
By buying a collectible watch, the enthusiast can even make more value on demand.
Who are the ones who looked at their wrists? The title as a utility, to easily have the time and all the time of the day. But other interests are interested in this object as investors: they are often 5 or 6 watches, even passed, and sometimes draw from the collection of their collection a huge surplus value.
If you have been imported into the investment genre, know that you will find watches at all prices, even if the exceptional models are often above $20,000. The expectation of gain? It is difficult to predict, but some watches have seen their rating of 1,000 to 50,000 USD in 30 years. In fact, as much as their quality, it is their rarity that is the market. Note that you do not need big means, which you can always offer known brands, such as Longines or Chaumet, for example, for a few thousand dollars.
Attention since May 2017, the regulation of atypical investments has evolved. Any commercial structure that reaches the public through an avant-garde perspective must validate an information document with the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), which can then assign a registration number. Land groups, which have made it possible to invest in vineyards, agricultural land or forests, are also the object of settling the constable of the Stock Exchange, as we had already done in a previous article.
Watch Price
Less than $7.000 for a watch of quality brought to be appreciated in the long term.
Omega Seamaster, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Daytona: the great classics, these famous “collectors”, are worth more than their weight of gold. In Geneva, a Rolex Daytona from 1969 was recently awarded more than 1 million dollars… All do not start at this price, but, since they combine assets such as technical prowess, beauty, rarity and of course, the prestige, these watchmaking stars, whatever their age, are sure to see their rating reach highs.
Fortunately, for small and medium budgets, there are also quality watches, bought between 3,000 and 7,000 USD. This is the case, for example, at Longines, Breguet, Tag Heuer or Breitling, but also with models marketed by internationally renowned jewelers, such as Cartier, Chaumet or Chopard.
Pre-Owned Luxury Watches
Models that are no longer manufactured are often great business.
Beautiful watches that are no longer manufactured but still exist in large quantities on the market are called “pre-owned“. Their first advantage is financial: accessible between 2,000 and 4,000 USD, these used models cost 25 to 35% less than new ones. Second advantage: they will become scarce over time, following the multiple deteriorations and losses that will occur. What turn them into real “collectors” if they have been well maintained. Third advantage: it is a safe investment. The proof, in 150 years of existence, the high-end watchmaking has become a value whose rating has steadily increased.
Watch Review
Even a slight scratch can result in a discount of 20% of the catalog price.
Privileging prestigious brands is not enough to make a good financial investment. When reselling, the watch must be in absolutely impeccable condition. This is a basic requirement when signing a check with more than 4 digits. The slightest scratch observed with a magnifying glass may result in a discount of 5 to 20% compared to the same model without defect.
Attention also to the bracelet, it can have a very great value and is often inseparable from the watch which it accompanies. This is the case, in particular, Rolex Oyster bracelets. Finally, to avoid any bad plan, ask yourself these 3 questions before buying a watch “vintage” quality:
- It still works?
- Where is she from?
- Does it still have the box and the original papers?
Specialized Websites
These sites are a mine of information.
Finding out in specialty shops and carefully peeling auction catalogs is a must when you want to buy a beautiful watch. Do not forget to check the websites recognized by all watchmaking professionals, such as BigWatchBuyers.com or WatchCenter.ch, which lists the prices of about 3,000 new and used models (Rolex, Tag Heuer, Jaeger Lecoultre). Also note that buying from an individual is not advisable. Too risky: even if the seller is in good faith, he himself may have been deceived.