It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster year for watch collectors with the push/pull aspects of worldwide lockout rules lessening and the recent financial crisis.
The good news is that this year’s go-to watch expo, Watches And Wonders Geneva 2022 (formerly SIHH), took Baselworld’s place, which was cancelled. As a result, watch enthusiasts and collectors alike were finally able to experience the most anticipated new timepieces in person once more. With 22,000 actual attendees and a combined global reach of over 300 million, this was the largest watchmaking summit ever held in the city and featured 38 top brands, so there was no question that the audience was prepared.
The market has, however, generally slowed down, which reflects the current expense of living. According to Jonathan Murray of Quintessentially watch experts, Black Label Supply, “things had been rocketing up, so it was always going to fall down little.” Fortunately, things have settled down a bit, so if you bought at the pinnacle of the pricing, you just lost a little value.
Alongside this, a general tendency in 2022 has been toward less flashy huge releases, with a focus more on simplicity and traditional elegance in the design. Naturally, there are always exceptions to the norm, though. Here are seven timepieces that have been recommended by experts that you might want to add to your collection.
Luxury Watches To Collect Now
Rolex Daytona
Murray advises the Rolex Daytona as a sure bet with collectors for those searching for a timepiece that will always be a fan favorite. The “OGs” of Rolex are thought to be the Daytonas. If a client wants to purchase a watch solely as an investment and not to wear, we will frequently advise them in the direction of a Daytona because they always sell very easily. You may always sell them because they are always in demand and frequently the toughest to obtain.
For instance, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Panda” 116500LN (1), so dubbed for the color combinations of its sister piece with the colors inverted or a white face with black portions, has established itself as a fan favorite. Murray continues, “I believe they will always be in demand, and if it is discontinued, you can anticipate a price increase of fourfold.”
Rolex GMT Master II
Both the new Rolex GMT Master II ‘Sprite’ 126720VTNR (3, with the crown on the opposite side, making it left-handed) and the Rolex GMT Master II ‘Batman’ 126710BLNR (2, with blue and black around the dial) are extremely well-liked. Murray estimates that we get requests for a Batman and a Sprite a few times every week. Both of these will be simple to resell if you’re seeking to invest, however you might want to hold onto the Sprite a little longer (because of the hype around it being left-handed when it was first released, demand pushed the price up, and it has since dropped back). It shouldn’t stay this low for long because of rarity.
Patek Philippe: Aquanaut and Nautilus
If you’re looking for something a little more flashy, Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut 5167A (5) has been very well received by high-profile buyers, including sports stars. This is especially true of the black version (it also comes in red, green, and blue), which has a distinctive square dial and rubber strap. A chronograph version is also available, and it will cost more than £120,000.
The Nautilus Blue Dial 5711/1A (6), another popular watch from Patek, comes in a variety of materials, with the steel version with a blue face being the most popular. Murray compares it to being in a luxurious sports car at a stoplight when a Lamborghini pulls up next to you and wears a Patek Philippe watch on their wrist.
Swatch X Omega
This year’s Swatch X Omega collaboration (7) is particularly intriguing if you’re looking for a more unique option. Demand has stayed high because of the “Drop” approach to sales, which is unique at this end of the market. You could only buy one, and there was very little supply, so you had to take a chance and hope they got the stock in for that week, according to Murray. People would line up outside the store at the crack of morning. “We still have a few.” The entire branding and marketing strategy has been incredibly creative, and people have just embraced the space idea in general.
