Time is money. This is one of the oldest sayings that encourages people to develop a strong work ethic and remain disciplined. But what if I also tell you that time is savings, time is investment, and time can become a retirement annuity fund? In this case, we're not talking about seconds and hours, but about the watches themselves. There are many reasons to buy luxury watches - a love for watchmaking in general; perhaps you want to own a generational relic that you will one day pass on to your child, or maybe you want to purchase a watch as an investment.
But we are talking about investments not in the sense that you buy bonds or company shares. Rather, we're talking about luxury watches that will appreciate in value over time and one day be worth much more than you paid for them. What makes some watches a valuable investment and others not? It's hard to say for sure, but there are certain models that have always appreciated and will continue to do so over time.
At the top of this list is the major brand Rolex. It's fair to say that every Rolex holds a certain value, like my favorite Air-King, but there are models that undoubtedly stand above. Since 2012, the Rolex Sky-Dweller has quickly become a favorite in buying/selling due to the precious metals used and a slightly different design compared to alternative models.
However, the Sky-Dweller is not the only stunning Rolex watch worth investing in, as there are other equally remarkable models. Each has its own special advantages, and choosing just five was not easy, but nonetheless, these are some of our top picks.
Rolex Submariner
If you're looking for a reliable investment bet, then the Rolex Submariner might be your choice. One of the most popular Rolex watches currently in production and circulation, the Submariner has a good appearance, is extremely durable, and is a very sporty watch. It has an elegant appearance, making it suitable for pairing with an evening dress, but it's also rugged enough to be used for sports - indeed, it remains waterproof to a depth of 300 meters. Submariners are among the most sought-after watches on the resale markets, so you'll likely be able to find them in most places where used watches are sold. It is worth noting that due to the popularity of these watches, many counterfeits have appeared on the market, so if you want to buy such a watch, always make sure they are genuine!
Rolex Yacht-Master
After the introduction of the 16628 model in 18-karat yellow gold in 1992, the Rolex Yacht-Master quickly gained popularity. The watches are designed for both men and women - Rolex decided to release watches in different sizes, which was an unheard-of venture for the company at the time. As you can guess from the name, the watch is waterproof. It is built to be a durable, low-maintenance watch that will last even in the most challenging situations. This durability combined with a timeless look means that the watch usually retains its value well.
Rolex GMT-Master
Known by the full name Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date GMT Master, the GMT-Master watches are part of the Rolex professional watch collection and were developed in collaboration with Pan American Airways in 1954. They were designed exclusively to meet the needs of international pilots, and they can tell the time in three different time zones simultaneously using their distinctive rotating 24-hour advanced bezels. They have aesthetics, charm, and history, making them some of the most desirable Rolex watches to collect.
Rolex Daytona
Created in 1963, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was inspired by racers and enthusiasts. In fact, the watch was so revered in the driving community that actor Paul Newman is said to have worn his Daytona every day from 1972 until his death in 2008. The watch's aesthetics are unique: a trio of sub-dials symbolize speed, luxury, and performance. Aside from Paul Newman, these watches are also hugely popular among celebrities, which perhaps explains why they retain their value so well.
Rolex Day-Date
The Day-Date is a self-winding chronometer that Rolex debuted in 1956. It was the first Rolex to display not only the date but also the day. What makes these watches particularly valuable is that they are offered exclusively in solid 18-karat yellow gold, 18-karat white gold, 19-karat Everose gold, and platinum. The resale value of Day-Date watches is usually always very high, largely thanks to their timeless aesthetics and practical functionality.
Of course, when choosing a watch, an investor primarily follows their taste. What watches are interesting for you to look at? Investing should bring pleasure, but if everything goes according to plan, you can have something beautiful to look at and sell when the time comes.