Some of the things that make a watch valuable are things like brand recognition, heritage, exclusivity, availability, and demand. Becoming a collector of luxury watches, like any other collectible, is a gamble. There are no guarantees that a particular watch will retain its original value, let alone increase in value. Sometimes what makes a watch so collectible, is the famous person who wore it.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is considered one of the most expensive watches in the world today. Antoni Patek Adrien Philippe began making luxury watches in 1851 Switzerland. The entire watch, including the movements, are created in-house. The company introduced the most complicated piece in 1933. One particular luxury watch costs $144,500.00.
Jaeger-Coultre
Antoine LeCouoltre first introduced his luxury watches in 1833, making Vallée de Joux, Switzerland well-known for excellent watches. He developed the revolutionary system that used a pushbutton to activate a lever, that changed from one function to another. This invention is used in almost all mechanical watches today. A luxury Jaeger-Coultre watch can cost up to $144,700.00.
Omega
Omega SA is based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. The mother company, La Generale Watch Co, began in 1848, and eventually led to the Omega Watch Co in 1903. The in-house manufacturing developed a system where component parts could be interchangeable. Many famous people have worn the Omega, including Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Prince William, George Clooney, Buzz Aldrin, and James Bond, in films. While not as pricy as some luxury watches, you can buy an Omega Seamaster 300 for the bargain price of $66,000.00.
TAG Heuer
Eduard Heuer started Heuer Watchmaking Inc., in 1860. He patented an oscillating pinion in 1887, and it’s still used today by major makers of mechanical chronographs. In 1985 TAG Group bought into the company, forming TAG Heuer. The Heuer Autavia was made from 1962-1986, and you can buy a vintage watch for $70,878.00.
Rolex
Rolex was first made in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf. Rolex Rolex has watches in 14- and 18-karat pink, yellow, and white gold, platinum, and 904L stainless steel. This is a harder steel, which takes special tools and skills to make, and it holds its polished sheen exceptionally well. Rolex watch buyers understand the status symbol behind Rolex, as well as personal appeal to many. James Bond movies have made it more collectible. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona sold for $17.7 million at auction. Collectors selling watches for cash in Atlanta, or people who walk in to a reputable jeweler and say, I’d like to sell my Rolex, get top dollar for their watches.