A Matter Of Time: Everything You Need To Know About Buying An Investment Watch

2 min read

When choosing a luxury timepiece it’s important to select one that appeals to your personal taste and sense of style, however, if you’re considering one for investment purposes, there are many other factors you need to consider first.

Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship plays a big part in determining a watch’s value. When choosing a watch to invest in, always find out how the watch was made. Watch collectors are picky, they like very specific details and often it’s those watches with specific details that differentiate them from other models. This is what can greatly increase a watch’s value.

Brand popularity
When investing in a luxury timepiece it’s best to stick with well-known brands such as Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Cartier because no matter how exquisite the craftsmanship, the value of your watch over time depends on how much demand there is for it.

The mechanics
There are currently three basic ways that watches tell time: Digital watches which are powered by a watch battery, quartz watches which run on a tiny, vibrating, electrified quartz crystal, and mechanical watches which are driven by an array of gears and springs. As a general rule of thumb, mechanical watches command a higher price tag thanks to their superior craftsmanship.

Cartier Panthère de Cartier small 22mm 18-karat gold watch, net-a-porter.com

Celebrity appeal
As with most luxury items, a timepiece that has been spotted on the wrists of a celebrity boosts its demand which translates to higher returns for investors.

Maintenance
Caring for your timepiece is an important part of any investment. You should regularly service your watch to keep it in pristine condition.

Contacts
When it’s time to sell your watch, it’s always best to reach out to those in the industry so you can try selling it directly to a collector, instead of using an auction house or third party who will take a commission.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Night & Day 34mm rose gold, alligator and diamond watch, net-a-porter.com