10 Watches That Are Increasing in Value Right Now

Investing in watches isn’t just for collectors—it’s a smart financial move when done correctly. Some timepieces hold their value for decades, while others skyrocket in demand due to limited production, discontinuation, or growing brand prestige.

If you’re looking to put your money into watches that are appreciating in value, here are 10 models that are currently on the rise in the secondary market.

1️⃣ Rolex Submariner Date 16610 – The Ultimate Collector’s Diver

Why It’s Here: The last of the aluminum bezel Submariners, the 16610 has transitioned from an everyday tool watch to a vintage investment piece.

🔹 Reference: 16610
🔹 Years Produced: 1987–2010
🔹 Why It’s Rising: Increasing demand for pre-ceramic Rolex models and classic dive watch aesthetics.

Pro Tip: Prices are climbing, but unpolished examples with box and papers command the highest premiums.

2️⃣ Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A – The Hype Beast of Watches

Why It’s Here: The most sought-after luxury sports watch of the last decade. Patek discontinued the steel Nautilus 5711, and prices exploded overnight.

🔹 Reference: 5711/1A
🔹 Years Produced: 2006–2021
🔹 Why It’s Rising: Scarcity + demand = resale values going through the roof.

Pro Tip: Expect continued strong appreciation, especially for blue dial models.

3️⃣ Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore – Big, Bold, and Rising

Why It’s Here: The oversized, sporty sibling of the classic Royal Oak is gaining traction, especially in limited and discontinued versions.

🔹 Reference: 26470ST, 25721ST
🔹 Years Produced: Various (1993–present)
🔹 Why It’s Rising: AP’s controlled production and rising brand hype have made the Offshore models more desirable.

Pro Tip: The “End of Days” and “Safari” editions are particularly collectible.

4️⃣ Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” – Space History on Your Wrist

Why It’s Here: The Moonwatch remains one of the most historically significant watches ever made. Omega's latest updates (co-axial movement, sapphire options) have also boosted demand.

🔹 Reference: 310.30.42.50.01.002 (current version)
🔹 Why It’s Rising: The transition from Hesalite to Sapphire models has driven up vintage and earlier versions.

Pro Tip: If you're buying vintage, stick with original components—replacement dials and hands hurt resale value.

5️⃣ Tudor Black Bay 58 – The Next Big Vintage-Inspired Classic

Why It’s Here: Tudor’s Black Bay line has been wildly successful, but the Black Bay 58 (BB58) has emerged as the most collector-worthy model.

🔹 Reference: 79030N (Black), 79030B (Navy Blue)
🔹 Why It’s Rising: Perfect 39mm proportions, vintage-inspired design, and a modern in-house movement.

Pro Tip: Discontinued or special colorways (like the 925 Silver or Bronze versions) could see even bigger jumps in value.

6️⃣ Breitling Navitimer 806 – A Vintage Aviation Icon

Why It’s Here: The Navitimer 806 is one of Breitling’s most beloved models, and vintage versions are finally getting the attention they deserve.

🔹 Reference: 806
🔹 Years Produced: 1950s–1970s (vintage models)
🔹 Why It’s Rising: Increased collector interest in vintage Breitling chronographs.

Pro Tip: Look for all-original examples, as many older pieces have been over-polished or heavily restored.

7️⃣ Omega Seamaster 300M “Bond Watch” – The Under-the-Radar Investment

Why It’s Here: With James Bond 007 association and a rock-solid design, certain Seamaster models are seeing a surge in secondary market prices.

🔹 Reference: 2531.80.00 (Pierce Brosnan Bond), 210.30.42.20.03.001 (current model)
🔹 Why It’s Rising: Omega’s marketing + Bond nostalgia + modern upgrades = long-term value increase.

Pro Tip: The Brosnan-era Seamasters (1990s-early 2000s) are now vintage and climbing in price.

8️⃣ Cartier Tank Must – The Rising Star in Dress Watches

Why It’s Here: Cartier has experienced massive growth in collector interest, and vintage Tank models are riding that wave.

🔹 Reference: Tank Must de Cartier
🔹 Why It’s Rising: Cartier is booming in both men’s and women’s luxury watches, and vintage Tanks are still relatively affordable— for now.

Pro Tip: The early 1980s and 1990s models with manual-wind movements are the ones to watch.

9️⃣ Vacheron Constantin Overseas – The Dark Horse of Luxury Sports Watches

Why It’s Here: The Overseas collection has become the third contender in the holy trinity of luxury sports watches (alongside Nautilus and Royal Oak).

🔹 Reference: 4500V (current model), 42042 (earlier versions)
🔹 Why It’s Rising: Vacheron is capitalizing on the integrated bracelet trend, and demand for the Overseas is climbing.

Pro Tip: The blue dial version has been the most sought-after, but older Generation 1 and 2 models offer the best value.

🔟 Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso – A Classic That’s Finally Getting Recognition

Why It’s Here: The Reverso has long been a collector’s favorite, but its investment potential is finally being recognized.

🔹 Reference: 1931 Tribute, 270.8.62 (Vintage Models)
🔹 Why It’s Rising: A rise in interest for rectangular and Art Deco designs, plus JLC’s watchmaking credibility.

Pro Tip: The Tribute to 1931 models have been especially sought-after by collectors.

📈 The Bottom Line: What This Means for Watch Investors

If you’re looking to invest in watches, stick to models that have:

✅ Brand heritage and strong resale markets
✅ Limited production or discontinued status
✅ Unique features or historical significance

Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Omega continue to dominate, but brands like Cartier, Breitling, and Vacheron Constantin are emerging as strong investment choices.

As always, buy what you love first—but if it appreciates in value, even better.

💬 Which Watch Do You Think Will Appreciate the Most?

Are you holding onto any of these investment-worthy timepieces? Let me know which watches you’re betting on!

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