The luxury watch market has surged in recent years, prompting collectors to ask what watches go up in value and which truly appreciate over time. For anyone curious about the best watches for investment in 2025, these five models stand out as luxury watches that hold value—and in some cases, outperform traditional investments.

Rolex Sports Collection

Pre-owned Rolex sports models have rewarded collectors with some of the strongest gains in the luxury watch market. The Datejust, for example, has climbed from about $1,150 in 2010 to roughly $8,500 by May 2025—a staggering 639% increase. Numbers like these explain why it remains a favorite for those looking at the best watches to buy for investment.

The Submariner still commands around $17,300 on the secondary market, holding its place as one of the most desirable dive watches ever made. The GMT-Master II has also seen remarkable growth, appreciating roughly 506% to its current average of $20,600. For seasoned collectors, these aren’t just timepieces—they’re assets that continue to appreciate over time.

Why these models hold their value:

Strong brand heritage and global recognition
Limited production compared to demand
Durable, reliable construction
Established secondary market demand

Discontinued Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A

Few modern watches have captured collector attention like the stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A. Since its 2021 discontinuation, resale values have soared, cementing its status as one of the best watches to collect for investment—and proving that certain watches not only hold their value but multiply it.

This Gerald Genta–designed icon stands out for its:

Distinctive integrated bracelet
120-meter water resistance
In-house caliber 26-330 S C movement
Rarity-driven demand

The sudden halt in production sparked a rush among collectors, pushing this already coveted model into the ranks of the highest-rated investment watches with exceptional resale potential.

Vintage Rolex: The Submariner Date Reference 16610

Produced from 1987 to 2010, the aluminum-bezeled Submariner Date 16610 shows how certain vintage models can outperform their modern counterparts. Collectors prize it for both its place in Rolex history and its distinctive details.

Key features include:

Aluminum bezel insert rather than modern ceramic
Tritium lume on early versions, later transitioning to Super-LumiNova
Final generation of the classic 40mm case proportions
Multiple dial variations across its long production run

As the last “traditional” Submariner before Rolex introduced modern materials and design updates, the 16610 carries a strong nostalgia factor. Its discontinued status and enduring demand have helped it become one of the watches with the best resale value in the vintage category, appealing to collectors seeking luxury timepieces with proven appreciation potential.

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Renaissance

The Royal Oak collection continues to thrive across both vintage and modern references. Original “Jumbo” models remain highly sought-after and steadily appreciated, while recent introductions like the 23mm Royal Oak Mini have quickly found their own following.

With only about 50,000 Royal Oak Mini pieces produced annually, scarcity has been immediate. Celebrity wear and high-profile social media exposure have fueled demand—especially among younger collectors looking for watches that hold their value while delivering a fresh, contemporary look. It’s a strong reminder of what watch brands hold value consistently across generations.

The Royal Oak’s staying power is rooted in:

Revolutionary integrated bracelet design
Distinctive octagonal bezel with exposed screws
Slim profile paired with robust construction
A cohesive design language carried through decades

Independent & Vintage Watches Worth Collecting

Handcrafted Watches Gaining Value

Independent manufacturers like F.P. Journe, Laurent Ferrier, Kari Voutilainen, and H. Moser & Cie are experiencing remarkable growth. These brands sometimes outperform established names in year-over-year appreciation, driven by limited production runs and artisanal craftsmanship.

Growth factors include:

Extremely limited annual production
Hand-finishing and traditional techniques
Innovative complications and movements
Growing collector recognition of independent excellence

Vintage Fashion Watches Back in Style

Vintage Cartier models are experiencing renewed interest, particularly:

Crash: Distinctive asymmetrical case design
Baignoire: Elegant oval proportions
Panthère: Iconic bracelet integration

These models have seen renewed interest thanks to fashion trends cycling back and high-profile wear by celebrities. With prices generally lower than many sports models, they offer an appealing entry point for collectors who want watches that hold their value without stepping into six-figure territory.

Investment Considerations and Timing

Current Opportunities

The watches that tend to hold or grow in value usually share a few traits: respected brand heritage, limited production, and strong demand from collectors. While past trends can offer clues, they’re not a guarantee—understanding these basics helps spot models with long-term potential.

Timing plays a big role. A watch that’s surged in price may cool off, while another could be just starting to climb. Factors like condition, originality, and having the full set (box, papers, accessories) can make a big difference when it comes to resale value.

Long-term Perspective

Timepiece investment is a marathon, not a sprint. The models that hold their value for decades aren’t always the same ones that shine in the short term. Successful collectors balance passion with strategy, focusing on watches that can ride out different market conditions.

In the end, this space rewards patience, knowledge, and selective buying. Whether you’re drawn to rare vintage finds or modern sports icons, the goal is to choose pieces that consistently show strong value over time.

Finding the Best Watches to Buy for Investment

For collectors, the real value lies in choosing pieces with lasting appeal—watches that increase in value not just for a season, but across decades. Whether it’s a discontinued icon, a rare vintage model, or a handcrafted independent piece, the strongest performers share the same traits: scarcity, brand heritage, and condition. And when the time comes to sell your timepiece, those qualities often translate into some of the watches with best resale value on the market, making your next acquisition as rewarding financially as it is personally.