Getting a high-end watch is an investment in both your style and your wallet. People have been purchasing luxury watches for years, but the trend has escalated during the pandemic With the global market's increased volatility nowadays, investors are looking for more innovative strategies to diversify their portfolios. Some people invest in gold, while others put their money into cryptocurrency, and an increasing number of individuals invest in watches.
New watch pieces might be costly and collectible, but vintage timepieces completely dominate the watch market. Families, not investors, control brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex. They've been limiting their supply for over a century. They place a higher importance on brand reputation than short-term revenues and have a long-term perspective. This will certainly continue for future generations, maintaining the value of their timepieces.
Purchasing watches is not the same as purchasing government bonds. Regardless of what anyone claims, you are not guaranteed a refund. So, even if the secondhand market for luxury watches is booming right now, the sector is faltering at the retail level. A major caveat is that future generations might esteem these timepieces less as smartwatches grow more common. The Apple Watch, which now outsells the whole Swiss watch industry, is a good example of this. The lesson here is to never put money in watches that you can't afford to lose because it's a possibility.
A smart way to avoid being disappointed by a loss on your investment is to only buy timepieces that you really want in the first place. When compared to other investing methods, this method is unique to watches. Few people buy stocks based on how much they enjoy the companies. But watches are different as they can be worn before they mature. That way, any money you make from your purchase will be viewed as a bonus as you've already derived from owning and wearing a watch you adore. If you are an aspiring watch collector and not sure which luxury watches to buy in 2021? Do not fret. Today, we will discover the most popular timepieces to buy for you and your loved ones in 2021.
Omega Speedmaster - First Omega in Space
Omega is a Swiss luxury watchmaker that has been manufacturing outstanding watches since 1903. Omega watches are the military personnel's favourite. Omega Speedmaster is considered a hidden gem in the watch world. Omega updated their flagship Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in 2020, introducing the Calibre 3861, a brand-new movement. With a silicon balance spring, METAS Master Chronometer certification, and co-axial escapement, the new movement brings the Moonwatch in line with the rest of Omega's collection. Some are already claiming that it was the final "true" Moonwatch, which suggests that prices will continue to rise as time passes.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is the iconic watchmaker's centre point, and key appeal, and these initial execution versions have risen in popularity. It's worth noting that the current Royal Oak is a highly pricey option. Some may argue that the pricing is now overpriced, and this may be true. These, like the Nautilus and the Daytona, are nearly impossible to buy new as they are currently selling for about two times the retail price on the secondary market.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800
In 2021, this is one of the best Patek Philippe watches to buy. The Nautilus is undoubtedly Gerald Genta's most recognized design, and it is coveted by both new and old collectors. With rumoured ten-year waiting lists for the watch, Patek did the unthinkable in 2021 and announced the discontinuation of their most popular model. The mid-sized 3800 is a follow-up to the original Nautilus and is currently undervalued in comparison to the model family's popularity. It's the cheapest men's Nautilus you'll find, and it has lots of potential for growth. Because of the increasing digitalization in our daily lives, such mechanical watches have become popular, reminding us of the intricate beauty of authentic and traditional craftsmanship.
Rolex Daytona - Reference 6239
While there are no guarantees when it comes to investing in watches, this is as close as it gets. The reputation of the world's most recognized luxury watch brand is owed to their watchmaking talents and finely-tuned craftsmanship. Whether you choose a new, pre-owned, or vintage model, as long as it is an authentic luxury timepiece, you will never be disappointed. The current Daytona's popularity, along with recent blockbuster auctions of personal vintage Daytonas owned by the world's most renowned Daytona fan, Paul Newman, has created a perfect storm that has skyrocketed the value of all Daytona references. For prospective collectors, this watch is delicate and incredibly pricey. The modern Rolex Daytona is perhaps the hardest non-limited edition watch to purchase at retail prices, alongside the 5711 Nautilus. The original Daytona, ref. 6239 remains the safest bet. Because it was the first, it will always be popular, whereas interest in later references — particularly the current version — may fizzle out.
Rolex Submariner REF. 116610LV
When they see the Rolex Submariner, Rolex lovers go crazy. The demand for all Rolex sports models, including the Daytona, Submariner, and GMT, has skyrocketed in recent years. The total appraisals of the brand's reputation are driven by demand. In the same way that Omega changed its Speedmaster in 2020, Rolex updated its own symbol, the Submariner. The Submariner became a 41mm watch for the first time in its existence, with all 40mm models of the world's most famous diver being discontinued. The phenomenon is likely similar to what we're witnessing with Speedmaster admirers, who believe the 40mm Sub's discontinuance to be the end of an era. As a result, even if you don't make the Hulk furious, you can probably expect its value to rise.
Tudor Black Bay 41mm
Tudor is one of the safest bets out there when it comes to doing your money work, even though it doesn't require quite as much of a down commitment as some of the others on this list. It's easy to see why the silver-cased variant was the brand's biggest hit in 2021. It's an odd-looking diver with all the qualifications a professional underwater explorer could want, thanks to the rarely used metal combined with the Black Bay's retro good aesthetics and a nice shade of taupe. Tudor has several fantastic in-house movements, and this Black Bay features one of the best. The Tudor Black Bay 41 is still powered by Tudor's self-winding calibre MT5612, a 26-jewel movement with high-end components including a silicon balance spring to combat magnetic interference and a variable inertia oscillator to keep time more precisely.
Omega Seamaster REF. 165.024
Omegas were once considered a big bargain on the vintage market, and they still are in a few places. However, as the current version of the brand has become more expensive in recent years, the vintage market has followed suit, with previously affordable older Omega models growing in value to catch up to their more expensive modern counterparts. The Seamaster 300 model range, particularly this reference, has witnessed substantial expansion. The ref. 165.024, which was commissioned by the British Royal Navy in the 1960s, has an aesthetically beautiful design with Arabic indices and sword hands — plus the "Big Triangle" on the most coveted versions — as well as historical value due to its commissioned use. These are still reasonably priced, but prices have been steadily rising for the last two years, and the trend does not appear to be slowing anytime soon.
