These four brands, says Clara How, are the top choices to give you the best returns.
ROLEX
The undisputed champion, particularly in the Asian market. Why? “The mindset is that if you are in need of cash, a Rolex is always a valuable asset to trade in,” says Elizabeth Hsu, owner of Brightime by Championtime, which deals in pre-owned luxury timepieces.
Many of the classic models are still in demand, but one of the most soughtafter is the Rolex Submariner (pictured left), which has had consistently strong market value since the 1960s. Hsu says that 10 years ago, a first-hand Rolex Submariner cost about $8,000. Today, it’s good for about $6,000 on the secondhand market.
A growing number of younger clientele are now opting for sports models like the Submariner-Date, the Yacht-Master or the GMTMaster.
This will drive up their popularity and boost their resale value.
PANERAI
With its strong signature military look and large face, Panerai has ridden on the bigwatch trend. It also owes its popularity to limited product numbers, and its unique versatility. “Panerai watches come with a tool to change the straps whenever you like,” says Hsu. “When female customers entered the Panerai market, the brand released a full range of differentcoloured straps.” Models like the Panerai Radomir Black Seal (45mm) keep their resale value well even after a few years.
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Demand for Audemars Piguet watches has spiked in recent years, driven by the brand’s limited-edition timepieces.
Hsu says people tend to buy them as investments, with the aim of trading up later.
One of the most popular (favoured for its contemporary look), and accessible (at about $40k), models is the Royal Oak Off shore.
PATEK PHILIPPE
Of course this luxury timepiece juggernaut makes the list: its watches owe their steep prices to complex handmade mechanisms and extremely high quality control. “As long as you have the budget, Patek Philippe is always the number one brand on the market,” says Hsu.
