Watches as investment pieces?

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*KLB*

Member
Jan 26, 2018
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Hi everyone

I want to treat myself to a lovely new watch - but as an investment piece too.

Which one should I go for? I'd like either a Rolex, Cartier or Omega....

TIA
 
1. What do you like, aesthetically? Delicate and dressy, or sporty and day-to-evening, or what? Have you gone shopping to try on and see what appeals to you? That's how you start.
2. And you have to decide automatic movement vs. quartz. Clearly, an automatic watch is what a good watch is all about because it requires watchmaking skill to make vs. jewelry skills. But you have to know if you're an automatic watch person or not.
Then:
3. "Investment" should mean only that you love using it and it will retain a good amount of its purchase price long term. Not "investment" meaning it will have growth potential/appreciation long term. Of these brands, Rolex and Cartier do much better if you'd have to resell than Omega. (This should not influence you if your goal is to have a watch for keeps.)
 
I like both Rolex and Cartier watches, I haven't fallen in love with Omega really. I just wondered which brand, or style would hold its value, if I decided to sell in the future
 
Rolex - Daytona's, green on green Submariner or Pepsi GMT seem to hold their value 'well' (moot if you don't like the style of any of these)

Cartier I personally avoid, too many issues with mine. Omega never caught my fancy so can't help you there.
 
I would get a Rolex for sure. It’s an iconic luxury watch brand name. As for holding its value, both Rolex and Cartier do far better than Omega. I don’t really even consider Omega a true high end watch, but that’s just me.

On resell value, the style matters greatly. I wear a Daytona and that has skyrocketed in value since I purchased it, which at the time I thought that price was high. Others like the classic two-tone, it does not hold value as much in the resell market.

My two cents... either Rolex or Cartier are nice choices. I would not buy the watch with the best resell value, I would buy the watch you love. I loved the Daytona and was willing to pay for it, not even thinking about future value.

Buy the watch you love now, and be in the moment. Looking at your new watch will put a smile on your face everyday and that is priceless.
 
I view “investments” when it comes jewelry, watch, and handbag purchases as pieces I will have and love for years. I know it’s been said, but buy the watch you love.

When I got my first “investment” watch, I looked at Rolex, Cartier, and Omega. I unexpectedly ended up falling in love with a plain Omega DeVille. I wear it constantly and love it. It probably won’t have the best resale value, but it’s a piece that I’m confident I will wear so much that resale value won’t matter to me.

I just got a Cartier Tank with black leather band for some variety. It’s also a classic piece that I know I’ll have for years to come.

I still want to add a Rolex if I find one I love. I know that Rolex will probably hold its resale value best, but I won’t buy one until I find one that I absolutely love.

You can’t go wrong with any of the brands you listed. I would think about style (metal, color, shape) and movement. Then I would go and try a bunch on. There were some watches I thought I would love, but didn’t like them when I tried them on.
 
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I think you should buy watches/handbags as investment there are better things for that. You should buy the watch you love. You could consider a Rolex as these keep their value quite well so if you ever have some money issues you could easily get most of the money back. Of course, you never know if the SS watches are still popular in 5-10 years.

Currently, most sport steel watches of Rolex are over retail price as they really wanted but difficult to get. My local AD said they might get 5-6 of them a year and they have a waiting list of over 800 people and even at some ADs you can only buy a SS Rolex every twelve months. Not sure, if that's BS or not I am only have spend £35k on watches at my ADs so I am not a big client so I now have to wait until late 2019...
 
I rotate between my Chanel J12 automatic and my Apple Watch. I like the Apple Watch for work and working out. The Chanel J12 is my going out watch. The Chanel watches do NOT hold their resale values the way Rolexes do, but I still love mine and it has sentimental value to me.

I bought a stainless steel Rolex which was beautiful, but ended up selling it for what I paid for it as it didn't quite sing to me the way my J12 does. The resale value held up, even after 2 years!

If I had to choose another dressy watch, it would for sure be a gold Rolex, Audemars Piguet, or Patek Philippe.
 
I would pick Rolex for first investment piece. It’s a staple and you can definitely find one to fit your personal style. I have two tone yss combo and it’s a great bridge watch for gold or silver accessories
 
It depends. Rolex if you are buying non pm and are considering the “tool” watches. Rolex in general will not depreciate as fast as the others especially if you are buying a men’s model. Women’s models depreciate faster. If you were considering a pm Rolex and are really concerned about value retention or possible appreciation you would be better off buying an ss Patek Nautilus. Non-quartz Pateks are better watches anyway than the brands you’re considering.
 
If you want to buy a precious metal Rolex I would suggest to go second hand. @Gourmetgal first of all it's nearly impossible to get the Nautilus these days and secondly the Patek watches are in a totally different price range. Watches as investment isn't a good idea in my opinion. I can imagine you would sell your Rolex when you running low on money for that I kind of say keeping it's alright idea but as actually a way to make money. Not really.
 
Rolex and Patek will hold their value and probably appreciate in value on certain models.
Omega's will definitely depreciate in value over time.
Get the watch you really want and not worry about using it as an "investment."
 
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