For many, luxury watches are a viable and appealing investment, due to the astronomical increases in their value. It’s common to see an appreciation of more than 20% on a single timepiece, which is why people aren’t afraid to drop serious money on them. More than that, though, their beauty and craftsmanship take their worth as portable, wearable assets to a whole new level.
If you’re in the market for an incredible timepiece to collect and invest in, then these ten modern releases are sure to become tomorrow’s classics.
1. Jaeger LeCoultre Master Memovox
Conceptualized as a nod to the brand’s classic timepieces of old, the Master Memovox from Jaeger LeCoultre features a stylized diving helmet and an alarm mechanism with the iconic school bell sound. The watch also has an open case-back, allowing the user to admire the gears and the “rhythmic dance of the new hammer on the peripheral bell.” Thanks to all these aesthetic choices, the Master Memovox is largely considered to be a masterful combination of vintage and contemporary.
2. Omega Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer
In 1957, the Swiss luxury watch brand, Omega, made waves across the world when it released the Railmaster, a dive watch that was capable of withstanding the debilitating magnetic fields often encountered by scientists and laboratory technicians. The Omega Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer is an incredible overhaul of its predecessors, bearing none of the old features that wearers used to complain about. It has an incredible anti-magnetic rating of 15,000 gauss – a nifty feature that many wristwatch aficionados have fallen in love with. More importantly, the timepiece is designed with a vintage-toned lume, which presents a nice contrast against its elegant stainless steel and mid-century-inspired design.
Launched in 1974, the TAG Heuer Silverstone was intended as a replacement for the brand’s iconic Monaco range, albeit with a softer and more elegant design. But even with its bulky TV case and leather rally strap, it remains sleek and glossy – a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering only beautifully-designed timepieces. It also features a dial that reflects the aesthetic movements of the 1970s, as well as a simple yet eye-catching lume.
Besides the Railmaster, the Rolex Explorer is also a great watch investment option. Originally released in 1963, its predecessor – the Oyster Perpetual – is notorious for being the first timepiece to ever reach the peak of Mount Everest, worn by the great adventurer, Sir Edmund Hillary. Its 2016 edition is undoubtedly in a league of its own, featuring a black dial and a luminescent material that gives its markers and hands an ethereal, otherworldly glow. With its Spartan elegance, it features none of the clunky design features of the original model and is overall sportier, more balanced, and more comfortable.
The Omega Seamaster 300 may see a slow yet steady appreciation; however, there’s no denying that this is an extremely dependable and resilient timepiece. Various iterations have been launched since its introduction in 1993, leading many aficionados to jokingly call it the “watch that took 26 years to get right.” It certainly is a polarizing model, famous for being endorsed by Pierce Brosnan – arguably the best onscreen James Bond the world has ever seen. Still, the breathtaking design and innovation of the Omega Seamaster 300 cannot be overstated. Its skeleton hands, helium escape valve and scalloped bezel give it a modern, almost suave, vibe. Of course, the fact that it was worn by 007 himself helps.
Without a doubt, those looking for a good investment watch won’t go wrong with timepieces from Patek Philippe, which is widely regarded as the most prestigious brand in the world, given their numerous inventions, innovations, and contributions to the industry. Many agree, though, that their most significant contribution to the field is the annual calendar wristwatch. A user-friendly feature first introduced in 1996, it has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. Perhaps the most famous model in this line is the Ref. 5205, which boasts of a sleek and dynamic design. Many iterations have been launched since its initial presentation but this particular one – the Patek Philippe 5205G – is incredibly sensual, with a concave bezel and scalloped lugs, combined with a gradated sunburst dial and a gorgeous case. Overall, this is made for those looking for watches whose values are sure to appreciate.
Unlike most investment watches, the Panerai Luminor Marina isn’t a limited edition timepiece; however, many aficionados are enticed by its reliability, simple design, and reasonable price. Considered to be one of the brand’s most popular models, it was launched in 1993 and featured a design that drew inspiration from the timepieces carried by notable military figures from the Second World War. When conceptualizing the Luminor Marina, Panerai had sought to resolve the heavy weight and thick proportions of its earlier models, resulting in a watch that is unmistakably sleek and capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions. While its value won’t appreciate straight away, it will definitely see incredible returns in the long-term.
8. Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante
For many aficionados, the Swiss watchmaker Breitling is a polarizing brand, thanks to its many hiccups throughout the years. However, their Navitimer is undeniably a cool and debonair timepiece, first introduced in 1952 as the perfect “wrist instrument” for aviators. The Navitimer Rattrapante is the latest addition to this line, featuring the classic dial and a split-seconds chronograph function – a design unique to the manufacturer’s decades-long tradition. It is a testament to their incredible craftsmanship, combining their heritage with innovation.
9. Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chrono Steel & Gold
Largely considered to be Rolex’s more rebellious sibling, Tudor is known for their stylish and disruptive timepieces, nearly all of which feature breathtaking designs and innovative features. For instance, their Black Bay Heritage collection sported a motorsport vibe along with its classic steel bracelet, both of which made it one of the most popular dive watches among enthusiasts. Launched in 2019, the Chrono Steel & Gold variant is designed with contrasting sub-dials and two-tone features, making it a unique and eye-catching timepiece. Its metal elements, though, counteract the dressier feel of its solid gold components and have proven to be appealing to casual wearers with an affinity for subtle yet elegant timepieces. This is definitely an iconic release from Tudor – one whose value will only go up in the years to come.
Re-issued in 2016 with a brand-new design, the TAG Heuer Autavia is known for being one of the few pieces in the world whose design was completely crowdsourced, conceptualized with the help of more than 55,000 enthusiasts. While it looks rather similar to the legendary original, this new Autavia line has largely succeeded in its goal to appeal to a “new generation of adventurers,” thanks to its seven various nods to the beloved retro designs of timepieces from bygone days. There are five stainless steel watches in this collection and two in bronze, presenting huge opportunities for investment, no matter which one you go for.