Rolex watches have a reputation for high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making them an excellent choice for an investment piece. The release of the Datejust models in 1945, combined with automatic winding, a water-resistant case and a date window, make this model as valuable today as in the past.
Rolex increases the MSRP of its watches every year to keep up with demand and the perception of luxury among consumers. According to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Rolex outperformed gold and real estate in terms of price increases in 2020.
2. Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre has relentlessly improved and reinvented the industry since 1833. It has been consistently influential in the world of high-end timepieces, and its watches are known for their quality and durability.
The company also takes great care in designing its movements. Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are beautiful to look at and functional. The company has a long history of producing mechanical movements for other luxury watch brands, such as Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.
Having a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch pays off in value retention, as the company’s impeccable history ensures you’ll have a timepiece that will last you a long time.
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3. Cartier
Despite being most known for its fine jewelry, Cartier is also known as one of the leading watch manufacturers since the early 1900s. The company has built a reputation for being one of the best watchmakers in the world — and it shows in its watches.
Cartier makes many of its timepieces with colorless diamonds, which are more valuable and rarer than tinted ones. These watches come with various features such as diamond bezels, leather straps and chronograph dials. Their high-quality materials and intricate details make them perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
Cartier watches can endure for years, with some well-known fetching high prices. In 2017, Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier tank watch sold for $379,500. When properly maintained, a classic Cartier watch can be worth your investment. Many of its models become vintage timepieces that last a lifetime.
Finish Your Look with a Luxury Watch
4. Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe was founded in 1839 and remains one of the last independent watchmakers. Their artisans design and manufacture all of the watches’ materials, parts and movements in-house, resulting in unique watches and value retention.
A few of the company’s hallmarks are its expertise in all facets of watchmaking, including hand-winding two-hand watches. Their sophisticated timepieces feature minute repeaters, tourbillons and split-second chronographs.
Patek Philippe introduced the Patek Philippe Seal in 2009, imposing rigid standards of quality craftsmanship, often exceeding those in the watchmaking industry.
Production at Patek is so detailed that a complex watch can take up to six years to manufacture. Nevertheless, the hand-polished second and minute markers make the Patek Philippe watch a worthwhile investment. Christie's reports auction prices skyrocketed for watches from Patek's 175th anniversary collection.
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5. Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet cemented its place in watchmaking history by introducing a new category of luxury sports watches in the 1970s with the renowned Royal Oak. Although they are famous for the Royal Oak sports watches, fans also value the materials and techniques they use to create them.
The brand uses black ceramic rather than stainless steel to achieve a satin-brushed and polished finish. The use of white gold screws shows their keen awareness of the importance of details. In addition, the company only produces limited quantities of their Audemars Piguet watches to achieve the amount of detail and care they are most famous for.
Due to its innovative design, high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship, an Audemars Piguet watch is worth its price. The watchmaker produces very few models at a time, so the timepieces are highly sought-after by watch collectors and enthusiasts.
Shop the Best Investment Watches at Luxury of Watches
The best way to ensure that your watch keeps its value over time is to buy one from an established brand with a long history of creating quality products and keeping up with trends in design and technology. Buy your next investment piece that appeals to your sense of style from Luxury of Watches. We offer certificates of authenticity on all luxury watch purchases and a 5-year warranty on most pieces. Browse through our selection of watches to find the perfect watch to add to your collection.