From stocks and shares to property, there’s a lot to be said for building an investment portfolio, and doing so can provide you with financial security for yourself and your family. Ensuring you’ll have an abundance of extra money to enjoy later on in life or to pass down to your children, it’s the sensible way to grow your fortune – but while many of these things can provide a good return and a nest egg in years to come, the prospect of many investment options can leave your average high net individual feeling cold.
Investment doesn’t have to be boring though, and there a range of other options for those who want to put their money into something that evokes a little more excitement. Gemstones and watches are two such examples, and collecting them can make for an enjoyable hobby as well as providing a lucrative security blanket – and providing you with some valuable heirlooms you can pass down through the generations.
Many of the world’s biggest earners have chosen to invest their money in watches, with billionaires including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos leading the way. Both are often seen sporting a range of the most expensive and sought-after timepieces on the market, all of which are set to earn them yet another small fortune in years to come.
If you’ve always fancied yourself as a watch investor but are unsure where to get started, then a recent study by the online casino, Betway has revealed all. From the best brands to put your money in, to the specific timepieces that could double your fortune, read on for an ultimate guide to luxury watch investment.
Choosing the right brand
There’s no denying that watches are great money makers, with many models appreciating in value considerably over the years. This is particularly true of some of the limited-edition models by big name brands such as Rolex and Omega, but they’re not the only timepieces you should have your eye on.
First, it’s useful to get an understanding of what’s most in demand, and we can do that by analysing the most searches watch brands on Google.
Over the last five years, we’ve seen some surprising developments in the world of watches, with Hublot seeing a whopping 52 per cent surge in searches. Beating even the world’s most renowned luxury timepiece brand, Rolex – which has seen a 22 per cent increase in searches, this sudden spike in popularity is something to note – particularly if you’re considering adding to your investment portfolio this year.
Nonetheless, traditional brands including Tudor (up 10 per cent) remain in favour – but super-luxe brand Tag Heuer, despite remaining in the top five, has seen a surprising decrease in searches, which have plunged by a massive 64 per cent.
Timepieces that are worth eye-watering money today
Watches don’t appreciate in value overnight, and no matter which timepiece you decide to add to your arsenal next, patience is essential if you’re to reap the benefits later. Don’t be tempted to sell after a year or two just because prices are on the up – as with any investment, it’s vital to hold your nerve, or you could easily miss out on thousands.
Watches are seen as a relatively safe investment; choose well, and the value will only increase over the years. Those who have been in the watch investment game for some years now will be enjoying huge returns should they choose to sell today – but which investments can we learn from?
Some of the world’s finest vintage timepieces are worth eye-watering amounts of money today, and anyone who arranged to get their hands on Patek Philippe’s Grandmaster Chime upon its launch back in 2014 will no doubt be congratulating themselves for the foresight by now. The timepiece is now valued at an enormous £23,722,177, making them multi-millionaires thanks to just one educated purchase.
The Rolex Paul Newman Daytona is another watch that is set to make owners a lot of money, and is currently valued at £13,497,691 – while those possessing Patek Philippe’s Stainless Steel, now worth £8,488,760, are also likely to be feeling pleased with themselves.
Top watch per brand
You might have missed the boat on the Grandmaster Chime, but ten years from now, you too could be celebrating – if only you make the right watch investment today. Based on previous price history, the same research by Betway has revealed what some of the current top timepiece models could be worth in a decade from now – and until then, each of them will look pretty good on your wrist with a sharp shirt and suit.
Between 2017 and 2020, the Rolex Cosmograph has seen an almost 50 per cent increase in value, starting out at £10,062 and rising to £15,008 this year. The IWC Portugieser Chronograph is set to make for a similarly savvy investment, having risen in value from £6,767 to £8,860 in just the past three years.
Over time, however, several watch models have appreciated in value more than any other, and will no doubt continue to do so over the years to come. If you can get your hands on the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona now, you’ll no doubt be quids in in the future, as this highly coveted timepiece is now worth 252 per cent than it was at launch.
The Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Chronograph is another example of a great watch investment, the value of which has shot up by 127 per cent in total. And finally, the Breitling Navtimer 01 is also worth the splurge, having already spiked in value by a huge 169 per cent.
