When looking into buying a watch there are some definite do’s and don’ts, as a rule of thumb the most lucrative watches are the vintage models from the 50’s and 60’s but these are increasingly hard to come by and only made by a handful of brands; Rolex are the forerunners with their rare, early chronographs and Paul Newman Cosmograph models from the 70’s but Cartier and OMEGA also produced some fine models that have fetched a pretty penny when taken to auction. However, as these pieces are not always so easy to come buy we recommend three current models in particular to get your teeth into.
Limited edition pieces or rare models will certainly give you a better chance of making your money back if you decide to sell in the future. Most watch brands create at least one Limited Edition piece each year but one must be selective. Choosing a limited edition watch still requires a certain amount of restraint as some may still be ‘mass produced’. The best thing to do is research what is out there, focus on brands that are well known, or have a really engaging story, and stick to models that are produced in small numbers. For example the Bremont Limited Edition EP120; this was produced in such small numbers of 120 that on the second hand market now, a mere two years after it first went on sale, the watch is fetching more than double its original retail value.
Bremont, having only been in business for 10 years, are becoming so well known for their limited edition pieces. These watches defy the convention of classic watch making by pushing the boundaries of technology fusing pieces of historical objects; the P-51 Mustang aircraft, The HMS Victory Ship and the EP120 Spitfire, into their watches, not only creating fascinating talking points but beautiful timepieces. Heralded as the most collectable watch of 2012 the Bremont Limited Edition HMS Victory watch features the original Oak panelling and copper from the pre-restored ship in a watch that is both visually stunning and beautifully engineered with a double retrograde movement. This piece is the perfect edition to any collectors watch hoard especially as it was only produced in numbers of 250 steel and 40 rose gold.
“The most collectable watch of 2012 and the first complication movement by Bremont. Bound to become a highly sought after piece as the Bremont watch brands grows in popularity and public awareness.â€
Rodney Banks Lyon
When looking into investment pieces the top of the “most desirable†league table is most certainly Rolex. Last year auction houses such as Bonhams, Christies and Sotherby’s took over $185 million in watch-auctions alone. No model more so than the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner.
The Rolex Submariner is, and has been, one of the best selling models in the Rolex range and this does not show any signs of changing any time soon. Launched in 1953 as the first watch guaranteed to a depth of 100m the Rolex Submariner is a great example of a classic watch and remains the quintessential divers watch of choice by diving enthusiasts the world over. Having been tweaked and updated since its introduction over sixty years ago the features have remained more or less intact, however, today’s model can now withstand the pressure at a depth of 300meters (1000 feet) and is designed to withstand the most extreme of conditions.
At the heart of all Rolex watches is an in-house movement made from 100% Swiss components; investing heavily in the design and durability of the Submariner model ensures this model is the epitome of style and performance. Equipped with all the unique Rolex features; the Oyster case, trip lock winding crown and unidirectional rotating bezel ensures that this watch always stays one step ahead of the competition. The most sought-after Submariners have soared in value over the last few years. Other models in the Rolex collection, such as GMT Masters, standard Cosmograph Daytona’s and Explorer IIs also have the tendency to hold their value or rise marginally year on year.
“A watch making classic, now over sixty years since its first release and as popular now as then. The early pieces fetch many times their original value and are serious investments. I recently offered on a 30 year old watch that would have shown the owner, who had worn it every day for 30 years, a handsome profit. What other watch, or indeed anything man made could you have used for 30 years and then sell for many times your original out lay?â€
Rodney Banks Lyon
Another watch to consider is the OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Limited Edition ‘Skyfall’. Wear a watch that is featured in a blockbuster film and you’re sorted! James Bond is perhaps the most famous character to come out of British film making in the 21st century and OMEGA have the absolute monopoly on the watches featured in the films. Couple this with limited editions to accompany each film, anniversary editions and of course the models worn by the actors in the films and you have an instant classic.
The ‘Skyfall’ watch features OMEGA’s exclusive new Co-Axial calibre 8507 movement and Si14 silicone balance spring – a winning combination that is so trusted by the brand that they now offer a four-year guarantee on the watch. Engraved with ‘007’ on the dial, clasp and ‘Skyfall’ on the rotor this watch sets itself apart from the other OMEGA Planet Ocean watches in the collection and produced in limited number of 5007 in years to come this watch could become as famous as the spy who wore it.
“Matching the success of the film this limited edition Planet Ocean was the Bond watch to have in 2012. “
Rodney Banks Lyon
The key with any watch is to hang onto all the paperwork and documentation, keep the boxes in pristine condition and should you ever consider selling your piece they will be much more desirable. Having said that buy a watch because you really love it – not just because you believe it may be a financial investment. Nothing is certain and so it is best to go for something that you can also enjoy. Many people buy watches simply for investment pieces and these watches stay in safes across the world and never see the light of day – watches are made to be enjoyed.
Brand awareness tends to help when considering selling your watch, consider watches that have consistent pricing and a good distribution network; brands such as Rolex, Cartier and OMEGA have the benefit of years of demand and stable distribution networks within the UK and so will typically benefit from much better resale values. But all in all chose a watch because you love it and will get enjoyment out of it – watchmakers make them to be enjoyed, not to be kept hidden away!
Check out our second hand pieces on our site and see if there is something there that may tickle your fancy!