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

Anyone who wants to buy watches as an investment is naturally interested in which models are likely to increase in value. Logically, after all, the desire to be able to sell the watch one day for more money than you paid for it is behind the investment. For people who are considering investing in watches for the first time, the watch market often seems confusing and unpredictable. In this case, it definitely makes sense to look in detail at the topics of increasing and maintaining value as well as the price developments of popular watch models before making a purchase. In this article, we present major watch brands that have attracted attention in the past due to increasing values ​​of their models, and look at individual luxury watches that have retained their value and past price developments.

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 manufacturer Rolex has fans all over the world and is a symbol of impressive craftsmanship, unsurpassable precision and pure luxury. One or two Rolex models can be found in almost every large watch collection and the exquisite watches amaze hobby collectors, investors and dealers alike. Rolex is certainly one of the absolute leaders among watch brands and can look back on a company history spanning around 100 years that is unparalleled in terms of success and popularity. It is therefore not surprising that Rolex is reliably brought into play when talking about a lucrative watch investment.

price development of Rolex watches

Many vintage Rolex models and also newer watches from the Rolex brand have been noticed in recent decades due to immense price increases, which made the clever buyer a winner almost overnight. Whether it's the Rolex Submariner , Explorer , GMT Master II or Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman": the range of Rolex watches is full of icons that every watch lover would love to have on their wrist. The popular models in particular are only available from the manufacturer after a long wait, if at all. This is because demand is far higher than the supply of watches that the manufacturer produces. Accordingly, financially strong fans turn to the secondary market and sometimes invest horrendous sums in order to be able to call a certain Rolex collector's item their own. In conjunction with the renowned brand name and the incomparable quality, the high demand ensures that the value of the Rolex models remains outstanding. Buying a Rolex watch as an investment is therefore a very attractive investment option.

Rolex watches without loss of value

There are far more than just one example of Rolex watches that have increased in value and for which the risk of a loss in value in the near future is considered to be very low. All of Rolex's great classics can be resold in good condition for well over 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 be particularly stable in value. A 2020 Submariner is listed at Rolex at €8,550, but is sold on the open market for €14,000 and more. The Explorer II, which was previously 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 the luxurious models will lose their great popularity any time soon.

Patek Philippe

If you are looking for a watch as an investment, sooner or later you will probably notice Patek Philippe . The watch manufacturer based in Switzerland not only produces wristwatches in many elegant versions, but also elegant pocket watches that clearly fall into the "luxury watch" category. It is a fact that Patek Philippe is one of the most successful watch brands ever. But does that also mean that the outrageously expensive watches are suitable as an investment? With regard to many of the models, the answer is clearly yes.

Price development of Patek Philippe watches

To buy a Patek Philippe watch you need the necessary "change", that's without question. But you also need time and patience, at least if you want to buy a model directly from the manufacturer. You can wait several years for a watch like this - if you even have the chance to buy one. Because: Some collections are only available to pre-selected regular customers. This creates an exclusivity that drives up the price considerably. As with many brands, at Patek Philippe too, it is the scarcity of the sought-after products that causes a significant increase in value. The prices for the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 rose from a list price of just under €30,000 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 and turned out to be an extremely satisfactory investment.

Patek Philippe watches without loss of value

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

Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet is a name that every real watch fan will be familiar with. We are dealing with a brand whose high reputation is partly the result of an impressive spirit of innovation. In the 1890s, for example, Audemars Piguet managed to create what was then the smallest minute repeater movement, and the Swiss manufacturer also brought the first wristwatch with this complication onto the market. As an absolute high-end provider, the watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet naturally has numerous watches in its range that are suitable as an investment.

Price development of Audemars Piguet watches

Audemars Piguet is one of the brands that are making a name for themselves with price increases for their models on the secondary market. This is hardly surprising, as the manufacturer is known for high-quality timepieces, whose designs often manage to bridge the gap between timeless classics and modern highlights. Accordingly, the value of a watch from this brand often increases the moment the proud new owner purchases the watch from the manufacturer. However, this is clearly a fairly large investment, which also requires patience. A purchase is often only possible after months or even years of waiting. 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 comparatively high. If it weren't for the price development, which suggests a convincing chance of a healthy return on Audemars Piguet timepieces. Depending on the model, investing in such a high-priced luxury watch can certainly make 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 versatile series, which ranges from the gold automatic model to the delicate two-tone watch for ladies and even the skeletonized masterpiece, brings together a large number 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 is an excellent place to start for a watch as an investment. The Royal Oak models in particular are incredibly popular and still in high demand on the secondary market . Since the manufacturer only produces 26,000 new watches per year, supply is well below 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 world of watches since the middle of the 18th century with pocket watches and wristwatches that leave nothing to be desired on a technical and visual level. A. Lange & Söhne has long been one of the "big ones" among luxury watch brands and is often mentioned in the same breath as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Vacheron Constantin and Co. It is therefore only logical to look at this renowned provider when looking for a watch as an investment.

Price development of A. Lange & Söhne watches

The finest materials, the best quality, fascinating complications and designs that express pure elegance: luxury watches from A. Lange & Söhne are the epitome of what one imagines a truly fine watch to be. By purchasing such a watch, one acquires a piece of the history of German watchmaking, which can add an individual, sentimental value to the material value. The current product portfolio of the manufacturer from Glashütte includes models from the Lange 1, Zeitwerk, Saxonia, 1815, Richard Lange and Odysseus collections - all elegant wristwatches whose prices are above the €20,000 mark. A hefty sum, but one that corresponds to the value of the models. What's more: many timepieces from A. Lange & Söhne have been able to be resold very profitably on the secondary market in the past. However, when purchasing a watch from the manufacturer, it should be borne in mind that the demand for German watches is comparatively somewhat lower internationally than is the case for watches from Switzerland, for example. While a Rolex, for example, is a must in almost every collection, not every collector of luxury watches is necessarily interested in timepieces made by German manufacturers. This does not mean that such a watch is a poor investment, but simply that the platform for resale may need to be selected more carefully to suit the target group.

A. Lange & Söhne watches without loss of value

As with the brands presented previously, 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". The German watch manufacturer has definitely succeeded in combining innovation and tradition in perfect form with this series. Regardless of whether it has a moon phase, a perpetual calendar or no additional complication: a model from the Lange 1 collection is an excellent investment and is highly sought after on the secondary market when in good condition. The increase in value that many A. Lange & Söhne watches enjoy can also be explained by the fact that the timepieces are very limited. Only around 5,500 new watches go on sale each year, which is far from satisfying demand.

Tag Heuer

Like Audemars Piguet, Tag Heuer has secured its place among the "brands for eternity" through groundbreaking innovations. 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 represent the courage to innovate for which Tag Heuer is known. Today, the company has been part of the famous luxury goods group Moёt 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 across the board. After all, the value differs from model to model, which is why some watches tend to be better suited as 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, was met with massive enthusiasm in the watch world and was always sold out in no time. While the first pieces were made according to plan from selected individual parts, later batches sometimes used different parts - for example, less high-quality bracelet links and different bezel inserts. This results in the "early" Autavia Viceroy watches being particularly valuable. These collector's items are still in great demand today and bring their owners a more than satisfactory price when sold.

Tag Heuer watches without loss of value

If you want to invest in popular vintage models from Tag Heuer, you have to resort to the secondary market and pay a correspondingly high price. This of course also involves a certain risk, because nobody can predict whether the watches will continue to increase in value. Many watch lovers therefore opt for a newer Tag Heuer watch as an investment, for example a model from the Carrera collection. Some of the sporty luxury watches are available from €3,200, which makes the investment manageable. At the same time, they offer attractive prospects in terms of value appreciation, although prices are unlikely to fall.

omega

Founded in 1848, Omega is one of the most traditional Swiss watch manufacturers. The name Omega symbolizes "perfection" as Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. A metaphor for the perfect 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 still produces timepieces that recall the company's history as a manufacturer of watches for special applications.

price development of Omega watches

Most watch industry experts will agree: Omega watches are tangible assets that make ideal investments. The brand enjoys an excellent reputation and has numerous models that amaze watch fans. The Omega range is full of watches that more than deserve to be called icons. 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 out to walk on the moon in 1969. The Moonwatch is therefore the best example of a watch that went down in history. Against this background, it is no surprise that well-preserved Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch watches are repeatedly sold for double the list price - a promising investment.

Omega watches without loss of value

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

IWC

The "International Watch Company" IWC looks back on a company history spanning almost 150 years 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 buy a watch as an investment.

Price development of IWC watches

If you are looking for a watch that has stood out for its value stability over the last few years and decades, you should definitely take a closer look at the IWC range. Models that focus on the essentials and do not have any additional complications are particularly suitable for people who do not want to invest tens of thousands of euros in a watch as an investment, but who still do not want to compromise on quality. An IWC watch like this may not promise a horrendous return in a very short time, 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 of which are equipped with a chronograph function and date display, which show a successful balance between elegance and sportiness in their design. While the Portofino collection consists of chic dress watches for men and women, the Aqua Timer product range 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 been around for many, many decades. This is different with Nomos Glashütte . The company was only founded in 1990 and is therefore extremely young in direct comparison. It is all the more astonishing that the manufacturer is already playing with the "really big" and has managed to win over the watch scene - including some prestigious awards - in just a few years. Reason enough to take a closer look at the Saxon watch company in relation to the topic of watches as an investment.

Price development of Nomos Glashütte watches

One thing is certain: It is anything but easy for a newcomer to assert oneself alongside the tried and tested, traditional watch giants. One of the reasons why Nomos Glashütte was able to master this challenge with apparent ease is the impeccable quality of the Saxon company's products. Nomos Glashütte mainly produces watches without a lot of "frills" and complements the 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. You have to be very lucky to be able to get hold of such a rarity for a lot of money. But the classics from Nomos are also still gaining in popularity and are in great demand. Even if losses in value - as is always the case on the watch market - cannot be ruled out, in many cases purchasing a watch from Nomos Glashütte sets the course for a lucrative return.

Nomos Glashütte watches without loss of value

The new company originally concentrated 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 minimalistic, presenting clear lines and simple elegance. They sometimes come in the more extravagant square design typical of the Tangente series, sometimes with a large Lambda dial and sometimes in a colorful Lux look, although the high quality always remains the same. Due to the relatively short company history of Nomos Glashütte, there are (still) no real vintage watches from this brand to buy 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 term, possibly sell it very profitably in the vintage segment.

Which watch has the highest increase in value?

If there were a particular watch that could be identified as having the highest increase in value, watches as an investment would be a somewhat less complex topic, at least on the surface. But it is not that simple, because it is not possible to point the finger at a selected watch when asking 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 every day, 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 Co, are predominantly in the top spots for the most stable and most attractive watches for investment, from time to time surprising "newcomers" and models from lesser-known brands also appear there. This is what makes timepieces so exciting as an investment and at the same time makes it essential to study the market in depth before buying.

Why should you invest in watches?

We live in times in which many people are yearning for sensible ways to invest their money. Inflation is a major factor in this, fueling financial uncertainty and awakening the need to prepare for "even worse times". Watches are a wonderful example of valuables that are now becoming interesting to invest in, even for people who have previously had little to do with timepieces.

Thanks to the historically low interest rates, investing in a watch that retains its value is no longer just an option for investors who can pay the purchase price in cash. Loans with favorable terms, i.e. low interest rates, appeal to investors with smaller budgets and enable them to make a lucrative investment without having to take on a large financial burden all at once. This puts this type of investment within reach of a much larger group of people.

In the past, watches have often proven to be a worthwhile investment. From the Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman" to legendary models such as the Nautilus or the Moonwatch, timepieces have brought investors fantastic 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 from this category.

Despite all the arguments in favor of buying watches as an investment, it is important to point out the risk of investments. There is no guarantee that the value of a watch will increase. Losses in value are always possible. Like almost any investment, investing in watches is not risk-free. This means that you should definitely think carefully about the purchase and not buy "blindly". If you don't know much about it yourself and don't have a good overview of the market, it is a good idea to seek professional advice and tips from an expert. But even if you are fully informed and analyze the market very carefully, you can still be wrong. There is simply no such thing as absolute certainty regarding the development of watch prices on the secondary market.

Conclusion on the topic of watches without loss of value

Watches are undoubtedly interesting investment objects, which offer excellent returns and a wide range of possible investments. They are considered tangible assets, and investing in them is worthwhile not only for die-hard collectors, but for any thoughtful investor. For a successful investment, it is essential to gather information in advance, to observe the watch market closely and to assess how the value of certain models might develop in the future. The more you know and the more closely you study the market analysis, the greater your chances of making a real "lucky find" that will bring you substantial returns.