Luxury watches aren’t just great fashion accessories for any occasion, certain models have the potential to appreciate significantly over time.
Of course, many of these timepieces come with a hefty price tag. It’s therefore no surprise that the global market for second-hand luxury watches is sizeable; it was valued at $24.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $45 billion in 2030.
You can’t just buy any old watch and expect to cash in a few years later, though.
Factors influencing appreciation
For collectors, the aesthetics of a watch is just as important as the brand heritage and craftsmanship. Switzerland is the home of luxury watches, with the likes of Rolex, Cartier and Patek Philippe leading the way.
Picking up limited-edition pieces is a good idea too. Given that the supply of these will be far reduced, you can expect greater returns in the future should someone be interested in purchasing it from you.
Be sure to keep your watches in as close to pristine position as possible by storing them safely and having them regularly serviced – even if you don’t wear them.
Brands with the most investment potential
Not all watches are made equal. These are some of the best brands to keep an eye out for when buying pre-owned watches:
- Rolex: Stainless steel Daytona models and Day-Dates made of precious metal can hold their value well.
- Patek Philippe: Nautilus, Aquanaut, Calatrava and Grand Complications models all command significant fees
- Audemars Piguet: The Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore are popular pieces from this Swiss manufacturer.
- Omega: The Speedmaster and Seamaster are always in demand, particularly the James Bond models of the latter.
- Cartier: There are plenty of classy options when it comes to this brand, but the Tank and Santos have the best investment potential.
Tips for investing in pre-owned watches
The most important thing to do before making any purchase is to do your research and fully understand the value of what you intend to buy.
Ensure you only buy from reputable sources, because you don’t want to fall victim to a counterfeit timepiece – sometimes the seller may be unaware themselves. If you are keen to purchase from an independent seller, consider getting the piece inspected and valued by a third party before committing to the deal.
Focus on the quality of the watch and not the quantity of them available. A limited-edition piece won’t be worth as much if it’s covered in scratches and has some damaged functions.
