A timepiece has been an integral part of everyday life since its popularity soared in the 19th Century. From nurses with fob watches to successful business people with a Rolex, watches are still popular today. So, throughout the years, which watches have become more sought after for their prestige?
Rolex Datejust
Synonymous with quality and precision timekeeping, used Rolex watches tend to hold their value extremely well and the Datejust is a prime example. First produced in 1945, the Datejust model celebrated the brand’s 40th anniversary and was ahead of its time by displaying the date on the face of the watch.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime
Considered to be the most complicated Patek Philippe watch ever made, the Grandmaster Chime takes 100,000 hours to produce and features six patented functions, two independent dials, a reversible case, and 20 complications (functions). Sold by Christie’s for a cool $31.19 million in 2019, it’s the most valuable watch ever sold at auction.
Cartier London Crash
The inspiration behind Cartier’s famous London Crash watch remains a mystery, although car wrecks and damaged timepieces have long been mooted as the motivation for this surrealist design. As you might expect, used Cartier watches can be worth a great deal but a London Crash watch is certainly something special. Extremely rare and much sought-after, a 1967 model was sold for $1.5 million in 2022.
Omega Speedmaster
As the official timepiece of NASA, it’s not surprising that the Omega Speedmaster has become something of a collector’s item. Affectionately referred to as the ‘Speedy’ or ‘Moonwatch’, it has been tested by NASA and was worn by Apollo 13 astronauts on their famous mission. First launched in 1957, the design has remained largely unchanged, with only minor modifications being made to facilitate the addition of new technology.
Rolex Submariner
When we’re talking about valuable watches, you can expect Rolex to crop up more than once! Made popular by Sean Connery in the first James Bond film, Dr No, the Submariner continues to be a beloved timepiece and a hugely popular pre owned Rolex. Undoubtedly the most famous dive watch ever created, it continues to be a highly coveted timepiece.
TAG Heuer Monaco
Often referred to as the TAG Heuer Steve McQueen Monaco, it was the dashing film star who put the Monaco on the big screen in the 1971 film, Le Mans. Noted for its square casing and water resistance (up to 100 metres), the TAG Heuer Monaco watch was ahead of its time in both design and function. With various limited-edition reissues being produced over the years, the Steve McQueen Monaco watch remains popular today, particularly amongst avid watch collectors and film buffs.
Richard Mille Sapphire Tourbillon
Only 10 limited edition Sapphire Tourbillion watches were produced by Swiss watchmakers, Richard Mille, which should give you an inkling of their value. Featuring a clear, sapphire crystal case, the innovation and precision that the brand is known for are on full display. Retailing at $2.2 million, lucky collectors will be expecting its value to increase as time goes on.
Philippe Dufour Simplicity
A considerable number of the most valuable watches are vintage pieces, yet the Philippe Dufour Simplicity timepiece is a relative newcomer. First released in 2000, only 200 of the timepieces have ever been produced, with a limited-edition 20th-anniversary version being released in 2020. Originally available in rose gold, white gold, or platinum, newer models feature a PD logo and guilloche pattern at the centre of the dial.
Chopard Happy Diamonds
Introduced in 1976, the Happy Diamonds range revolutionised watch design when it featured free-floating diamonds around the dial. Originally released in a men’s square design, a women’s version and even a sport version was soon introduced. Today, the Happy Diamonds range continues to be amongst Chopard’s most popular lines and is a must-have amongst collectors.
Rolex Pink Gold Stelline
Another entry from the eponymous watchmaker, the Pink Gold Ref. 6062 is an extremely rare model that doesn’t come up for sale often. You might associate pink gold with Rolex womens watches, but the Stelline was actually a man’s watch available in yellow gold, stainless steel, and pink gold. Only 50 pink gold Stelline watches were sold and just 14 have made it back on the market, so there’s no doubt this is one to look out for!
Are Watches Good Collector’s Items?
If you’re fascinated by the intricate mechanisms or by the design innovations of high-quality timepieces, watches make a great collector’s item. When it comes to value, it’s the make, model and condition that will impact a watch’s resale value. It’s also important to keep the original receipts, certificate and box which all add to the value of the watch.
With some watches being sold for much higher prices than the original purchase price, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to invest in watches as collector’s items.
How Much Is Your Watch Worth?
If you own a luxury brand watch such as a Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Breitling, Cartier, Chopard, Franck Muller, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Longines, Omega, Panerai Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Tissot, Vacheron Constantin or other luxury watch even an unbranded gold watch, you might be interested to know how much it is worth. Maxcroft can give you an indication of the watch’s value and can also lend against that value if you were to look to use the watch as a means to borrow money
If you are interested in arranging a pawnbroker’s loan against your watch in Essex or London then Maxcroft has over 40 years experience, offers outstanding service, and issues loans against assets & valuables. Take a look at our pawnbroking watch website page here.
