Watches that hold value

65bl

I have now reached a stage in life where I would like to buy a quality watch, not as an everyday watch but maybe with a view to starting collecting.

Can anyone recommend watches which are desirable, collectible but that could hold their value? Are high end watches considered to be investments or vanity purchases? Are they easily resalable? Or would a more modest or lesser known watch be a better option?

Initial budget is about 1200-1500 euros. Would you buy one super duper watch or five more modest ones? Would new or second hand be the better option? Technical aspects are not important to me but obviously may be important for a watch to hold value.

Anyone's views or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

BL

Bullseye1

An Omega Speedmaster should be possible at €1500 although maybe a couple hundred more. They generally hold their value.

If your looking for something special buy one instead of 5 which may not get much wrist time.

Reloc8

Very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very few watches do anything but depreciate extremely quickly.

Those that don't generally have 'Rolex' written on them. Bullseye also correctly mentions a used Omega speedmaster as within striking distance of your budget and one that you would be able to ship on at much the same as you pay for it - its unlikely however to increase significantly or at all in value.

65bl wrote: »

Are high end watches considered to be investments or vanity purchases?

Definitely the latter.

As regards your other questions I absolutely agree that there is little point for you (based on your intentions) buying 4 or 5 watches with that budget.

Buying used always makes sense, if you are looking to prioritise protection against depreciation.

johnthemull

Rolex. End of story.

sparrowcar

The other side of the coin is that for €1500 you could land a Stowa Flieger, Steinhart Ocean 2 and a Seiko SKX007 leaving you with some change to get a few aftermarket straps.

For someone only starting a collection I would think this is better than getting 1 speedy that at that price would probably have had a few knocks?

Zagato

Have to agree with Sparrowcar, you could also consider hanging on for one of the L.E. Stowa Fliegers that come out every so often, make sure you sign uo for their newsletter as they usually sell out immediately

Wibbs

Reloc8 wrote: »

Very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very few watches do anything but depreciate extremely quickly.

Those that don't generally have 'Rolex' written on them. Bullseye also correctly mentions a used Omega speedmaster as within striking distance of your budget and one that you would be able to ship on at much the same as you pay for it - its unlikely however to increase significantly or at all in value.

Nail on the head. The only area where values increase if you know what you're looking for and if you get one at a good price is the vintage market(pre 1980's pretty much). EG if you had bought a pre moon Omega speedmaster 8 or 10 years ago at around the 1500-2000 mark it would have nearly doubled it's value by now. Like I say though you need to know what you're buying. Plus vintage is going to be more delicate, few are even close to waterproof and getting a service especially with original parts(to maintain value) is not easy at all. So not for the casual wearer or for heavy duty everyday use.

IMHO buy what you like and want to live with and forget the investment aspect. I'd agree with sparrowcar and Zagato and look at the models they mention.

gerfmurphy

From new nothing will hold its value. Most jewellers in general have a 20- 100% mark up
So you only option for value is 2nd hand.
If you buy at a good price you wont loose to much. But generally wear and tear wil effect the end price as well as how many owners etc
Another thing to consider is servicing. Running at over 400 for a coax omega and about 200 for an omega chrono you will always loose on a watch in general.
Without a bit of knowledge purchasing 2nd hand has alot of risks of fakes,conmen,customes duties and poor condition watches.
Selling has more risks on top of the above.
On the other side it is nice to have a quality watch to wear it can be sold on there is a very large market and compaired to say a car it depriciate a whole lot less.
Just my experience if its any help

WolfgangWeisen

If you like watches, you're much better off just buying ones you like rather than trying to view them as investment pieces or future heirlooms that hold or increase their value.

With your budget I'd certainly buy a few watches as opposed to just one. You might pick up a "pre-loved" omega for your budget or a few hundred more however you should always factor in the cost of a full service, which if through Omega will cost a pretty penny.

CarltonBrowne

Lot's of good advice so far and I strongly agree with the sentiment that you ought to, first and foremost, buy what you like as you'll be wearing it quite a lot. The idea of trying to pick up of a Stowa LE is not a daft one but you'll need to be quick. You can also probably pick up a vintage Rolex Oyster for your budget but you need to know what you're looking for; browse the various forums, ask questions and be patient. You won't lose money on it.

One other area which seems to be holding up well is military watch collecting but it's probably even more of a minefield. It's also highly addictive .

Wibbs

CarltonBrowne wrote: »

One other area which seems to be holding up well is military watch collecting but it's probably even more of a minefield.

Banned for that awful pun . Yea it's an area that's holding up alright, but IMHO the mad price rises are passed. I've even seen drops in values albeit slight. And yes you really need to know your stuff. The wrong crown hands or god forbid dial can really drop the value on a watch. There an awful lot of "marriages" frankenwatches and downright fakes out there and even more miltary "style" watches on the bay aimed at the unwary.

Homer

Interesting article in the New York Times recently on watches as investments.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/07/your-money/fine-vintage-watches-find-popularity-as-alternate-investments.html?_r=3&emc=eta1

foxyboxer

Buy what you like. Not what you think will hold it's value.
Lot's of options with that budget range and enjoy thr hunt, it's the best part.

Sunster

If holding to value is important to you there are a number of things you need to consider:
1. Buy used- let someone else take the hit on the initial depreciation.
2. Choose an appreciated popular brand amongst watch enthusiasts- Rolex, omega, IWC, Tag and some of the popular micro brands eg MK II
3. Choose popular models within those brands- for example Rolex sports models like the submariners hold their value better than other Rolex models, omega Seamasters are popular and well in demand in the used market. It's important to know that just because a watch is a certain big brand, it may not necessarily hold its value because it may be a model or configuration that not everyone else likes. Basics of economics apply- supply and demand
4. Condition of watches- common sense that a watch kept in very good order will hold value better. If recently serviced even better!
5. Complete packaging - original boxes and papers will add a premium to the watch in the used market

I've enjoyed this hobby for a few years now and I believe if you keep to these basic rules, you'll not lose too much money and if lucky you might even make a little. However if you want to invest, you may be better sticking your money in the bank. Ths is a hobby to be enjoyed