There comes a time in everyone's life where it's time to invest in a nice, collectible watch. But it's hard to know which watches to buy when there's so many out there on the market.
Is a Rolex a good investment? Yes, but there's collectible watches out there to look into in addition to Rolex watches.
Sometimes, getting a brand new watch isn't as good of an investment as buying a used watch. Vintage and pre-owned watches often have a much higher value than brand new watches.
There's also something about an older watch that you can't find in a new watch. They were crafted at a time when workmanship was no longer compromised, and contain history that new watch never could.
Find just the right watch for you without having to spend your hard earned money on a new, more flimsy watch than you can get with a vintage find. It won't be a waste of time.
7 Best Investment and Collectible Watches
Rolex Datejust
Ah, yes, we couldn't make this list without putting Rolex on it. When you think high-end watches, Rolex is probably the first thing that pops into your head.
Get yourself a Rolex Datejust for a timeless piece - pun intended. The Datejust gets its name from the fact that the date is literally displayed on the watch's dial. The very first model of the Datejust was made in 1945, so it was ahead of its time.
The design of the Datejust hasn't changed very dramatically since its introduction in the 1940s, and people such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill have worn the watch in the past. And now you can be one of them, too.
Cartier Santos
Cartier is also a name that comes to mind when thinking of timepieces, and it's another that tops the list of best watches to buy.
This watch was made in 1904, and was one of the first wristwatches to be worn after pocket watches. It was made when an aviator, Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos, was having difficulty checking the time in the middle of flying.
This wristwatch was made on his request and solved this problem. It's a classic design with an appealing history.
Omega Speedmaster
The Omega Speedmaster is a beautiful design, sometimes called "Speedy" or "Moonwatch." The Speedmaster is the official timepiece of NASA, and has undergone official NASA testing, although it was first designed to used professionally on the racetrack.
Since it was worn by astronauts while they were on the Apollo 13 mission, the design of the watch has only incrementally changed. It's remained virtually the same, allowing for modern technology to be added. It's called the watch that saved Apollo 13.
So, if you want a piece with lots of impressive titles, the Moonwatch is a good pick for you.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Self-Winding
Vacheron Constantin has been making watches since 1755, but mostly specialising in sports watches. In fact, this is the only model that they have ever offered that isn't a sports watch. It's a classic investment piece that you'll definitely want to consider.
Its mid-century design comes in steel or pink-gold, with an attractive face that blends simplicity with tradition. This watch also enters Vacheron into the more affordable market than what they traditionally offer.
Rolex Submariner
Back on the Rolex train - or back on the Rolex Submariner. This watch was made in 1953, and it was the first of its kind to remain waterproof for up to 100 meters. Maybe you're not doing any underwater exploring, but this watch is still aesthetically pleasing even if you're not going on an aquatic adventure.
Originally beginning as a diver's watch, this watch eventually ended up as the Bond watch, too. Sean Connery wore it when he was playing James Bond. So if you want to tap into your secret agent side while investing in a rare watch, then this is a good choice for you.
Ever wonder why a Rolex is so expensive? Here's what goes into the making of a Rolex Submariner, and how much detail it includes.
Zenith El Primero
When you get this watch, you're getting an incredible amount of precision. This watch took seven years to make and can tell time to the 1/10th of a second. Because of the intensity of its precision, the Zenith El Primero is one of the more famous chronographs on the market.
This timepiece comes with a reserve of power that lasts over 50 hours. Not only that, but it was the first automatic chronograph watch to ever be made. Fittingly, its name means the first.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
This watch was first made in 1931 and differs from other watches in its category in that it's a rectangular shape opposed to a circular one. It was first made for polo players to swivel their watch to protect them from cracking while playing their sport.
Even if you're not playing polo, you'll love the design of this watch. You don't have to be a member of the elite class to enjoy it and make a great investment for your future.
Where To Buy
There are a lot of places where you could go to get one of these collectible watches. That doesn't mean that you should go there.
When investing in such an important piece, you're going to want to go to someone with experience. Watches of Wales has over twenty years of experience buying and selling watches, and they can get you exactly what you're looking for, because we know watches.
We offer 0% interest and free financing. And, because of our dedication to only selling the highest quality watches, you can rest assured you're getting the best possible watch you can, and that you'll have it for years to come.
