Top 9 Best Watches for Investment: Build Your Profitable Collection

1. Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi” Stainless Steel & Black Dial Ref. 16710

Celebrated for its iconic red and blue "Pepsi" bezel, this Rolex model holds a distinguished place among luxury watches. Worn by Tom Selleck in "Magnum P.I.", Che Guevara during the Cuban revolution, and astronauts on Apollo missions, it boasts a rich history intertwined with significant events. Its status as a top model in the Rolex watch brand is solidified by outperforming both the brand and collection in short-term performance. With positive long-term performance and a faster sell time than 73% of Rolex watches, it is considered one of the best investment watch.

Features

This timepiece features a 40mm stainless steel case and a black dial protected by sapphire crystal. It operates on automatic movement with GMT and date functions, utilizing a rotating bezel for dual time zones. Luminous hands and numerals enhance readability, while the steel bracelet with fold clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit.

Specifications

• Production Year: 1997
• Case Size: 40mm
• Materials
  • Dial - Black
  • Bracelet - Stainless Steel
  • Bezel - Bidirectional rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale
• Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date Window
• Mechanism: Automatic

2. Patek Philippe Nautilus Stainless Steel & Blue Dial Ref. 5711

Designed by Gérald Genta, this watch is one of the top models in Patek Philippe's lineup. Introduced in 2006, it gained immense popularity, especially after its discontinuation in 2021, which fixed its supply. Its rarity has led to skyrocketing demand in the luxury watch market. Notably, in 2019, a Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711 sold at a Phillips auction for significantly above its retail price, highlighting its strong investment value. This model's performance at auction houses makes it one of the best watches for investment and a prized addition to any watch collection.

Features

Features a 40mm stainless steel case with an 8.3mm thickness for a sleek profile. The unique case design includes side "ears," a signature of Gerald Genta's style. Powered by Patek Philippe caliber 324 S C movement, it offers hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions. The blue dial with stick indexes is protected by sapphire crystal, and it's water-resistant up to 120 meters.

Specifications

• Production Year: 2008
• Case Size: 40mm
• Materials
  • Dial - Blue
  • Bracelet - Stainless Steel
  • Bezel - Fixed with a rounded octagonal shape
• Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date Window
• Mechanism: Automatic

3. Rolex Submariner Stainless Steel & Black Dial Ref. 114060-0002

An iconic model that defines the famous luxury watch brand, Rolex. Introduced in 1953, it revolutionized dive watches and set industry standards. The ref. 114060-0002 holds significance as the last Submariner with a 40mm case before the size increase in 2020. Its shorter production run and relative rarity make it a top choice among investment watches. With positive long-term performance in market trends and faster sell time than 79% of watches, it's in the top 9% of popularity within the brand. Famously worn by James Bond, it has cemented its place in both watch history and popular culture.

Features

Features a 40mm stainless steel case powered by the Rolex caliber 3130 automatic movement. It has a black gloss dial with Mercedes hands and a ceramic rotating bezel. Water-resistant up to 300 meters, it exemplifies robust dive watch capabilities.

Specifications

• Production Year: 2016
• Case Size: 40mm
• Materials
  • Dial - Black 
  • Bracelet - Stainless Steel
  • Bezel - Unidirectional rotating
• Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
• Mechanism: Automatic

4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Stainless Steel & Blue Dial Ref. 15202ST.OO.1240ST.01

Introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak revolutionized the luxury watch market as the first luxury sports watch crafted in stainless steel. Designed by Gérald Genta, it established Audemars Piguet as a leading name among luxury watch brands. The ref. 15202 "Jumbo," released in 2012 for the model's 40th anniversary, honors the original design. Discontinued in 2021, it shows positive long-term performance and outperforms both the brand and collection in the short term, making it one of the best luxury watch investment with strong secondary market value.

Features

Powered by the ultra-thin automatic Caliber 2121 movement with a 40-hour power reserve. It features a 39mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and a blue dial without numerals. The integrated steel bracelet with a double-fold clasp completes its iconic design.

Specifications

• Production Year: 2013
• Case Size: 39mm
• Materials
  • Dial - Blue
  • Bracelet - Stainless Steel
  • Bezel - Fixed octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws
• Function: Hours, Minutes, Date Window 
• Mechanism: Automatic

5. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Case White Gold & Green Dial Ref. 5968G-010

Seeking to attract a younger demographic, Patek Philippe introduced the Aquanaut as a modern addition to their luxury watches. This model features a distinctive green dial and a white gold case, setting it apart in the luxury watch market. Musician John Mayer described the Aquanaut as "the Chuck Taylor version of Patek Philippe," highlighting its blend of casual style and high-end craftsmanship. Its high demand among watch enthusiasts and limited availability make it one of the best watches for investment. 

Features

Features a 42.2mm white gold case with an open sapphire back. Powered by the Patek Philippe caliber CH 28-520 C movement, it offers chronograph and date functions. The matte green dial with Arabic numerals is complemented by a composite rubber strap.

Specifications

• Production Year: 2021
• Case Size: 42.2mm
• Materials
  • Dial - Green
  • Bracelet - Composite Strap
  • Bezel - Fixed
• Function: Hours, Minutes, Date, Chronograph, Column wheel
• Mechanism: Automatic

6. Omega Speedmaster First Omega In Space Stainless Steel & Black Dial Ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001

Commemorating astronaut Wally Schirra's historic 1962 spaceflight, this Omega Speedmaster model is known as the "First Omega in Space." Inspired by the watch Schirra wore during the Sigma 7 mission, it celebrates a significant event in space exploration and the watch industry. Discontinued in 2020 after an eight-year production run, it offers a vintage appeal no longer available in current models. With positive long-term performance and faster sell time than 71% of watches, it stands as one of the best luxury watch investments in the luxury watch market.

Features

Powered by the hand-wound Omega caliber 1861 movement, it features a 39.7mm stainless steel case with symmetrical straight lugs. The black matte dial with alpha hands is protected by a sapphire crystal and framed by a tachymeter bezel. Paired with a 19mm leather strap, it combines vintage aesthetics with modern reliability.

Specifications

• Production Year: 2012
• Case Size: 39.7mm
• Materials
  • Dial - Black
  • Bracelet - Leather
  • Bezel - Fixed black aluminum bezel with a tachymeter scale
• Function: Small Seconds, Hours, Minutes, Chronograph
• Mechanism: Automatic

7. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Panda” Ceramic Stainless Steel & White Dial Ref. 116500LN-0001

An iconic model in Rolex's lineup, the Daytona holds a significant place in the luxury watch market. Introduced in 1963, it wasn't initially popular but gained fame when Paul Newman wore it, leading to high demand among collectors. The modern "Panda" version continues this legacy with its distinctive white dial and black sub-dials. It outperforms its collection in short-term performance and the brand in long-term performance. Selling faster than 86% of watches, and ideal secondary market price, it is considered one of the best watch for investment, with strong resale value in the secondary market.

Features

Powered by the Rolex caliber 4130 chronograph movement with column wheel and chronometer certification. The 40mm stainless steel case features a black ceramic tachymeter bezel and sapphire crystal. Its white matte dial with stick indexes and black sub-dials provides a distinctive and readable display.

Specifications

• Production Year: 2016
• Case Size: 40mm
• Materials
  • Dial - White
  • Bracelet - Ceramic, Stainless Steel
  • Bezel - Fixed black Cerachrom bezel with an engraved tachymeter scale
• Function: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Chronograph, Column wheel, Chronometer
• Mechanism: Automatic

8. Vacheron Constantin “Overseas 4500V” Stainless Steel & Brown Dial Ref. 4500V/110A-B146

At Vacheron Constantin’s 2016 showing at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the third generation of the Overseas ref. 4500V was released to much fanfare. This model reaffirmed the brand's position in the luxury watch market, competing with icons like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. The brown dial variant, produced only for one year, is highly sought after by watch enthusiasts. Its limited production and exquisite craftsmanship make it one of the good investment and a valuable addition to any watch collection.

Features

It features a 41mm stainless steel case that's 11mm thick and water-resistant up to 150 meters. The brown dial includes a 60-second scale on the rehaut and applied white gold markers every five minutes, with larger markers at 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. A date window at 3 o'clock aligns perfectly with the minute track, and faceted baton hands complete the dial's elegant style.

Specifications

• Production Year: 2016
• Case Size: 41mm
• Materials
  • Dial - Brown
  • Bracelet - Stainless Steel
  • Bezel - Fixed bezel designed to resemble a broken Maltese cross
• Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date Window 
• Mechanism: Automatic

9. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “John Mayer” Yellow Gold & Green Dial Ref. 116508

Gaining prominence after musician John Mayer showcased it, this particular watch model stands as one of the top in the Rolex lineup. Its yellow gold case combined with a distinctive green dial sets it apart in the luxury watch market. Rumors of discontinuation have fueled its demand among watch enthusiasts. With positive short-term and long-term performance better than the brand and collection, it is considered one of the best watches for investment.

Features

Powered by the automatic caliber 4130 movement with a 72-hour power reserve and 44 jewels. Features a 40mm yellow gold case and a green dial protected by sapphire crystal. Includes chronograph functions and comes with a yellow gold bracelet featuring a fold clasp.

Specifications

• Production Year: 2022
• Case Size: 40mm
• Materials
  • Dial - Green
  • Bracelet - Yellow Gold
  • Bezel - Fixed bezel engraved with a tachymetric scale
• Function: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Chronograph, Column wheel, Chronometer
• Mechanism: Automatic

Comparison Table: At a Glance

Here's a quick comparison table of the top 9 best watches for investment:

Final Word

Luxury timepieces offer both timeless elegance and significant investment potential. Selecting the right timepiece can enhance your financial portfolio and provide lasting value. Whether you're beginning your investment journey or expanding your collection, these best investment watches are excellent choices.

• Choose a luxury watch that fits your personal style and investment goals, especially if you're just starting to build your portfolio.
• Consider price points such as $109,894 for the Patek Philippe Nautilus and $32,841 for the Rolex Daytona Panda to make informed decisions.
• Look for limited edition watches with strong investment potential, supported by impressive auction results and endorsements from famous wearers like John Mayer.

Protect your investment with Watchskins, ensuring your luxury watch remains scratch-free and maintains its original appearance. With features like scratch resistance and easy maintenance, you can wear your watch with confidence. WhatsApp us today to book your appointment!