Expanding your watch collection with every fascinating new make and model hitting the market is all well and good, but can you really classify any of them as‘collectible’ watches? It’s always a delight for horology-lovers to collect timepieces, but let’s get one thing straight –a sought-after current model does not a collectible make.

Anything current, merely by virtue of being in production and circulation as of today, is not a collectible. Yes, it may be a worthy pursuit of collection, but don’t mistake buying a new model as an investment on a ‘collectible’. At best, you’re putting your money on a prediction of what may some day –in the distant future—become a collectible. In your possession, today, it is simply a good watch with collectible potential. A collectible, in it’s truest sense, is a thing of the past. And no, that doesn’t mean any old model from bygone years can make the cut –the coveted collectible tag isn’t dolled out quite so freely. So what types of watches typically make the cut? To find out, you have to check out collections for brands such as Rolex and Omega watches at Ethos Watch Boutiques. For more, read on!

Mass production models worth their salt

Rarity might make for the most compelling argument for a collectible, but let’s not forget classical favourites that sell like hotcakes, but still retain that special ‘collectible’ factor. Just like the chequered Luis Vuitton bag is the pinnacle of high-fashion must-haves, the world of horology isn’t without its popular icons.

Take your Rolex Submariner, for example. Rolex watches are popularly known to manufacture up to a million watches a year –but we don’t see that taking away from the brand’s unmatched collectible appeal, do we? After all, can you even dare to call any watch collection complete without a Rolex? I think not! Case in point, high production yet classic models like the Submariner or the Omega Speedmaster are the exception to the rarity rule of collectibles. And you can easily find these online with

Bespoke models

How would you like to get your hands on a watchespecially commissioned for royalty, nobility, or even your favourite pop legends? Among others, a host of Cartier watches have been commissioned especially for royalty and nobility across the globe. A sure-shot way to know a watch is worthy of the collectible title is if it’s a one-off model created especially for somebody.Frankly, it doesn’t matter whether it’s for the blue-blooded ora real estate mogul willing to pay top dollar for a bespoke model –it’s the exclusivity that counts.

If someone goes that extra mile to commission a special ticker, you know it’s probably going to earn itself a respectable place in the history books of collectibles. But remember, the brand also weighs in a lot here. If it’s a renowned luxury brand, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s going to be a collectible someday.

https://www.ethoswatches.com/brands/cartier.html

Exorbitantly priced, even for their stature

We know most watches worth collecting are already a cut above all else, especially in terms of pricing. But then every once in a while, along comes a ticker that’s way too ambitiously priced, even for its likes. But a closer look at the technology, design and materials will easily justify a steep price tag. The more complex the engineering and impeccable the aesthetics, the higher the cost of production. Some of the most interesting and innovative watches carry price tags typically beyond customer expectations –but therein lies the trick to spotting a future collectible. And more often than not, such pieces usually don’t fare well in the market, thanks to their high values. The result? They’re either pulled out of the market, or produced in low quantities. Either way, you’ve found yourself the necessary markers for a stellar future collectible–low production andhigh on innovation and technology.

Low production models

Yes,  here is the rare exception, as we’ve looked at already, but I cannot stress enough the importance of ‘rarity’ in collecting. In fact, rarity applies virtually to anything and everything that can be called a collectible. The Mona Lisa wouldn’t be quite so significant if Da Vinci had decided to make a billion copies now, would it? Okay, maybe that’s pushing the envelope a bit too far, but you get the point!

Rarity is crucial to collecting –so most low production watches that are otherwise quality models, will most likely become collectible-worthy in the future. Whether it’s the complex nature of production, bespoke limited edition collections by the likes of Breitling or Hublot, or simply poor marketing or receptivity at the time of launch, low production models can one day redeem their true glory. And if you keep an eye out for such distinctive luxury watches at Ethos Watch Boutiques, you may very well be in possession of a collectible in the near future.

https://www.ethoswatches.com/brands/breitling.html

Underwhelming market success

Just because a quality timepiece didn’t make it big in the market doesn’t mean it’s not top class. Sometimes, audiences just aren’t ready. Poor marketing can also be the cause for low retail success. Whatever the reason, great timepieces are often called out of the market by premier brands. Call me opportunistic, but this means low production and exclusive numbers –just the right ingredients for a future collectible! You can be sure that at some point, someone would unearth such a model and realise it for its true value –and that could very well be you, now that you know what to lookout for!