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In 2024, investing in a watch is no longer just a question of style or passion, but also a thoughtful decision oriented towards financial investment. wristwatch transcends its status as an accessory to become a real tangible assetgenerating strong interest among collectors and investors. With impressive returns and a constantly evolving market, choosing the ideal watch requires a keen understanding of thewatchmakingcurrent trends and purchasing criteria essential. This article constitutes a Buying guide accurate for anyone seeking to identify the best watch brand and the watch model a safe bet, thus aligning personal pleasure and economic relevance.
Why are watches a wise investment?
The fascination with luxury watches as an investment is growing, a consequence of a global awareness of their significant potential for appreciation. Indeed, thewatchmaking prestige attracts not only lovers of fine craftsmanship but also sagacious investors, who recognize watches as atypical tangible assets. The historical returns of luxury watches corroborate this trend: pieces like the Rolex Daytona or the Submariner have seen a 30% increase in value over five years, making watches an investment that is both attractive and profitable.
The secondary market for luxury watches plays a large part in this dynamism. Rare are the finds in stores, making each acquisition on the secondary market all the more valuable. Investing in iconic Swiss brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet means choosing a path renowned for its quality and its ability to increase in value over time. Compared to other traditional investments, the wristwatch offers a aesthetic and emotional experience unique, while being a form of concrete financial investment.
What criteria determine the value of a watch?
There are some essential criteria that dictate the market value of a watch. The brand, of course, is often an indicator of prestige and therefore of financial potential. The rarity and condition of the watch are also determining factors: a limited edition or mint condition model can seduce with its exclusivity. Theauthenticity and thehistory associated with a timepiece gives an additional cachet, especially if the watch has belonged to or been associated with influential figures or historical moments.
At the heart of the mechanism, watch complications – these additional functions such as the chronograph, perpetual calendar or moon phase – play a crucial role in assessing the value of a watch. For collectors and connoisseurs, complexity and mechanical finesse are often synonymous with long-term valuation. In short, when we talk about thebuying a watch From an investment perspective, we are talking about a subtle alchemy between aesthetics, technicality and cultural heritage.
Which iconic brands should you choose for an investment?
When it comes to investing in a watch, certain brands stand out for their reputation for value retention and historical prestige. Swiss luxury brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and Richard Mille are the leaders in watch investment. They enjoy a worldwide reputation and their excellence in terms of quality and design is no longer in doubt.
Rolex, for example, has proven itself with models like the Daytona and the Submariner, whose values have increased by an average of 30% over the last five years. Audemars Piguet, with its Royal Oak model, is another safe bet that has seen its rating increase from 12,000 euros in 2019 to around 40,000 euros in 2022. And let’s not talk about the Patek Philippe Nautilus, a highly lucrative investment with an entry value of 100,000 euros.
- Rolex: Submariner, Daytona
- Audemars Piguet: Royal Oak
- Patek Philippe: Nautilus
- Omega: Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
- Richard Mille: Diverse and avant-garde models
How to choose the right model in 2024?
Finding the right watch model in 2024 requires keeping a close eye on current trends and paying particular attention to limited production and special editions. The latter often reflect a unique character and are therefore likely to appreciate in value more quickly than standard productions.
Looking for limited edition watches, or watches that have marked the history of watchmaking, such as the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, remains a timeless tip. However, you should also be on the lookout for new models that could become the icons of tomorrow. International watch fairs are often the scene of the announcement of models that will mark the years to come.
- Rolex: New editions of the Oyster range
- Audemars Piguet: Modern variations of the Royal Oak
- Patek Philippe: Innovations in the Complications collection
- Omega: First Moon Landing Anniversary Editions
- Richard Mille: Exploitation of new materials and technologies
Choosing a model that appeals to you personally is just as crucial, as a watch is an object that is experienced every day, and affection for a piece can enhance its sentimental value, in addition to its financial potential.
Investment and pleasure: how to reconcile the two?
Investing wisely while feeding your passion for watches is possible! The key is to find a balance between these two aspects, sometimes wrongly considered incompatible. Choose a wristwatch that appeals to you aesthetically and resonates with your personal style. The affection you have for your timepiece adds an intangible value that can translate into financial appreciation if you decide to resell it later.
Wearing your watch regularly can become a statement of taste and an intimate understanding of thewatchmakingwhile observing the potential appreciation of its value. However, it is important to ensure that the chosen model is versatile enough for daily use without compromising its condition, which is crucial for resale.
Where to buy watches with investment potential?
Acquiring an investment watch requires caution and discernment. Choose the platforms and safe places recognized for their reliability and expertise in authentication. Reputable auction houses, authorized dealers and specialty watch boutiques are good choices.
Stay vigilant to avoid counterfeits and make sure to get a certificate of authenticity. The seller’s transparency regarding the watch’s provenance and history is a key factor.
| Platform | Security | Variety | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrono24 | High | Wide | Authenticity Guarantee, Buyer Protection |
| WatchBox | High | High end | Watch experts, Extended warranty |
| eBay (certified resellers) | Variable | Very wide | Buyer Protection Program |
Using a platform with responsive customer service and a reliable return system is recommended for a hassle-free shopping experience.
What investment strategy should you adopt for watches in 2024?
In 2024, diversifying your watch investment strategy can maximize earnings potential while minimizing risk. A balanced approach involves investing in both the short term and on the long term. Short-term investments may involve watches that are in high and immediate demand, allowing you to realize a quick capital gain. On the other hand, long-term investments often refer to watches that, thanks to their heritage and reputation, will accumulate value over the years.
Crucial tip: Diversify your watch wallet. Don’t focus solely on a specific brand or model. Spread your investments across several prestigious brands and different types of watches, such as complicated, sports or classic watches. This way, you reduce the risk associated with market fluctuations for a specific brand and increase your chances of profitability across multiple segments.
To refine your buying and selling decisions, closely follow theevolution of the watch market. Specialized forums, auction reports and publications dedicated to watchmaking can provide valuable data on current and future trends. This will allow you toadjust your investments depending on promising new models or changes in demand from collectors and enthusiasts.
Taxation associated with collector’s watches, how does it work?
In France, owning collector’s watches can have significant tax implications. VAT standard of 20% applies upon purchase. In addition, for watches whose value exceeds 5,000 eurostheir resale may be subject to capital gains tax, unless no capital gain is actually realized.
This capital gains tax applies when a sale is made at a profit over the original purchase price. Fortunately, holding period deductions may apply, reducing the amount of tax on the gain made. Be sure to keep all invoices and documents that prove the purchase history for future reference. optimized tax management.
It is recommended to consult a tax specialist or wealth management expert to obtain personalized advice adapted to your situation. They will be able to guide you on the best practices for organizing your watch investments, possible tax optimization strategies and the related reporting obligations.
How to protect and maintain your investment watch?
Maintaining and preserving a luxury watch is not just about preserving its beauty and optimal functioning; it is crucial to maintaining and potentially increasing its value over time. A well-maintained watch will always be more attractive to a future buyer or collector.
Storage should be carefully considered. Watches should be kept in a place protected from humidity, temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight. Using specially designed watch cases, with a soft interior to prevent scratches, is strongly recommended. For unworn automatic watches, watch winders can be useful to preserve the moving mechanism and ensure that they run smoothly.
For regular maintenance, it is recommended to clean the case and bracelet with a soft cloth to avoid the accumulation of dust and residue. It is also essential to have the watch serviced by a qualified professional every 4 to 5 years, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. These services allow the water resistance to be checked, the movement to be cleaned and worn parts to be replaced if necessary.
In case of repair, contacting a certified watchmaker or an after-sales service approved by the brand is imperative. This guarantees the quality of the spare parts used and the preservation of the value of the watch. Keeping a detailed history of these services is also a plus when reselling.
When it comes to insurance, it is wise to protect your investments against theft, loss or accidental damage. A specific insurance policy for luxury watches can be considered to cover the full value of your collection. Make sure to have your watches appraised regularly so that your insurance coverage is updated according to the appreciation of their value on the market.
Eventually …
Ultimately, protecting and maintaining an investment watch requires care and professionalism. These efforts will help maximize the return on your watch investment and ensure that your collection continues to shine both aesthetically and financially.
