It’s unfortunately not as simple as “yes” or “no”. We’ll talk about the different types of watches and what you can expect as a buyer. This will help guide you in the right directions. The watch market has grown in a similar way to that of vintage cars or high-end furniture. Today, it’s common for investors to try to make money by buying and selling watches.

It’s mostly found at auctions with high-profile brands, which you may have heard of but not be able to pronounce. Rolex is just one example. Patek Phillippe Audemars Piguet and Jaeger LeCoultre also come to mind. The price of these high-end mechanical watches can range from thousands to million dollars. They often have six-digit price tags! In 2017, , an auction of a Rolex Daytona Paul Newman was sold for $17.75m. How about those apples?

What does this mean for the future value of watches?

Short answer: no. Some watches will triple or double in value if they are associated with a celebrity, athlete, or the “hype.” Wristwatches, which have a rich history in music, film, sports, and athletics, can be very valuable. Take a moment to notice the watch that the winner is wearing on the podium at a PGA Golf Tournament, Wimbledon or a Formula 1 Race. You may need connections and a lot of money to get these high-end watches. It can be the most expensive item a person ever buys.

What if you were to ask the average person what they are looking for in a watch?

There are many beautiful watches available at affordable prices. If the trend continues over the next few decades, they’ll likely retain their value. Only a handful of watch brands, and more specifically watch model, will experience an rise due to their scarcity or because they’re proven classics. Classics are those that are a testament to the quality of watchmaking or are connected to something else, such as sport or cinema.

Factors which contribute to the potential value of a watch over time

Rolex is perhaps the most famous example of this. While not cheap, these watches are still affordable for the average person. Even their most popular stainless steel models are expected to retain value, but may also increase in price depending on specifics. The watches are made to last their owners a lifetime, and possibly even longer.

The rich history of Rolex models is another important factor in the value of these watches. For example, the Explorer was the first watch to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The Submariner plunged into the depths beneath the sea. These stories captivate people, who continue to purchase them for thousands of dollars. The used Rolex market is a flourishing business. Vintage sport Rolex watches have generally retained or increased their value over the years.

Omega is another good example. They are the makers of the Speedmaster “Moonwatch”, and Seamaster “James Bond”. Omega has a rich and long history, with many ties to celebrities, sports, motorsports, and film, as well as showing true watchmaking expertise.

It’s not that I recommend you buy one of these watches immediately! It is difficult to know whether a particular watch will even maintain or increase in value. These are just a few examples of factors that can affect a brand’s or model’s popularity and long-term desirability.

How quickly can I expect to get a return on my investment in a watch?

Prices of watches do not tend to increase dramatically in a few months, or even a few years. See what I did?

You’ll have to hold on to your watch for quite a while to get a possible return.

What else do I need to know before buying a new watch?

It doesn’t matter what watch you choose, investing in a quality timepiece is an expensive endeavor that takes a lot of research and planning but can be rewarding. Here are some tips.

1. Be realistic about your purchase… and the future value of it. Buying a watch for its financial potential is probably not a wise investment. A watch collector or owner will usually focus on buying a watch which will last a lifetime and provide personal enjoyment. It should also retain its value if the buyer decides to sell it, and can be passed down to their heirs. Be aware of the risk and uncertainty you will face if your only goal is to buy low and then sell high.
2. You can expect to invest a great deal of time in research, along with the financial investment. You’ll want to become familiar with the models, brands and stories that go along with them. This will greatly help you make a purchase which is both right for you, and likely to hold its value in the future.
3. Do not spend beyond your means. This is important for overall financial health but especially in this case. It’s never a good idea to spend more money than you can afford, even if a watch is a great investment.
4. Do not buy a high-end watch to impress others. They are made to last a lifetime, if not longer. It’s up to you to decide if it is worth saving a little longer for something special or if it is better to have fewer pieces that are less expensive. The key to avoiding “buyer remorse”, however, is not rushing into large purchases that you aren’t prepared for or don’t fit your budget.