Which 5 watches are suitable as an investment

Interest in tangible assets such as luxury watches is currently on the rise - what are the best investment models?

The stock markets are plummeting, and virtually all assets are in free fall. If you want to preserve your purchasing power or protect your assets from a loss in value, the safest way to do so is to invest in valuable assets - such as tangible assets like luxury watches. Luxury watches are primarily designed to be worn. They make their wearers feel good and give them a zest for life when they accompany them in everyday life or on special occasions. For about a decade, however, it has been observed that more and more people are also looking at watches as investment objects and want to earn money with them in the medium to long term. If you know which models are suitable as an investment, you can make a fairly lucrative investment with mechanical luxury watches.

Vintage watches or modern timepieces?

There are two strategies to use watches as an investment. On the one hand, you can specialize in vintage watches and find classics in this segment that have the greatest potential for appreciation. On the other hand, you can invest in modern watches and speculate that your models will increase in value over time. But which watches are best suited as an investment? Below, we present five models that you can't go wrong with.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is one of the most famous wristwatches in the world. It gained this status as the only wristwatch to date that made it to the moon. In 1969, Buzz Aldrin wore it when he set foot on the moon for the first time. Even the rough conditions on the moon could not harm the timepiece - it survived the lunar excursion without any loss of quality. Thus, you can be sure to own an extremely robust and functional timepiece with the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. Last year, it posted a whopping 56 percent increase in value.

In 2020, Omega launched two new Speedmaster models to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing. These also feature the famous caliber 321 of the classic Moonwatch and come in platinum or stainless steel. A special quality feature of Omega watches is their Co-Axial escapement. This makes the timepieces insensitive to vibrations. For a vintage model of the Speedmaster Moonwatch, you should budget around 15,500 euros. The 2020 anniversary edition of the Speedmaster Moonwatch costs 44,300 euros in white gold.

Rolex Daytona and Lady-Datejust

For many people, Rolex is synonymous with luxury watches. Undoubtedly, the manufacturer sets the tone in the watch world, which is due to the excellent quality and timeless design of timepieces. Most Rolex models can be easily worn at any time of the day or night and always make the wearer look appropriate. Rolex watches have excellent potential to increase in value, which makes them an attractive investment. Nearly all Rolex models have seen their value increase over the past two years - you can do little wrong here, even if you're not a die-hard watch connoisseur.

The Rolex Daytona was able to increase in value between 40 and 67 percent in 2021. The precious metal variants of the timepiece were particularly able to increase in value. What makes the Daytona so desirable is its limited edition. The series has only been produced in small numbers since 1963 and is therefore very popular with collectors. Depending on the model, the price of a Rolex Daytona ranges from 43,900 euros to 49,400 euros for models with a black ceramic tachymeter bezel. Significantly cheaper are the Daytona models in bicolor, which currently cost around 30,000 euros. A year ago, the price was still around 19,300 euros. Those who struck then didn't have to wait long for their Rolex to increase in value.

The elegant Rolex Lady-Datejust was also able to increase its value immensely in 2021; to be precise, it was between 49 and 77 percent, depending on the model. Often, the noble timepiece with several dials is decorated with diamonds. If you like it more classic, choose the Lady-Datejust with fluted gold bezel. Compared to the Daytona, the Lady-Datejust is a bargain - the price starts at around 6,500 euros, according to the manufacturer. However, it is more realistic to set a price of 7,500 euros. For that, you'll also find an available watch. Otherwise, you have to plan for a month-long waiting period. In any case, a Rolex is an excellent choice if you value a timeless design, an outstanding manufacture caliber and a classic status symbol.

Patek Philippe Nautilus

In 2021, the Patek Philippe Nautilus saw its value rise by an incredible 85 percent. In 2020, the watch still stood out as a loser in the luxury watch segment with a ten percent drop in value. A watch from the Nautilus line is ideal for people who value a high technical standard. Its characteristic design is unmistakable, with the horizontal embossing of the dial, the octagonal bezel whose corners are rounded, and the bracelet that is fully integrated into the case. The Nautilus 5711/1A managed to increase its value the most. This comes as little surprise, considering that the watch is no longer in production.

A steel version of the Nautilus with a green dial was produced until early 2022, but production is set to cease after just one year. The Nautilus with a blue dial is currently available for around 250,000 euros. Occasionally, a model can be found for 110,000 euros. Much rarer and more expensive is the Nautilus with a green dial, whose entry-level price is well over 400,000 euros. In 2017, the list price for a Nautilus was still around 25,000 euros.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Jumbo 1520ST

The stainless steel version of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo is one of the biggest watch classics in the world. It's no wonder that demand has risen sharply in recent years, causing the price to skyrocket accordingly. Another factor for the price increase lies in the planned end of production of the Royal Oak Jumbo 15202, after it celebrates its 50th birthday in 2022. Possibly, there will be new newly Royal Oak Jumbo made of precious metal, the watch manufacturer let it be known. This means that the stainless steel version will no longer have a place.

Currently, prices for the stainless steel model range from 60,000 euros (white dial) to 75,000 euros (blue dial). It's quite possible that we'll see six-figure prices once production of the timepiece is finally discontinued. In 2017, the price for the Royal Oak Jumbo was still 20,000 euros.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas

4500V

Together with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, Vacheron belongs to the "Holy Trinity" of Swiss watchmaking. If you're looking for an exquisite, modern luxury sports watch made of stainless steel, you'll find it in the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V. The model is in direct competition with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus mentioned above. In recent years, the watch has become increasingly popular, but its price is currently in even more affordable ranges than the other two models. It is very likely that the price will rise sharply once the other two watches are discontinued.

Currently, the price for a Vacheron Constantin Overseas starts at a list price of 22,000 euros. The popular blue and black dial variants are priced between 35,000 euros and 50,000 euros. If you strike now, you may enjoy a bargain with strong appreciation in a few years. In 2017, the price for the Vacheron Constantin Overseas was around 12,000 euros - so the popular model has already seen a significant price increase in the last five years.

Conclusion

If you just leave your money lying around in the bank at the moment, you risk a sharp drop in value. Stocks are also a risky investment at the moment, as prices are in free fall. Tangible assets, on the other hand, represent an attractive investment opportunity, especially the luxury watch segment. If you choose the right model, you can soon enjoy not only a solid increase in value.