The best investments: clever watch investments

Especially if you're aiming for a collection of beautiful pieces, investing in any luxury watch should be worthwhile in the long run. The value of some pieces has increased significantly over the years, while with newer models, with a little knowledge and skill, you can accurately predict which watches will experience significant appreciation. We'll help you make the right investment choice and reveal which pieces are guaranteed to be the right choice for you and will essentially provide you with a lasting cash cow. Even during the 2008 financial crisis, the top brands in the watch market proved that there's no risk of loss of value.

What you need to know

Timepieces are an attractive investment, considering the currently extremely low interest rates on fixed-term deposits. However, investing in watches generally requires a good understanding of the market, as even minimal differences can affect their market value. Furthermore, there are many counterfeits on the market. You should always be cautious when buying from private individuals, as they could be stolen or counterfeit goods, or even originals with counterfeit parts. Optimal planning, information, and purchasing from a reputable dealer or renowned auction house are therefore essential to ensure authenticity and details – both for historic and newer models. Pieces in excellent condition with a warranty card, invoice, and complete box are always worth the most. Treating your watch with care is therefore extremely important. Buying watches with a German serial number also protects you in case questions arise later regarding import sales tax. When purchasing from abroad, German VAT and, where applicable, customs duties are charged upon import. When exporting to other countries, you can partially reclaim the VAT on these items. It's worth doing the math here, as some bargain prices can turn out to be a waste. It's also important to remember that you'll have to pay sales tax if you resell a watch within a year.

Rolex is always worth it

A Rolex is primarily chosen for its outstanding design combined with the unparalleled craftsmanship within. However, by considering a few small details, you can take advantage of the steady increase in value of Rolex watches and amass a small fortune. The increase in value can be as much as 10 percent in just three years. Even the most expensive wristwatch in the world comes from Rolex: A Daytona reference 6239, which once belonged to Paul Newman, was auctioned for around 15 million euros in 2017 – a hefty price considering that the new price in 1972 was less than 1,000 euros. But even if this incredible increase in value was an exception, immense increases in value for Rolex watches are not uncommon. Since Rolex has long been one of the most popular watch brands in the world, timepieces from the Swiss brand are always the right choice if you want to invest your money wisely. Some new Rolex watches are suddenly worth double the next day – who would want to miss out on an opportunity like that? If you want to invest in particularly promising Rolex pieces, you should look for the stainless steel sports models, such as the Submariner Date (Reference 116610LN ) or the Explorer (Reference 214270 ). The Cosmograph Daytona chronograph in steel ( Reference 116500 ) is also a smart investment, but unfortunately the watch is extremely hard to come by. In addition to the constantly increasing value of the Daytona models, which can now fetch up to 100,000 euros, some of the Rolex GMT-Master II watches in steel are very popular and are often resold for twice the purchase price, for example the version with the blue and red bezel or the one with the blue and black bezel. Basically, the more limited the number of pieces on the market, the more the value of a timepiece increases. If a watch is suddenly reproduced, this can reduce its value, whereas limited special editions and particularly old pieces are promising. Other "hyped" Rolex watches that are currently trading well above their original price are the Submariner Date with a green bezel and green dial (also known as the "Hulk", reference 116610LV), and the Deepsea with a blue D-Blue dial (also known as the "Cameron", reference 126660 ). The Rolex Submariner models are among the most well-known watches of all time and are ideal classics for a profitable investment. Do you have the chance to acquire one of the Rolex models mentioned at the original price? Be sure to grab it, because you are guaranteed a huge increase in value. You should also remain vigilant, because the value of a model usually increases once it has been revised and demand for it increases. In addition, Rolex tends to repeatedly raise its prices - it cannot go in the other direction. It is therefore often worthwhile to invest in a new, currently less popular piece from a series that will certainly produce a successor and whose price will rise over time.

Wristwatch instead of shares: 3 more frontrunners

At the top of the value appreciation pyramid, alongside Rolex, are other well-known luxury brands such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet . These stable-value brands are attractive investments, as lesser-known or popular manufacturers hardly increase in value. The Patek Philippe Nautilus model is a classic collector's item and, for many, practically the epitome of an investment watch. This is not surprising, as many Nautilus examples have increased in value enormously and with radical stability. Sizable gains of between 50 and 100 percent are achievable here. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore are also true value appreciation miracles, with which substantial returns can be achieved. The lucrative watches, limited to just a few hundred pieces, are dedicated to famous racing drivers and achieve high market prices. With a new price of 15,000 euros, you can now fetch at least double that for an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore special edition dedicated to "Terminator" Arnold Schwarzenegger. Omega and A. Lange & Söhne are also recommended, as they too are among the world's most stable brands. The limited Omega Speedmaster editions are perfect as an investment. The Omega Speedmaster Professional , also known as the "Moonwatch," is one example, as it is the only watch that has been to the moon (reference 3570.50.00). This hand-wound timepiece with hesalite crystal, steel case back, and stainless steel bracelet has experienced a tremendous increase in value over the past few decades: In fact, its market price more than tripled between 1995 and 2019. Old Speedmaster models of any version can currently fetch up to several hundred thousand dollars, provided they are at least in good condition – especially since their value continues to rise steadily, so making a loss is definitely out of the question. The Grand Complication by A. Lange & Söhne is even considered one of the most valuable watches of all time. The wristwatch is entirely decorated with diamonds and is strictly limited, which has caused the price to rise immeasurably. Only six pieces were produced, with only one example produced per year – for a whopping 1.9 million euros. Ultimately, with all the thoughts about returns, one thing should not be forgotten: that you should primarily like the watch. Otherwise, investing in it is no fun either.

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