INVEST IN TIME

Collectible Watches as an Investment

The estimated annual turnover of the watch retail market it is currently calculated at a value of $25 billion. Of these, 8 billion refer exclusively to the pre-owned and vintage watch sector, of which, in turn, 300 million is the value traded by auctioneers who traditionally have access to the pieces with the highest demand. This amount is increasing at a quick rate.

The present global demand for these rare timepieces is generating high long-term revenues, which can be calculated at around 15% net per year. A perspective views vintage watchmaking as a safe haven and a credible alternative to other asset classes. In contrast to the financial markets, prices are solely determined by the demand for luxury products that are restricted due to their limited availability, and which will likely continue to lessen.

Undoubtedly, what commands a market, any market, is the law of supply and demand. The watch industry does not behave differently, so it is only natural that the most discerning collector will look at these type of assets as a credible investment alternative, that benefit from immunity to market trends and the passage of time

It is often heard from the most distinguished experts that it is a mistake to look at wrist watches as an investment. An idea that is accompanied by the advice that one should only acquire what one likes, just because one likes it. However, despite the fact that this may make some sense, the current vigour of the market contradicts this idea. More than ever, knowledge and experience are becoming decisive factors in enabling the association of pleasure and investment in an efficient way. A statement backed by every Bonhams, Christie’s, Phillips, Sotheby’s or Antiquorum watch auction over the last few years.

The collector’s market for vintage wrist watches is relatively new, with only 25 years of existence. Vintage watches are now considered rare and, in some cases, even unique. Their historical origin and quality, determined by their overall condition, rarity and complexity, are aspects that can transform them into assets of significant value over time.

The resulting dynamic in the vintage watch market is a “status quo” that presents several opportunities, but there are also challenges and risks, therefore, from an investor’s perspective, the services provided by “Maintree Collectible Watches” are considered as indispensable.

Independents – a complementary investment or an alternative to vintage

As what happens in the artistic market, when it comes to emerging artists, the act of acquiring the works of independent contemporary watchmakers is a superb way to start a collection. A strategy that allows access to a world of excellence and manufacturing, rarely reached by the best names in the watch industry. Any prestigious brand with a production figure of thousands can hardly compete in exclusivity and quality with a name whose yearly production can be accounted for by a few dozen, or even only a few units. Here, the perspective of investment is also very tangible.

Maintree Collectible Watches Services

For all of these reasons, Maintree proposes a set of highly specialised services for buying and selling contemporary, vintage or antique watches, which are designed to minimise risk and support decision making.

Evaluation

What is the correct value of your watch or watch collection?
Maintree evaluates your watch or watch collection according to the market value, and if you wish, photographs the pieces and produces a catalogue including the most relevant information for each model, whether for insurance purposes or as a family heirloom.

Collection Curatorship

What is a collection? How do you plan for it? What aspects should define it? Witch additional pieces can enhance its collective value?
Maintree provides you with a consulting service aimed at giving a direction and structure to your watch collection.

Buy and sell

When, how and where to buy or sell your watch or watch collection?
Maintree advises you on how best to acquire or sell, search and browse specific models on the market, and may act on your behalf at specialised international auctions.