The vast majority of consumer goods depreciate from the moment you buy them. Luxury watches, uniquely among everyday objects, can appreciate. Some do so dramatically. Others track inflation. Many — especially fashion-forward or heavily discounted brands — depreciate like any other purchase.
The watches on this list have been selected based on three criteria: demonstrated secondary market premium over retail, liquidity (the ability to sell quickly at a fair price), and long-term trajectory. These are not speculative picks — they are references with track records you can verify.
One important caveat: watch investment is not guaranteed. Market conditions change, new references affect desirability of older ones, and all secondary market prices fluctuate. The watches below are the best hedges available in the category, not risk-free assets.
The Top 10 Investment Watches for 2026
Rolex Daytona
RolexThe Daytona is arguably the most investment-worthy wristwatch in the world. The Ref. 116500LN (ceramic bezel, black or white dial) consistently trades at 80–120% above retail price on the secondary market. The Daytona's mythology — Paul Newman's connections, its racing heritage, the chronograph complication — combined with Rolex's controlled production makes it the quintessential investment watch. The Paul Newman Daytona (vintage) has achieved record auction prices. For a current reference, this is the single strongest investment case in watchmaking.
GMT-Master II (Pepsi, Batman, Sprite)
RolexThe two-colour bezel GMT variants — Pepsi (126710BLRO, blue/red), Batman (126710BLNR, black/blue), and Sprite (126720VTNR, green/black) — all trade at significant premiums. The Sprite, the newest addition with its left-handed crown, has attracted particular collector attention. The original Pepsi reference from the steel case era (16710 and 116710) remains highly sought. GMT variants combine a useful complication with the most visually distinctive Rolex design, creating sustained demand.
Submariner Date
RolexThe Submariner is the benchmark watch of the secondary market. The current 126610LN (black bezel, black dial) and 126610LV (green bezel, black dial — the “Hulk”) maintain value exceptionally well. The Submariner is also the most liquid Rolex reference — you can sell one anywhere in the world within days. While it doesn't appreciate as dramatically as the Daytona or GMT, its stability and liquidity make it one of the safest luxury watch investments available.
Nautilus (Ref. 5711, 5726)
Patek PhilippeThe Patek Nautilus 5711 achieved legendary status when Patek Philippe discontinued it in 2021. The announcement caused a market spike that saw the steel 5711/1A trading at 3–5x its retail price of CHF 34,893. Even today, prices remain dramatically above pre-discontinuation levels. The 5726 (annual calendar, moonphase) also commands significant premium. The Nautilus represents peak collectability: a design classic (Gérald Genta's 1976 masterpiece), a prestigious manufacturer, and artificial scarcity from discontinuation.
Aquanaut (Ref. 5167, 5968)
Patek PhilippeIntroduced in 1997 as Patek's more casual, sporty alternative to the Nautilus, the Aquanaut has emerged from its sibling's shadow to command its own significant premium. The 5167A (steel, blue dial) and the more recent 5968A (chronograph) both trade well above retail. The Aquanaut benefits from the same Genta design language as the Nautilus but has a distinct character — the rubber strap, the octagonal case — that attracts a younger generation of collectors.
Royal Oak (Ref. 15400, 15500, 15202)
Audemars PiguetThe Royal Oak's 1972 introduction by Gérald Genta is one of the most consequential moments in watch design history — the first luxury sports watch in steel, selling at a higher price than comparable gold watches. The current 41mm Royal Oak (15500ST) and the thinner 39mm (15202ST) both command secondary market premiums. The titanium, ceramic, and precious metal variants attract intense collector interest. Like the Nautilus, the Royal Oak benefits from iconic design, prestigious manufacture, and controlled production.
Datejust 41
RolexThe Datejust is not an appreciation play — it's a capital preservation asset. The most popular Rolex reference by volume, it has exceptional liquidity and maintains value well. Dark dials (black, meteorite, slate) in the 126300/126334 references hold value best. The Datejust is the right choice for buyers who want a daily-wear watch that won't lose significant value over time, without paying the significant premium required for sports references.
Explorer I (Ref. 124270) and Explorer II (Ref. 226570)
RolexThe Explorer models are among the most underrated investment pieces in the Rolex lineup. Their clean, legible design, relatively accessible pricing (below Submariner and GMT), and Rolex's documented mountaineering heritage make them increasingly sought-after by discerning collectors. The current 36mm Explorer I (124270) and 42mm Explorer II (226570, available in black or white dial) are both trading at meaningful secondary premiums despite being more accessible at retail than sports references.
Overseas (Ref. 4500V, 7900V)
Vacheron ConstantinVacheron Constantin's Overseas sits in the tier below Rolex in accessibility but offers exceptional watchmaking credentials — founded in 1755, the manufacture produces movements of extraordinary quality. The Overseas 4500V (self-winding) and 7900V (perpetual calendar) have seen growing secondary market premiums as collectors who have graduated from Rolex look for the next level of horological achievement. The interchangeable strap system (steel bracelet, rubber strap, leather strap all included) adds remarkable versatility.
Vintage Rolex (Pre-1990 Sports References)
RolexVintage Rolex has outperformed modern Rolex on investment metrics for the past decade. Pre-1990 Submariners (5513, 1680, 16800), GMT-Master references (1675, 16750), and especially vintage Daytona references (6239, 6241, 6263, 6265 — the Paul Newman-dial variants) have appreciated dramatically. Vintage watch investing requires deeper knowledge, professional authentication, and comfort with imperfect condition — but the upside potential is significantly higher than modern references.
Investment Watch Buying Principles
- Buy with box and papers: documentation adds 10–20% to resale value and increases buyer confidence
- Avoid over-polished examples: original case condition matters for value preservation
- Prioritise liquidity: a watch you can sell within days is worth more than one that requires months to find the right buyer
- Don't invest more than you can afford to leave illiquid: watches are not stocks; selling takes time
- Buy what you'd wear:the best investment watch is one you'd be happy wearing for years if the market moves against you
The watches on this list have earned their investment credentials through decades of market performance. They are also, without exception, exceptional timepieces in their own right. That alignment — investment merit and intrinsic quality — is what makes the best watch investments so compelling.