Best Investment Watches 2026: Which Watches Actually Hold Their Value?
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered financial advice. Market values, appreciation rates, and investment performance vary and past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult qualified professionals for personalised financial guidance.
Watches aren't just accessories anymore. For certain models from certain brands, they're appreciating assets that have outperformed the stock market over the past decade.
The data is clear: Rolex prices increased over 550% from 2010 to 2025, with the GMT-Master II leading at 506% appreciation.
But here's the uncomfortable truth: most watches lose value the moment you walk out the store. Only specific brands, specific models, and specific configurations actually hold or gain value. This guide separates the genuine investment pieces from the marketing hype.
This guide covers:
- Which brands and models actually appreciate (with real data)
- Current market prices and secondary market premiums
- Entry-level investment watches from S$200 to S$10,000
- The factors that determine long-term value retention
- How to protect your watch investment
The "Big Three" Investment Brands
Three brands dominate the secondary watch market, accounting for roughly 64% of all resale value: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. If you want a watch that holds value, these are your safest bets.
| Brand | 2025 Market Performance | Key Collections | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patek Philippe | +7.7% YTD | Nautilus, Aquanaut, Calatrava | US$30,000–$500,000+ |
| Rolex | Stable (anchor) | Daytona, Submariner, GMT-Master II | US$8,000–$50,000+ |
| Audemars Piguet | -3.7% YTD | Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore | US$20,000–$300,000+ |
Patek Philippe is the clear winner for 2025, with the Aquanaut collection up 10.7% and the Nautilus up 6.1%. Rolex remains the market anchor with consistent long-term growth. Audemars Piguet has struggled this year but maintains strong fundamentals.
Rolex: The Market Anchor
Rolex isn't just a watch brand. It's the benchmark against which all other watch investments are measured. With 100% global brand recognition and annual production deliberately limited, Rolex creates natural scarcity that supports long-term value.
Long-Term Appreciation Data (2010–2025)
| Model | 2010 Price | 2025 Price | 15-Year Appreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMT-Master II | ~US$7,000 | ~US$42,400 | +506% |
| Daytona (Steel) | ~US$8,300 | ~US$38,000 | +358% |
| Submariner | ~US$6,000 | ~US$32,000 | +433% |
| Day-Date | Varies | +5.7% YTD | Strong performer |
The GMT-Master II has delivered the strongest appreciation of any Rolex collection, transforming a US$7,000 purchase into a US$42,000+ asset.
Current Secondary Market Premiums
| Model | 2025 Retail Price | Secondary Market Price | Premium Over Retail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytona (Steel) | US$15,500 | US$25,000–$40,000 | +61% to +158% |
| Submariner Date | US$10,250 | US$13,000–$15,000 | +27% to +46% |
| GMT-Master II "Pepsi" | US$11,200 | US$18,000–$22,000 | +61% to +96% |
| Explorer 36mm | US$7,550 | US$8,500–$9,700 | +13% to +28% |
Steel sports models consistently command the highest premiums. The Daytona remains the king, often selling for double its retail price on the secondary market.
Best Rolex Models for Investment
| Model | Why It Works | Current Entry Price |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona (Steel) | Highest demand, strongest appreciation history | US$25,000+ (secondary) |
| GMT-Master II "Pepsi/Batman" | Iconic design, strong collector demand | US$18,000+ (secondary) |
| Submariner Date | The original dive watch, consistent performer | US$13,000+ (secondary) |
| Explorer I (36mm or 40mm) | Entry-level Rolex with solid appreciation | US$8,500+ (secondary) |
Patek Philippe: The Collector's Choice
Patek Philippe produces only 70,000 watches annually, creating extreme scarcity. Their motto, "You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation," reflects the brand's investment philosophy.
Nautilus 5711: The Holy Grail
The Nautilus 5711 was discontinued in 2022 and has become the most sought-after steel sports watch in the world.
| Variant | Original Retail | 2025 Secondary Price | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5711/1A (Blue dial) | US$34,900 | US$100,000–$160,000 | +186% to +358% |
| 5711/1A-014 (Green dial) | US$34,893 | US$267,016 | +665% |
| 5711/1A-018 (Tiffany dial) | US$52,635 | US$1,682,298 | +3,096% |
The Tiffany Blue edition, limited to 170 pieces, represents one of the most extreme appreciation cases in watch history. Clean, full-set examples of the standard blue dial 5711 now trade between US$125,000 and US$160,000.
Other Patek Philippe Investment Picks
| Model | Appeal | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Aquanaut 5167A | More accessible Nautilus alternative | US$40,000–$60,000 |
| Calatrava 5196 | Classic dress watch, timeless design | US$25,000–$35,000 |
| Annual Calendar 5205 | Complications add value | US$40,000–$55,000 |
Audemars Piguet: The Royal Oak Dynasty
The Royal Oak, designed by Gerald Genta in 1972, revolutionised luxury watchmaking with its integrated bracelet and octagonal bezel. Despite a challenging 2025 (-3.7% YTD), the brand's fundamentals remain strong.
Current Market Pricing
| Model | Retail Price | Secondary Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Oak 15500ST (41mm) | US$28,600 | US$41,417 | Most popular reference |
| Royal Oak Jumbo 15202ST | Discontinued | US$65,000+ | Original "Jumbo" |
| Royal Oak Chronograph | US$51,000 | US$30,000–$45,000 | Below retail currently |
| Royal Oak Offshore | US$30,500+ | US$30,000–$300,000 | Varies by complexity |
The Royal Oak market is experiencing a correction, which may present buying opportunities. Complete sets with box, papers, and service history command 15–25% premiums.
Vintage Royal Oak Investment
| Reference | Era | Current Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5402 "A-Series" | 1972–1977 | US$100,000–$500,000+ |
| 15002 | 1990s | US$30,000–$50,000 |
| 15300ST | 2000s | US$25,000–$35,000 |
Original 5402 "Jumbo" watches from the first production series have become blue-chip collectibles.
Mid-Tier Investment Watches: Omega and Tudor
You don't need six figures to invest in watches. Omega and Tudor offer strong value retention at more accessible price points.
Omega Speedmaster
The Moonwatch has 67 years of heritage and NASA certification. Average Moonwatch valuations increased 67.1% over the past two years.
| Model | Price Range | Value Retention | Annual ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedmaster Professional (Hesalite) | US$5,000–$7,000 | 80–100% | 4–6% |
| Speedmaster "Snoopy Award" | US$30,000–$40,000 | 300%+ over retail | 15–20% |
| Speedmaster 321 "Ed White" | US$15,000–$20,000 | 20–30% appreciation | 10–15% |
| Speedmaster '57 | US$8,000–$12,000 | +44% (2 years) | 8–12% |
The "Silver Snoopy Award" edition sold at Phillips for US$38,500 in 2023, nearly four times its original US$9,500 retail price.
Tudor Black Bay
Tudor offers Rolex DNA at a fraction of the price. The Black Bay 58 retains 71% of its value, outperforming comparable Omega Seamaster models (70%).
| Model | Retail Price | Secondary Price | Value Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bay 58 | S$5,110 | S$3,700–$4,200 | 71% |
| Black Bay GMT | S$5,650 | S$4,000–$4,800 | 70–85% |
| Black Bay Ceramic | S$6,300 | S$5,000–$5,800 | 79–92% |
| Pelagos 39 | S$6,750 | S$5,500–$6,200 | 81–92% |
Tudor watches hold value well for the accessible luxury category. Limited editions and discontinued references tend to appreciate.
Entry-Level Investment Watches (Under S$10,000)
Best Entry Points by Budget
| Budget | Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Under S$500 | Timex Marlin Hand-Wound | Mechanical heritage, limited editions appreciate |
| S$500–$2,000 | Seiko Presage/Prospex | Strong collector community, discontinued models gain value |
| S$2,000–$5,000 | Tudor Black Bay 58 | Rolex sister brand, strong retention |
| S$5,000–$10,000 | Omega Speedmaster Professional | Space heritage, consistent appreciation |
Discontinued Models with Investment Potential
| Watch | Original Price | Current Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seiko SKX007 | ~S$400 | S$500–$800 | Discontinued 2019, cult following |
| Omega MoonSwatch "Mission to Mars" | S$370 | S$450–$700 | Limited availability |
| Tudor Black Bay 79220N | ~S$4,500 | S$5,500–$7,000 | Discontinued ETA movement version |
Discontinued models with strong collector followings tend to appreciate once supply dries up.
What Makes a Watch Hold Value?
Not every expensive watch is a good investment. These factors determine whether a watch will hold or gain value.
Value Retention Factors
| Factor | Impact | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brand prestige | High | Rolex, Patek, AP command premiums |
| Scarcity | High | Limited production = sustained demand |
| Steel construction | High | Steel sports watches outperform gold |
| Iconic design | High | Submariner, Nautilus, Royal Oak |
| In-house movement | Medium | Signals brand commitment to quality |
| Condition | Critical | Full sets command 15–25% premiums |
| Documentation | Critical | Box, papers, service history essential |
What Hurts Resale Value
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Readily available at retail | Undermines secondary market pricing |
| Quartz movement | Generally poor investment (exceptions exist) |
| Fashion brand watches | Near-zero resale value |
| Missing box and papers | 15–25% value reduction |
| Poor condition | Significant value reduction |
| Non-original parts | Can halve the value |
2025–2026 Market Outlook
The watch market has corrected from its 2022 peak. Secondary market prices fell approximately 15% from historical highs, but this creates buying opportunities.
Current Market Conditions
| Indicator | Status | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Market Index | +20% (5 years) | Below inflation-adjusted returns |
| Rolex | Stable anchor | Safe long-term bet |
| Patek Philippe | +7.7% YTD | Best performer 2025 |
| Audemars Piguet | -3.7% YTD | Potential buying opportunity |
| Tudor/Omega | +1.8% to +3.4% YTD | Solid mid-tier options |
Brands Gaining Ground
| Brand | 2025 Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Patek Philippe | +7.7% | Led by Aquanaut and Nautilus |
| Grand Seiko | +4.2% | Growing collector appreciation |
| Tudor | +3.4% | Strong value proposition |
| Cartier | +3.3% | Gen Z demand driving growth |
| Omega | +1.8% | Consistent performer |
Cartier has seen a fourfold increase in popularity, driven by Gen Z buyers preferring slimmer, design-driven timepieces over steel sports watches.
Common Investment Mistakes
What Goes Wrong
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Buying based on hype | Overpaying at peak prices | Research historical pricing |
| Ignoring condition | Paying full price for compromised watches | Inspect thoroughly, verify authenticity |
| Missing documentation | Losing 15–25% of value | Always get full set |
| Wrong model selection | Buying readily available pieces | Focus on scarce, high-demand models |
| Short-term thinking | Selling during corrections | Hold 5–10 years minimum |
| Neglecting insurance | Total loss if stolen or damaged | Insure immediately |
The 5-10 Year Rule
Watches aren't liquid assets. The ideal holding period for an investment watch is 5 to 10 years depending on brand, model, and market conditions. Don't buy expecting quick flips.
Protecting Your Watch Investment
An investment watch is only valuable if you still have it. Theft, damage, and loss can wipe out years of appreciation in an instant.
Risk Assessment
| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft | Medium-High | Total loss | Insurance, security awareness |
| Accidental damage | Medium | Significant value loss | Insurance, careful handling |
| Service damage | Low | Partial value loss | Use authorised service centres |
| Loss | Low | Total loss | Insurance |
| Market decline | Medium | Temporary value reduction | Long-term holding strategy |
Why Standard Insurance Falls Short
Most home insurance policies cap jewelry coverage at S$2,000–$3,500. If your Submariner is stolen, you'll receive a fraction of its value. Dedicated watch insurance provides:
- Full replacement value coverage
- Worldwide protection (crucial for travel)
- Coverage for theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance
- No deductibles eating into claims
Investment Watch Checklist
Before purchasing any watch as an investment, verify these factors:
| Checkpoint | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brand has proven appreciation history | ☐ | Rolex, Patek, AP, Omega, Tudor |
| Specific model is in demand | ☐ | Check secondary market premiums |
| Condition is excellent | ☐ | Inspect for scratches, wear |
| Full set (box, papers, accessories) | ☐ | Critical for resale value |
| Purchase from authorised/reputable dealer | ☐ | Verify authenticity |
| Price is fair vs. market | ☐ | Check WatchCharts, Chrono24 |
| Insurance arranged | ☐ | Protect your investment immediately |
| Holding period: 5+ years | ☐ | Not a short-term flip |
FAQ
Which watch brand holds its value best?
Rolex holds its value most consistently across the broadest range of models. Patek Philippe has the highest appreciation rates but requires significantly more capital. Both brands have proven track records over decades.
Is a Rolex a good investment in 2026?
Yes, but model selection matters. Steel sports models (Submariner, GMT-Master II, Daytona) consistently appreciate, while precious metal and dress models often sell below retail on the secondary market. Focus on scarce, high-demand references.
How much do watches appreciate per year?
Top performers average 6–14% annually depending on brand, model, and market conditions. The Rolex GMT-Master II has averaged 11.6% annual appreciation over 15 years. However, most watches depreciate, not appreciate.
What's the minimum budget for an investment watch?
Meaningful investment potential starts around S$3,000–$5,000 with brands like Tudor and entry-level Omega. Below this, focus on discontinued models with collector followings like the Seiko SKX007.
Should I buy new or pre-owned for investment?
Pre-owned often offers better value if you can secure pieces below market rates. New purchases from authorised dealers provide documentation and warranty but may include retail markups above secondary market value for in-demand models.
How do I verify a watch is authentic?
Purchase from authorised dealers or reputable secondary market platforms (Chrono24, Bob's Watches, WatchBox). For private sales, get authentication from a certified watchmaker. Never buy without verifying serial numbers against brand records.
Does wearing a watch hurt its investment value?
Light wear rarely impacts value significantly if the watch is maintained and serviced properly. However, deep scratches, dents, or damaged components can substantially reduce resale value. Many investors wear their watches but treat them carefully.
What documentation do I need for resale?
Complete sets command 15–25% premiums. Ideal documentation includes: original box, warranty card/certificate, instruction manual, hang tags, and service history. Missing papers don't make a watch worthless, but significantly reduce its value.
MINT Conclusion
A watch investment appreciating 10% annually means nothing if it's stolen, damaged, or lost. The secondary market doesn't care about your appreciation rates if you can't produce the watch.
MINT provides dedicated watch insurance that covers the full replacement value of your timepiece, anywhere in the world. Whether you're wearing your Submariner in Singapore or travelling through Europe with your Daytona, your investment stays protected.
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