While luxury watches are primarily made to be enjoyed on the wrist, over the last decade or so, we have seen a rapid increase in people who would also like to make money by investing in them. However, the current market has shown us that prices for some watches can drop quite drastically. Prices for timepieces like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” and the Patek Philippe Nautilus have come down significantly in recent months. Popular modern Rolex models have also been depreciating in value, making investing in watches a riskier business.
Does this mean that successfully investing in watches is impossible? Not at all! But you’ll have to drop the idea of making a quick win. My advice? Become a collector and enjoy the watches you buy. Who knows, over time, they may even increase in value. Are there some watches that have a greater chance of appreciating in value? Of course! Vintage timepieces hold their value well. Popular limited editions also have a greater chance of going up in price. Lastly, there are some small exclusive brands that have become more and more popular with collectors lately, many of which produce their timepieces in small numbers. So, let’s jump in and discover some of the watches that could go up in value over time.
1. Omega Speedmaster First Omega In Space Ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001
I featured the Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” in a previous article about the best Omega watches to invest in and the watch is still going strong today. This timepiece used to be part of the Speedmaster Heritage Models line, and at a list price of $4,700, it was a great entry point to the world of the Omega Speedmaster. It may also be a good choice for investment. Omega discontinued the watch two years ago and as a result, the Speedmaster FOIS (as it’s also known) has been in high demand ever since. It is the perfect entry-level Speedmaster that benefits from a smaller size – something many people love. The watch was first introduced at Baselworld in 2012. The numbered edition (not limited!) was based on the Speedmaster ref. CK2998 worn by Walter “Wally” Schirra on October 3, 1962, during the Sigma 7 flight.
As such, the watch is a modern version of a classic Omega Speedmaster with a 39.7-mm stainless steel case featuring straight lugs. It is, therefore, notably smaller than the 42-mm Moonwatch. Additionally, Omega equipped the watch with classic hands that were used on the CK2998. To be more precise, Omega used hands from different iterations of the CK2998, but the overall result is striking. Asking prices for this special numbered edition Speedmaster on Chrono24 have gone up relative to last year and are currently between $5,000 and $8,000. If you are able to get one for a reasonable price, chances are high that this watch would make a good investment.
2. Zenith Chronomaster A384 Revival Lupin The Third – 2nd Edition
The Zenith Chronomaster A384 Revival Lupin The Third – 2nd Edition from 2020 is a watch that has the potential to go up in value over a longer period of time. It will likely take some time for collectors to realize how special it is. So, what is so special? First off, Zenith created three different versions of their modern icon, the A384, inspired by the Japanese manga and anime series Lupin The Third. If that isn’t special enough in and of itself, the three different dials certainly are. The first version comes with a black and gray dial featuring gilt elements. The second version – which I love – features a stunning white dial with black subdials. The last and most spectacular version combines the dials of the first two models – it is literally split in two. While the third is the most spectacular, it is also the most divisive, but it’s still definitely worth checking out.
The most iconic version, and the one that has the most future collecting potential, is the 2nd Edition. While it isn’t the only time Zenith has created an A384 with a white dial and black subdials, there are none quite like this one. The standard Zenith Chronomaster A384 Revival features a white dial with black subdials as well as a black outer ring holding the tachymeter scale. On top of that, it has a bright red central chronograph seconds hand. The Lupin The Third 2nd Edition, however, features a fully white dial with black subdials and a black central chronograph seconds hand. The result is brilliant in its simplicity. It gives the watch a vintage feel with modern-day relevance that we just haven’t seen before. Prices start at $8,000 and go up to $12,000. If you can buy one in the lower half of that price range, it will probably go up in value. Not only is the watch limited to 200 pieces, but most people have yet to discover its brilliance and potential as an investment.
3. Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE Ref. 233.32.41.21.01.001
The limited-edition Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE is another possible investment watch that I’ve featured in a previous article. It is widely considered the best Omega Bond release created up until now. Omega fans and Bond fans alike prefer it to the current Seamaster Bond No Time To Die. On top of that, it was the first limited-edition Bond release that the secret agent actually wore on the big screen. The Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE was released in 2015 to celebrate the release of Spectre, the fourth Bond movie featuring Daniel Craig. While not all 7,007 pieces sold out immediately, demand and prices have been steadily creeping up over the past seven years.
The Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE differs from the standard Omega Seamaster 300 models of the same era. First off, Omega changed the dial, removed the 12 o’clock numeral, and moved the logo up a bit. Additionally, the bezel is not a standard diving bezel, but rather features a 12-hour scale that can be used to keep track of a second time zone. Omega also brought back the iconic lollipop seconds hand. If you turn the watch over, you will find a special “SPECTRE” inscription. Despite the high production number, prices have risen and are now between $9,500 and $12,000. With Daniel Craig now joining the ranks as a former Bond, this is a special timepiece that reminds us of his brilliant portrayal of 007. As such, prices for the watch could potentially go up over time and make it a worthwhile investment.
4. H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Centre Seconds
I have already mentioned H. Moser & Cie. several times in the Chrono24 Magazine. The high-end brand is a popular small manufacturer that has quickly made a name for itself. Their most popular series is without a doubt the Streamliner. It is part of a new generation of luxury sports watches. While the category is inspired by the brilliance of Gérald Genta’s Royal Oak, brands like H. Moser & Cie. are giving the genre their own spin. The design was inspired by streamliner trains from the 1920s, but the overall feel is very 1970s. Once on the wrist, however, the watch doesn’t feel the least bit outdated. Funnily enough, the design of the Streamliner started with the exceptional bracelet that comes with all models, but it’s not just about the bracelet: The Streamliner models are spectacular in every way.
One model that’s definitely worth checking out is the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Centre Seconds. This time-only watch demonstrates the model’s icon potential with its great case design, spectacular green dial, and incredible in-house movement. The model was first introduced in 2020, and demand quickly went through the roof. While not strictly released as a limited edition, the watch is currently unavailable from the brand. As a result, your best bet is looking on the Chrono24 marketplace. The original list price was $20,000, but they are currently selling for roughly $27,500 to $35,000. Prices have been steady in this range, which is a good indication that the Streamliner Central Seconds could be a great investment for the future.
5. Czapek Antarctique
The final watch on this list was also featured in last year’s list of five potential investment watches, but it needs to be on the list again because the Czapek Antarctique has proven to be incredibly popular with collectors. While I featured the specific Terre Adélie model last time around, it is now safe to say that all the Antarctique models seem to hold their value well. The brand introduced its first luxury steel sports watch in 2020 with the Antarctique Terre Adélie. After that, they released the Antarctique Passage De Drake, which sold out quickly. The smaller Passage De Drake S and the Frozen Star S followed suit by selling out rapidly – proof that the Antarctique is an absolute hit for the brand.
In my previous article, I described how the original Czapek Antarctique Terre Adélie perfectly captures the brilliance the brand has to offer, but now there is a whole line of absolutely stunning versions of the Czapek Antarctique available. The sports watch has a great design, a brilliant in-house movement, and offers great versatility. It comes with a host of different dial colors, each of which looks amazing. Prices for current Antarctique models are roughly between $33,000 and $44,000. This marks an increase from last year, and I don’t see prices coming down quickly given the model’s limited availability. In my book, the Antarctique is the most exciting new watch release in recent times; seeing it be so greatly appreciated is a great thing indeed.
