Which Watches Hold Their Value? Luxury Watch Investment Guide

If you’re in the market for a luxury watch, you might be wondering which watches hold their value over time. Investing in a watch can be a smart move, especially if you choose one that’s known to hold its value well. Rolex and Cartier are two popular brands that are often associated with luxury watches, but there are many other brands out there that can be great investments too. 

In this guide, we’ll cover luxury watches that hold their value, from vintage watches to modern timepieces. We’ll explore the watch brands that hold their value and offer tips for making a smart investment in a luxury watch.

Does It Matter if Your Watch Holds Its Value?

When it the market, it is important to ask whether the watch you are buying is going to hold its value. The reason for this is that if a watch loses its value, it means that you will not be able to sell it on for much money later on. So, if you are thinking of buying a Rolex Submariner, ask yourself whether this model will still be popular in five years’ time or whether it will have lost its appeal by then.

All certified sellers are more than willing to provide documentation proving their watches are genuine. The value of your watch or the ones that you are trying to purchase depends on the model, the year, and its condition.

Which Luxury Watch Brands Hold Their Value Best?

From Rolex sports watches to Cartier Tank watches, plenty of luxury watch brands have been around for decades that retain their value. But which ones hold best? Let’s find out!

Cartier Watches

One of the luxury brands that holds their value best is Cartier. Founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier in Paris, Cartier quickly gained a reputation for its exquisite jewelry and watches. Today, Cartier is considered one of the most prestigious watch brands in the world, and its watches are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Some of the best Cartier watch models include:

• Cartier Tank: This iconic watch was first introduced in 1917 and featured a rectangular case with Roman numerals. Average price: $10,000 – $40,000
• Cartier Santos: This watch, created in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, features a square case with exposed screws. Average price: $3,300 – $5,600
• Cartier Ballon Bleu: This watch features a distinctive round case with a crown that is set with a blue sapphire. Average price: $3,000 – $240,000 (diamond customized)
• Cartier Calibre de Cartier: This sporty watch features a bold design and a chronograph function. Average price: $7,000+
• Cartier Drive: This elegant watch features a cushion-shaped case and a sophisticated design. Average price: $3,849 – $10,699

Cartier watches are known for their excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. They use high-quality materials, such as 18k gold and diamonds, in their watches, which contribute to their high-value retention. Additionally, Cartier watches are often limited editions, which can make them even more valuable to collectors.

Rolex Watch

Do Rolex watches hold their value? The short answer is a resounding YES. Rolex is a brand that has been in existence since 1905 and has become synonymous with luxury and style. Rolex watches are not only considered a status symbol but also an investment piece. Their resale value is often higher than their retail price, making them a valuable asset for watch enthusiasts.

Rolex is known for producing high-quality sports watches that are designed for durability and precision. Some of the most famous watches from the brand include:

• Rolex Submariner: This is a classic diving watch that is highly sought after by watch collectors. It was first introduced in 1953 and has since become an iconic timepiece. Average price: $55,000 – $58,000
• Rolex Daytona: This watch was created for race car drivers and featured a chronograph function. It is one of the most popular watches in the Rolex lineup. Average price: $20,228 – $119,477
• Rolex GMT-Master: This watch was designed for pilots and featured a dual time zone function. It is a versatile watch that is perfect for frequent travelers. Average price: $16,500 – $20,000

Rolex watches are often in high demand in the watch market, contributing to their value retention. The brand is known for its excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail, which makes its watches highly sought after by collectors. Additionally, Rolex watches are often produced in limited quantities, which can make them even more valuable over time.

Patek Philippe Watches 

Patek Philippe watches are known for their exceptional quality, exquisite designs, and high prices. However, they are also renowned for their ability to go up in value over time, making them a great investment for enthusiasts.

Patek Philippe was founded in Geneva in 1839 and has since become one of the most prestigious watch brands in the world. The brand is known for its complicated watches and its commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques.

One of the unique features of Patek Philippe watches is their value retention over time. Many models increase in value over the years, making them a great investment for collectors. This is due to their limited production and the high demand for the brand.

Some of the most famous Patek Philippe watches include:

• Patek Philippe Nautilus: This is a sports watch that was first introduced in 1976. It features a distinctive porthole design and is highly sought after by collectors. Average price: $151,000+
• Patek Philippe Calatrava: This is a dress watch that features a simple and elegant design. It is one of the oldest and most iconic models in the Patek Philippe lineup. Average price: $10,000 – $18,000
• Patek Philippe Complications: This line of watches features complicated functions such as a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a chronograph. They are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. Average price: $21,000 – $485,000

TAG Heuer

Another brand that is highly sought after in the world of investment watches is TAG Heuer. Founded in Switzerland in 1860, TAG Heuer is a well-known luxury brand that is renowned for its high-quality mechanical watches that appreciate value over time.

TAG Heuer has produced many popular models over the years, and some of their most sought-after watches include:

• TAG Heuer Monaco: This iconic watch was introduced in 1969 and became famous for being worn by Steve McQueen in the movie “Le Mans”. The average price for a TAG Heuer Monaco is around $6,000.
• TAG Heuer Carrera: Launched in 1969, the TAG Heuer Carrera is a classic watch that features a simple, elegant design. The price for a TAG Heuer Carrera starts from $1,214.
• TAG Heuer Autavia: First introduced in 1969, the TAG Heuer Autavia was originally designed as a dashboard timer for rally cars. Today, it is a popular watch among collectors, with an average price of around $7,100.

One of the reasons why TAG Heuer watches are considered investment watches is because they are known to hold value well over time. Additionally, the brand has a rich history of producing reliable and stylish, high-quality, and high-quality timepieces. With their combination of classic design and technical innovation, TAG Heuer watches are a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts.

Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet is another luxury watch brand that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. This Swiss brand has a reputation for producing high-quality, high-end watches that are both stylish and durable. Here are some details on some of the most popular Audemars Piguet watches:

• Royal Oak: The Royal Oak is perhaps Audemars Piguet’s most iconic watch. With its octagonal shape, stainless steel construction, and distinctive “tapisserie” dial, the Royal Oak is instantly recognizable. The watch is available in a range of sizes, from 33mm to 41mm, and is often appreciated in value over time due to its popularity among collectors. Average price: $22,500.
• Royal Oak Offshore: The Royal Oak Offshore is a larger, sportier version of the original Royal Oak. It features a more robust case, and its chronograph functions make it a popular choice among athletes and sports enthusiasts. Like the Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Offshore is known to appreciate value over time. Average Price: $16,000 – $425,000
• Jules Audemars: The Jules Audemars is a classic dress watch that features an elegant, understated design. It is available in a range of metals, including yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, and is often appreciated in value due to its vintage appeal. Average price: 45,500.

Conclusion

If you are planning something in your investment and watches is on your list, make sure to consider all the brands we’ve listed above. Make sure to invest enough time to do your research on which luxury watches hold their value and that are not. With this guide, you’ll be able to choose the best luxury watches for your investments. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guide as much as we’ve enjoyed writing it!