How To Invest In Watches
From limited-edition novelties to rare vintage finds, watch influencer Katia Jundi shares her tips on how to invest in fine timepieces
If you don’t own a watch, then the world of fine timepieces can feel pretty impenetrable. From elaborate complications to dial sizes varying by the millimetre, horology flaunts its own jargon and numerical vocabulary that can be tricky to get to grips with.
Whether you’re simply seeking one watch to wear daily and perhaps pass down the generations one day, or you’ve caught the collector’s bug and you’re embarking on a burgeoning watch wardrobe, digital content creator Katia Junda of @katsbling can help.
How To Invest In Watches
Which watch brands do you think offer great investment potential?
“In my opinion, there are five brands that tend to be safe options when choosing timepieces that will go up in value. These are: Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille and F.P. Journe.”
What drives the value of these timepieces?
“When it comes to watches, the supply-demand relationship is what determines whether a fine timepiece is a solid investment. For example, if a watch manufacturer can’t create enough watches to meet the demand that is created in the market place, then the value of the existing watches will naturally go up. Other factors such as reputation, however, do also matter, and a brand like Rolex that has been consistently popular among watch collectors – whether they’re novices or seasoned enthusiasts – do see a rise in prices year on year, making them a safe investment compared to other brands.”
Do rare vintage watches boast more investment potential than limited-edition novelties?
“This depends on the model – sometimes a vintage model can become extremely popular, sometimes due to hype on social media, big sales at auction houses or within watch collector circles, which can then drive prices to astronomical figures. This doesn’t, however, happen across all vintage models – just the ones that connoisseurs decide to bless. As for novelties, many brands are continuously launching limited editions, so the regular supply of limited editions has made consumers not quite as sensitive to their marketing.”
How can collectors go about obtaining rare watches – are lengthy waiting lists still a problem?
“The waiting lists are getting longer and harder to get onto. The trick is to have a solid consumer profile with the brand that you are building a relationship with, through consistent purchases and continued interest in their new releases. This will give you a leg up on the average person who might walk into the boutique once and demand an impossible-to-get piece.”
If you can’t afford to buy a rare timepiece, which watches make a sound investment on a reasonable budget?
“When buying a watch you really should prioritize what you like over what is considered a good investment. Supply and demand patterns change – what is popular today might not be tomorrow, and the wheel of what is fashionable and sought-after is constantly turning. A fine timepiece is something that you can wear every day and then pass onto your kids, so I would say the most important thing is to buy what you love and to enjoy it. Collecting watches is about enjoying them, and you wont enjoy them if they are locked up in the safe – watches belong on the wrist. If, however, you are purely an investor and you simply want to make a profit, then yes, a watch in a sealed box with all its papers will sell better and faster.”
Imagery courtesy of Instagram / @katsbling
