الوقت من ذهب: الساعات كإتجاه استثماري
Berlin, August 2022. Far from Instagram and Co., the watch hype appeals to savvy investors and those who aspire to be: Not least influencers who passionately report on their achievements and the sensitive mechanics inside the noble chronometers are driving the desire for ticking treasures. That some watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet demand exorbitant prices for their masterpieces is known even to those not familiar with the topic. That watches from the initially mid-price range can fetch five-figure sums over the years is currently attracting capital investors worldwide.
Choice and Value
Among the most important factors for selecting valuable wristwear are besides the brand name, unique features of the type, and limited editions of the design. When it comes to an older model, authenticity is crucial: Has the watch been opened, have parts been replaced or repaired? Wear and tear from actual wearing also diminish the value. Novice watch buyers should choose the appropriate chronograph with the best return on investment within the desired investment framework with professional help and additional research on the price development of the respective models. The purchasing process also plays an important role: Counterfeits are among the real dangers when buying such an investment. Especially online, investors should only trust verified shops and have the watch inspected before purchasing.
Creating the Best Conditions
The purchase is made, the chic investment has arrived. And now? To ensure that the running timepiece remains functional, does not suffer damage, and increases in value, owners must ensure safe storage under optimal conditions. This includes maintaining a consistent and constant room temperature in the moderate range to protect both the mechanics and glued-on applications. Direct sunlight damages paint and color, which is why knowledgeable individuals choose a dark place for longer storage. Moisture turns out to be a major enemy: A humid climate can damage the interior and promote mold on organic materials such as the strap. And dust also endangers the interior of the investment if the smallest dust particles penetrate the case.
So all watch lovers who store their expensive watch in the showcase or in the closet take a risk. Retirement provision belongs no more next to socks than next to souvenirs from past vacations. At the latest when it comes to security against theft, those storing at home reach their limits. If criminals get close to the piece of jewelry, a grab is all it takes for the capital to disappear.
All the necessary conditions, on the other hand, are met by a safe deposit box: consistently tempered, protected from sun and moisture, and shielded from dust in multiple layers. In addition, safes offer the highest level of access security. "Of course, it makes sense to store an investment, which also serves as a piece of jewelry, in such a way that it can be easily accessed at any time," says Trisor CEO Dr. Justus Westerburg. A safe deposit box with autonomous 24/7 access without an appointment is particularly suitable. "It is also important that the watches can be inspected in a safe environment at the place of storage – for example, in a specially secured room with sufficient storage space," Westerburg continues.
Money in Flow - Watches in Motion
Automatic watches have existed since the 18th century. Due to their mode of operation, owners do not need to wind the watches daily. The chronometers continue to run precisely, without a battery or battery – provided they remain constantly in motion. However, if the showpiece serves as an investment, the watch should spend as little time as possible on the wrist. Protected from signs of wear and tear and blemishes, the pendulum inside remains still. Such a stiffness leads to complications with automatic specimens: Uneven wear or time-consuming adjustments in models with complex functions such as a perpetual calendar or moon phases are the result. Sometimes professionals have to intervene to recalibrate the delicate mechanism.
Watch winders, also called watch winders or watch winders, help against this. They simulate the use of the watch by rotating around its own axis, including appropriate breaks, and thus ensure constant, automatic winding. Whether for one watch or several: Various providers offer watch winders in different sizes. Starting at around €60, enthusiasts and investors have a wide selection of designs and functions in different price ranges. For secure storage of expensive investments in a watch winder, interested parties must pay attention to the dimensions of the rotors. "For example, the St. Gallen II Premium, the Beco Boxy Fancy Brick, or the Tokyo 2 by Klarstein fit easily into a size L safe deposit box at Trisor," explains Westerburg.