Wealth Weekly #6
Watches as an Asset — Investing Without Breaking the Bank
🔑 intro
When most people think of watch investing, they picture a Rolex or Patek. But what if you could start building a collection for £1,000 or less — and still hold, or even grow, value over time?
📖 Why Watches?
Watches aren’t just accessories — they’re wearable assets. Certain brands and models build loyal followings, and when supply tightens, prices rise. While not every piece is a winner, the right watch at the right price can be both a joy to wear and a quiet investment.
The good news? You don’t need £10,000+ to play. There are brands and models that combine affordability, quality, and collector demand.
⚖️ Benefits & Risks
✅ Benefits
Wearable: enjoyment plus investment.
Affordable entry: start at £500–£1,000.
Global demand: strong communities for Seiko, Tissot, Hamilton, etc.
Potential appreciation when models are discontinued.
⚠️ Risks
Not all models gain value — hype matters.
Premiums on new watches can eat early profit.
Condition is key (scratches, missing papers = less value).
Market is cyclical — patience required.
📍 Affordable Investment Watches
1. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 (~£600–£700)
Hot integrated-bracelet sports watch.
Certain dials already reselling above retail.
Trend-driven, but strong demand keeps values steady.
2. Seiko Prospex Divers (£400–£900)
Beloved by collectors, rugged, and often limited.
Discontinued models (e.g. SKX007) doubled in value.
Seiko’s dive heritage = safe long-term bet.
3. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical (~£500)
Military-inspired, timeless design.
Limited editions tend to appreciate.
Huge enthusiast base ensures resale demand.
4. Orient Star (~£400–£700)
Premium line from Orient.
Lower supply, better value retention than basic models.
Affordable way into Japanese craftsmanship.
5. Sinn 556 (~£1,200 new, £1,000–£1,100 pre-owned)
German tool watch with strong retention.
Clean design, limited production.
Prices slowly rising year by year.
6. Microbrand Limited Editions (£300–£800)
Zelos, Baltic, Lorier = cult followings.
Limited runs sell out fast, often resell at premiums.
Riskier, but higher short-term flip potential.
7. Vintage Options (<£1,000)
Omega De Ville, Tudor Prince Oysterdate, vintage Seiko SARB.
Older Longines or Universal Genève Polerouter = hidden gems.
Heritage brands + scarcity = long-term value.
🛠️ Action Steps
Decide your angle: safe long-term (Seiko, Hamilton) vs speculative (microbrands).
Always buy from trusted dealers (Chrono24, Watchfinder, Chards).
Start small: £500–£1,000 gets you in the game.
Keep boxes/papers & maintain condition.
Monitor forums (Watchuseek, Reddit r/Watches) for demand trends.
🔮 Prediction
Within 5 years, affordable icons like the Tissot PRX and Seiko Prospex will double in resale value as demand outpaces production.
🚀 Bold Prediction
At least one microbrand (like Zelos or Baltic) will become the “next Rolex story” of affordable investing — with early buyers turning £500 watches into 4-figure collectibles.
✨ Final Thought
You don’t need a luxury budget to start in watch investing. Choose carefully, buy what you love, and keep an eye on scarcity. Your first £500 watch could be both a daily companion — and the start of an appreciating collection.
