Rolex, Cartier, Omega etc, do they really hold their value?

[Biosblbay]

So I really like the look of Rotary watches, I can find a really dainty watch that looks vintage which is what I like and at a very affordable price, the one I like is only £199 which I think is a good price for a watch you will wear daily for years on end. I have asked my husband for one for my birthday (I am not fussed about brands etc) whereas my husband has said if he is going to get me a watch, he would rather get me a high end watch like a Rolex as it is an investment. I just don’t believe this at all and would just assume a lot of watches would depreciate as soon as they become second hand. I don’t really like Rolex’s but I have seen some lovely omega and Cartier watches, definitely more my style, Cartier being my favourite but the watch I like is £4000 which I think is crazy money for a watch, I mean there are even some at £20k+ and some Rolex’s cost more than a 4 bedroom house in London. It’s just insane to me!!!
But is my husband right, are watches really an investment and do they really hold their value? 🤔

Rolex’s do appreciate in value because you can’t just go into a Rolex shop and buy one. Generally speaking, there is a 12-18 month wait from point of order to actually receiving the watch. You effectively go on a waiting list . Omega and Cartier are unlikely to depreciate in value hugely but they won’t hold the same value as a Rolex after 5 years.

I have two Rolex’s, a submariner and a day date and both have increased in value by around 20% during the 4 years I have had them.

@Smithey588 the only Rolex I really like is the ladies Datejust which don’t get me wrong is a lot of money still but it’s not as costly as some of the others! So if I was to get this watch, we wouldn’t ever be out of pocket? Don’t get me wrong, I would never want to sell it on, it could be passed down to my daughter one day, but would it still be worth something in day 40/50 years time? But I would consider a pre owned if that meant getting it quicker as well as that is a long wait!

A datejust should be fine, but it depends on the year and surprisingly , colour. A two tone such as a stainless steel and gold strap will actually lose value, a gold will also lose value because of the higher retail price. A stainless steel datejust should go up in time.

As said before, an AD will not sell you a new Rolex, the second hand market is lower than it has been historically, look at it like gold; they will fluctuate over time.

if you know what you are buying you shouldn’t lose. If you are both new to the luxury watch market then it is very easy to make a mistake and ultimately lose money.

Surely if the watch you like is £199 and you don't intend to sell it on, but pass it down - then just get the one you like the best! You're the one that's going to be wearing it. The value would be irrelevant to me, unless you are thinking it could be an inheritance to be passed down and sold on, but what is the purpose of getting the watch? If like you say, it's to wear and keep, then the only thing that matters is you like it.

But then I'm in no league to be spending even £199 on a watch so my view may be different!

Values will flex a little but, generally, a Rolex will not depreciate over time.

There are a lot of people who buy them solely for investment purposes.

I would do some more research because as the pp has said, buying a Rolex isn't a simple thing. I would suggest looking at Mappin and Webb, perhaps see if you can get a Rolex appointment.

Honestly, I went with a replica Patek Philippe from m.shop2255.com/en/patex/, and it’s been great. I enjoy the style without the hefty investment. If you’re more about style than resale, something like that could be an option. But if you're set on luxury, Rolex does get more buzz for holding value, so it's smart to weigh that if looking to invest.

There are many factors that will determine the resale value of a rolex or similar branded watch. This will also include having papers and where/how often and by whom you get the watch serviced. Or whatever is more desirable/fashionable when you decide to resell.
I would reccomend you view the buying of such a watch like purchasing a piece of art. Do it because you really like and are going to enjoy it. If it keeps or even grows it's resale value, great; if not view it as having rented out the watch for X number of years.
There a better more reliable ways of investing money.

Yes there will be some brands that hold their value/go up in value, although there will be many factors affecting this as time goes on. High-end watches such as Rolex or Patek Philippe are considered investment pieces. But again it depends on the type, style, colour way, whether they were a limited run etc etc

For example, my husband has a Tag Heuer Monaco watch that he's had for 15+ years. It has a metal strap, which is unusual as they were predominately sold with leather straps. So his one has actually slightly gone up in value.

I saved up for a Cartier Tank when I had a promotion at work. It was eye wateringly expensive but I considered it a life time investment piece. Its the last of its particular style as they were in the process of bringing out newer versions and had changed a few things about the look. Lots of people don't like the new style, so this has driven second hand sales of the 'older' styles up. I don't intend to ever sell mine, but I do hope one day it will go to my daughter.

Some people like expensive watches, others don't. Some people think they are an investment, some think they are a waste of money. I would say its down to personal preference OP so buy what you like!

My husband has a Rolex. A new one would be three times what I paid for it in 2006 (that’s if they would sell me one now!).

I bought my preloved Rolex 5 years ago at a cost of £3k. It now would retail at around £6k. That’s a pretty good investment in my eyes. Not that I plan to sell it!

However, if you love the £200 watch, then buy it. Your DH should not force you into getting something you don’t want. I have a similarly priced ‘everyday’ watch and love it. I’m also a lot less precious about bashing it, or leaving it in the gym locker than I am about my Rolex (which are a magnet for thieves)