Watches without loss of value - stable value & increase in value

Anyone considering a watch as an investment is naturally interested in which models are likely to increase in value. Logically, the underlying desire is to one day sell the watch for more than they paid for it. For people considering investing in watches for the first time, the watch market often seems confusing and unpredictable. Therefore, it definitely makes sense to thoroughly examine the topics of appreciation and value retention, as well as the price trends of sought-after watch models, before making a purchase. In this article, we present major watch brands that have attracted attention in the past due to rising values ​​of their models, and we also discuss individual luxury watches that have retained their value and their past price trends.

Which watch brands are increasing in value?

People who want to buy watches as an investment should definitely take a closer look at vintage watches, collectibles and wristwatches from the current range of these brands:

Rolex

The traditional Geneva-based manufacturer Rolex has fans all over the world and, as a brand, is a symbol of impressive craftsmanship, unsurpassed precision, and pure luxury. A Rolex model or two can be found in virtually every major watch collection, and these exquisite watches amaze amateur collectors, investors, and dealers alike. Rolex is undoubtedly one of the absolute leaders among watch brands and today looks back on a company history spanning around 100 years, unparalleled in terms of success and popularity. It's therefore hardly surprising that Rolex is always mentioned when discussing a lucrative watch investment.

Price development of Rolex watches

Many vintage Rolex models and even newer Rolex watches have experienced immense price increases over the past few decades, turning savvy buyers into winners almost overnight. Whether it's the Rolex Submariner , Explorer , GMT Master II , or Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman," the Rolex range is full of icons that any watch enthusiast would love to wear on their wrist. The popular models in particular are only available from the manufacturer after a long wait, if at all. Demand is far higher than the supply of watches produced by the manufacturer. Accordingly, wealthy fans are turning to the secondary market, sometimes investing horrendous sums to call a particular Rolex collector's item their own. Combined with the renowned brand name and unparalleled quality, this high demand ensures Rolex models retain their value exceptionally well. Purchasing a Rolex watch as an investment is therefore a very attractive option.

Rolex watches without loss of value

There are more than a few examples of Rolex watches that have experienced an increase in value and for which the risk of depreciation in the near future can be considered very low. All of Rolex's great classics can be resold in good condition for well above their list price, and in many cases their value tends to continue to rise. The stainless steel models of the Rolex Submariner and the exquisite Rolex Daytona vintage watches are considered to retain their value particularly well. A 2020 Submariner is listed at Rolex for €8,550, but sells for €14,000 and more on the open market. The Explorer II, which was once listed at just under €8,000 and is now only produced in a new edition, changes hands on the secondary market for an average of €12,000. This does not suggest that these luxury models will lose their great popularity any time soon.

Patek Philippe

If you're looking for a watch as an investment, sooner or later you'll probably come across Patek Philippe . In addition to wristwatches in many sophisticated versions, the Swiss watch manufacturer also offers elegant pocket watches that clearly fall into the "luxury watch" category. It's a fact that Patek Philippe is one of the most successful watch brands in the world. But does that mean that these outrageously expensive watches are a good investment? For many of the models, the answer is a clear yes.

Price development of Patek Philippe watches

Buying a Patek Philippe watch requires the necessary cash, that's beyond question. But you also need time and patience, especially if you want to purchase a model directly from the manufacturer. You might wait several years for such a watch – if you even have the chance to buy one. After all, some collections are available only to pre-selected regular customers. This creates an exclusivity that significantly increases the price. As with many brands, at Patek Philippe, too, the scarcity of coveted products is one of the factors that causes significant increases in value. For example, prices for the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 rose from just under €30,000 list price to €135,000 on the secondary market after the end of production of this model was announced. The Nautilus was able to multiply its value within a very short time, thus proving to be a highly satisfactory investment.

Patek Philippe watches without loss of value

Of course, not all Patek Philippe models experience such immense increases in value. Nevertheless, a substantial return can be expected on many of the brand's watches. Investors have previously enjoyed price increases for certain Aquanaut , Calatrava , or Ellipse d'Or models, for example. Most investors would probably agree: If you are willing and able to invest a substantial amount of money in a watch as an investment and can seek expert advice in choosing a promising model, a Patek Philippe watch is certainly an attractive investment option.

Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet is a name familiar to every true watch fan. We're dealing with a brand whose high reputation is partly the result of its impressive innovative spirit. For example, in the 1890s, Audemars Piguet succeeded in creating the smallest minute repeater movement of its time, and the Swiss manufacturer also launched the first wristwatch with this complication. As an absolute high-end provider, the watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet naturally has numerous watches in its range that are suitable as investments.

Price development of Audemars Piguet watches

Among the brands that are making headlines with price increases for their models on the secondary market, Audemars Piguet is at the forefront. This is hardly surprising, given that the manufacturer is known for high-quality timepieces, whose designs often strike a balance between timeless classicism and modern highlights. Accordingly, the value of a watch from this brand often increases the moment the proud new owner purchases it from the manufacturer. However, this is clearly a fairly large investment, which also requires patience. A purchase is often only possible after waiting months or even years. And according to the manufacturer's list, prices for sought-after models start at €30,000 – with no upper limit. Accordingly, the risk of such a watch as an investment is, objectively speaking, comparatively high. Were it not for the price trend, which suggests a convincing opportunity for a substantial return on Audemars Piguet timepieces. Depending on the model, investing in such a high-priced luxury watch can certainly earn you good money in the long run.

Audemars Piguet watches without loss of value

In the field of watches as an investment, the Royal Oak collection from Audemars Piguet is very interesting. The diverse series, which ranges from the gold automatic model to the delicate two-tone watch for women to the skeletonized masterpiece, brings together a multitude of attractive models, some of which boast sophisticated complications such as minute repeaters or perpetual calendars. Even some Grande Complication luxury watches with complications from three categories can be found here – naturally at a hefty price. But despite the initial huge investment, Audemars Piguet represents an excellent place to start for a watch as an investment. The Royal Oak models in particular are incredibly popular and remain in high demand on the secondary market . Since the manufacturer produces only 26,000 new watches per year, supply is significantly lower than demand, which quickly results in astronomically high secondary market prices. An Audemars Piguet (vintage) watch is a rarity in a way, and that alone makes it extremely interesting for investors as an investment.

A. Lange & Söhne

A. Lange & Söhne is the prime example of first-class watches "made in Germany." Based in Glashütte, Saxony, the manufacturer has been enriching the watch world since the mid-18th century with pocket and wristwatches that leave nothing to be desired, both technically and visually. A. Lange & Söhne has long been one of the "big players" among luxury watch brands and is often mentioned in the same breath as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Vacheron Constantin, and others. Therefore, it's only logical to look to this renowned manufacturer when looking for a watch as an investment.

Price development of A. Lange & Söhne watches

The finest materials, the highest quality, fascinating complications, and designs that express pure elegance: Luxury watches from A. Lange & Söhne epitomize what one imagines a truly fine timepiece to be. By purchasing such a watch, one acquires a piece of German watchmaking history, which can add a personal, sentimental value to the material value. The current product portfolio of the Glashütte-based manufacturer includes models from the Lange 1, Zeitwerk, Saxonia, 1815, Richard Lange, and Odysseus collections – all elegant wristwatches priced well above €20,000. A hefty sum, but one that reflects the value of the models. What's more, many timepieces from A. Lange & Söhne have been resold profitably on the secondary market in the past. Nevertheless, when purchasing a watch from this manufacturer, it is important to bear in mind that, internationally speaking, demand for German watches is comparatively somewhat lower than that for watches from Switzerland, for example. While a Rolex, for example, is a must-have in almost every collection, not every luxury watch collector is necessarily interested in timepieces from German manufacturers. This doesn't mean that such a watch is a poor investment, but rather that the resale platform may need to be more carefully selected to suit the target audience.

A. Lange & Söhne watches without loss of value

As with the previously presented brands, A. Lange & Söhne also offers a wide range of watches for a lucrative investment. Popular, for example, are the timepieces from the iconic Lange 1 collection, which the manufacturer describes as a "legend among Lange watches." With this series, the German watchmaker has definitely succeeded in combining innovation and tradition in perfect form. Whether with a moon phase, a perpetual calendar, or without any additional complication: a model from the Lange 1 collection is an excellent investment and, in good condition, is highly sought after on the secondary market. The increase in value that many A. Lange & Söhne watches enjoy can also be explained by the limited production of these timepieces. Only approximately 5,500 new watches are sold each year, which is far from satisfying demand.

Tag Heuer

Similar to Audemars Piguet, Tag Heuer has secured its place among the "brands for eternity" through groundbreaking innovations, among other things. In 1882, the company, founded by Edouard Heuer, received the first patent for a stopwatch mechanism for watches, and in 2005, it created the first wrist chronograph with hundredth-of-a-second accuracy – just two examples that exemplify the courage to innovate for which Tag Heuer is known. Today, the company has been part of the renowned luxury goods group Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA for over 20 years and can confidently describe several of its models as excellent investments.

Price development of Tag Heuer watches

As with luxury watches of all brands, the same applies to Tag Heuer models: price trends cannot be mapped out in a general way. After all, value varies from model to model, which is why some watches tend to be better investments than others. The Tag Heuer Autavia Viceroy watch has experienced an unprecedented increase in value. The watch, which was the result of a collaboration with the cigarette manufacturer Viceroy, met with enormous enthusiasm in the watch world and was always sold out quickly. While the first pieces were manufactured according to plan from select individual components, later batches sometimes incorporated different parts – for example, lower-quality bracelet links and different bezel inserts. This results in the particularly high value of the "early" Autavia Viceroy watches. These collector's items are still extremely sought after today and fetch their owners a more than satisfactory price when sold.

Tag Heuer watches without loss of value

If you want to invest in popular vintage Tag Heuer models now, you have to resort to the secondary market and pay a correspondingly high price. This, of course, also carries a certain risk, as no one can predict whether the watches will continue to appreciate in value. Many watch enthusiasts therefore opt for a newer Tag Heuer watch as an investment, for example, a model from the Carrera collection. These sporty luxury watches are available starting at €3,200, making the investment manageable. At the same time, they offer attractive prospects for appreciation, although prices are unlikely to fall.

omega

Founded in 1848, Omega is one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers. The name Omega symbolizes "perfection," as it is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega is a metaphor for the consummate quality and precision that characterizes an Omega watch. The company, originally founded by Louis Brandt, is now part of the Swatch Group, but has remained true to its roots and continues to produce timepieces that hark back to the company's history as a manufacturer of watches for specialized applications.

Price development of Omega watches

Most watch industry insiders would probably agree: Omega watches are tangible assets that make ideal investments. The brand enjoys an excellent reputation and boasts numerous models that amaze watch fans. The Omega range is full of watches that more than deserve the title of icon. Just think of the Seamaster as the epitome of a highly functional diver's watch, not to mention the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch . The latter watch was on Buzz Aldrin's wrist when he set off on a walk on the moon in 1969. The Moonwatch is therefore the best example of a watch that went down in history. Against this backdrop, it is no surprise that well-preserved Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch watches are often sold for double the list price - a promising investment.

Omega watches without loss of value

Special editions of proven Omega models have proven even more profitable in the past. The limited-edition Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday, for example, rapidly multiplied its value after its release. In addition, many other models from the Seamaster and Speedmaster collections offer a watch that represents an attractive investment and, in purely technical terms, can clearly compete with popular timepieces from other major brands, such as Rolex.

IWC

The "International Watch Company" IWC looks back on a nearly 150-year history and has been part of the Richemont Group since 2000, which also counts A. Lange & Söhne and Vacheron Constantin among its subsidiaries. The watch manufacturer is based in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and produces watches in a fairly wide price range. From automatic diving watches starting at €6,000 to luxury pilot's watches for over €40,000, the IWC range covers the entire upper price range. Accordingly, IWC is a good address for people with generous to very large budgets who want to purchase a watch as an investment.

Price development of IWC watches

If you're looking for a watch that has stood out for its value retention over the past few years and decades, you should definitely take a closer look at the IWC range. Models that focus on the essentials and lack additional complications are particularly suitable for people who don't want to invest tens of thousands of euros in a watch as an investment, but who still don't want to compromise on quality. Such an IWC watch may not promise a horrendous return in the short term, but it is a solid investment option.

IWC watches without loss of value

If you take a closer look at IWC's product portfolio, you can't help but notice the wide variety of high-quality watches. One of the most popular collections is certainly the Pilot's Watches series . This includes classic pilot's watches, some equipped with a chronograph function and date display, whose design strikes a successful balance between elegance and sportiness. While the Portofino collection consists of chic dress watches for men and women, the Aqua Timer product line consists of functional diving watches. IWC thus presents customers with a beautiful range of timepieces for every taste and every (larger) budget.

Nomos Glashütte

Rolex, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, and many other "big names" among watch brands have one thing in common: They have existed for many, many decades. This is different with Nomos Glashütte . The company was only founded in 1990 and is therefore extremely young by direct comparison. It is all the more astonishing that the manufacturer is already playing among the "big players" and has managed to win over the watch scene—including several prestigious awards—in just a few years. Reason enough to take a closer look at the Saxon watch company, also with regard to the topic of watches as an investment.

Price development of Nomos Glashütte watches

One thing is certain: It's anything but easy for a newcomer to assert themselves alongside the tried-and-tested, traditional watch giants. One of the reasons why Nomos Glashütte has seemingly mastered this challenge with ease is the impeccable quality of the Saxon company's products. Nomos Glashütte primarily produces watches without a lot of "frills" and complements its selection with extremely limited special editions that are particularly interesting for collectors. The Tangente "Super 30" Limited Edition, for example, was limited to just 100 pieces per color. Accordingly, you need a lot of luck to acquire such a rarity for a high price. But even the classics from Nomos continue to gain popularity and enjoy high demand. Even if depreciation of value—as always in the watch market—is not impossible, in many cases, purchasing a Nomos Glashütte watch sets the stage for a lucrative return.

Nomos Glashütte watches without loss of value

The new company originally focused on four watch models: Tangente , Orion , Ludwig , and Tetra . These classic Nomos Glashütte watches are still "up to date" today, but there are now several other model families, including Metro , Club , Lux, and Lambda. All of the brand's watches are quite minimalist, featuring clean lines and understated elegance. They come in a variety of styles, from the more extravagant square design typical of the Tangente series to a large Lambda dial and a colorful Lux look, while the high quality remains consistent. Due to Nomos Glashütte's relatively short company history, there are (still) no true vintage watches from this brand available for purchase in the traditional sense. After all, even the oldest models are only around 30 years old. However, anyone who invests in a Nomos watch now can use it as a wonderful investment and, in the long run, potentially sell it very profitably in the vintage segment.

Which watch has the highest increase in value?

If there were a specific watch that could be identified as having the highest appreciation in value, watches as an investment would, at least superficially, be a somewhat less complex topic. However, it's not that simple, because it's impossible to point the finger at a specific watch when it comes to the question of which tangible assets increase in value the most. After all, the market is constantly evolving; new models that may be suitable as investments are released almost daily, and future developments in terms of demand and pricing on the secondary market are always uncertain to a certain extent. While the "big players" in the watch industry, such as Rolex, Vacheron Constantin , Audemars Piguet, and others, predominantly occupy the top spots for the most stable-value and most attractive watches for investment, surprising "newcomers" and models from lesser-known brands also appear from time to time. This is what makes timepieces so exciting as an investment and, at the same time, makes it essential to thoroughly research the market before purchasing.

Why should you invest in watches?

We live in times in which many people are yearning for sensible ways to invest their money. Inflation, which fuels financial uncertainty and awakens the need to prepare for "even worse times," contributes to this. Watches are a wonderful example of valuable assets that are now becoming attractive even for people who previously had little to do with timepieces.

Thanks to historically low interest rates, investing in a watch with stable value is no longer just for investors who can afford to pay the purchase price in cash. Loans with favorable terms, i.e., low interest rates, appeal to investors with smaller budgets and allow them to make a lucrative investment without having to shoulder the heavy financial burden all at once. This puts this investment within reach of a much wider group of people.

In the past, watches have often proven to be worthwhile investments. From the Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" to legendary models such as the Nautilus and the Moonwatch, timepieces have provided investors with tremendous returns. This makes investing in watches tempting and motivates even newcomers who have not been in the watch scene for very long to acquire one or two promising investment options in this category.

Despite all the arguments in favor of buying watches as an investment, it's important to point out the risks of investing. There's simply no guarantee that a watch's value will increase. Losses in value are always possible. Like almost any investment, investing in watches is not risk-free. This means you should always consider the purchase carefully and not buy "blindly." If you don't know much about the market and don't have a good overview of the market, it's a good idea to seek professional advice and tips from an expert. However, even those who gather comprehensive information and analyze the market in detail can still make mistakes. There is simply no such thing as absolute certainty regarding the development of watch prices on the secondary market.

Conclusion on watches without loss of value

Watches are undoubtedly interesting investments, offering some excellent returns and a wide range of possible investments. They are considered tangible assets, and investing in them can be worthwhile not only for die-hard collectors, but for any thoughtful investor. For a successful investment, it is essential to gather information in advance, closely monitor the watch market, and assess how the values ​​of certain models might develop in the future. The better your knowledge and the more closely you engage in market analysis, the greater your chances of finding a truly lucky find that will yield substantial returns.