Timeless Investment: 10 Stunning Watches Under $15,000
From sporty and androgynous to classic and feminine.
By Brandon Chia,
Buying a luxury watch is a nuanced process. You’ll want to consider several factors, including price, brand prestige, celebrity endorsements, design, production quantity, materials, and complications. With so many attributes to analyse, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 10 luxury watches under $15,000 that are great long-term investments.
ROLEX'S DATEJUST 36, $13,200
This brand is often considered the Godfather of all watches, and purchasing a Rolex is always a solid choice – if you can manage to secure an allocation. Beyond its scarcity, which drives up second-hand prices, the beauty of the Datejust lies in its versatility. The series is regularly updated with new dials, including options with special effects, engravings, and diamond settings. You can also customise the Datejust to suit your preferences, choosing between a smooth or fluted bezel and an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, making it an ideal wrist companion.
CARTIER'S BAIGNORE WATCH, $9,950
A cult classic luxury watch is always a worthwhile investment, and Cartier's Baignoire models are no exception. Since its reissue in 2023, this bathtub-shaped timepiece has gained immense popularity, worn by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Lily Collins, and Tyler, The Creator. The grey market has also seen a surge, with vintage Baignoire watches selling for two to three times their previous value since Cartier's reveal at Watches and Wonders 2023. While collectors are currently seeking rarer and more intricate pre-owned pieces, the new editions are poised to become highly sought after in the years to come.
CHANEL'S PREMIERE RIBBON COUTURE WATCH, $14,500
This maison epitomises timelessness, and its latest offerings from Watches and Wonders 2024 prove just that. Chanel’s watch studio has crafted a limited-edition collection inspired by the atelier and its tools, incorporating elements like scissors, bobbins, and cleverly designed straps that resemble measuring tapes. Each piece is a rare collectible, akin to a minaudière, making it a perfect addition for any fashionista's treasure trove.
CHOPARD'S HAPPY SPORT, $12,200
If you appreciate engineering and beauty, this timepiece from Chopard is certainly worth considering. The Happy Sport features elegant curved lines and showcases floating diamonds that dance between two sapphire crystal discs. The addition of deep red rubies enhances its allure while maintaining a refined elegance. But don’t just take our word for it – celebrities like Rihanna and Julia Roberts have also worn similar pieces in recent years.
JAEGER-LECOULTRE'S REVERSO ONE $11,000
Inspired by the elongated models of the 1930s, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso One is a stunning blend of grace and durability. This Art Deco timepiece features signature elements of the brand, including gadroons on the rectangular case and a reversible design that reveals either a polished stainless steel caseback or a beautifully lacquered lush green dial that complements the alligator straps. The diamonds set into the gadroons add an extra touch of elegance, making it a worthy addition to any luxury watch collection.
HERMES CUT WATCH, $9,810
Hermes has the quiet luxury game on lock and it is crossing over to its watch department too. The design philosophy of the Cut revolves around refined simplicity by playing with geometry and dimension to avoid bells and whistles to draw attention. The sharp angles and crisp lines bleed into the circular case, giving it a unique unisex experience while the satin and polished finishes add a sense of depth to the watch. Customisation is also a big reason why this timepiece is worth investing in, thanks to the easy interchangeable strap system that allows the wearer to switch between a bracelet or a colourful rubber strap to match an ensemble.
GRAND SEIKO SLGH013, $12,800
Purists adore Grand Seiko for its meticulous craftsmanship and distinctive Japanese flair. Every design element is thoughtfully executed, from the highly legible indexes to the Zaratsu polishing, which creates an ultra-smooth, distortion-free mirror finish on the case. The SLGH013 is a stunning piece, featuring a captivating dial engraved to resemble the melting snow on Mount Iwate, which overlooks the watchmaking studio. Its mechanical movement is engineered to perfection, ensuring precision and offering an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
BVLGARI SERPENTI TUBOGAS WATCH, $8,970
We value versatility, and the Serpenti Tubogas watch excels in this regard by combining two iconic symbols from Bvlgari: the classic serpent design and the flexible tubogas technique. The snake’s head serves as the watch case and face, coiling elegantly around the wrist, while the sleek stainless steel body perfectly complements the brand's aesthetic. This timepiece is a worthwhile investment, as it can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. The mysterious black opaline dial and the rubellite cabochon on the crown add an extra touch of sophisticated glamour.
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER MOONWATCH PROFESSIONAL, $10,100
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is arguably the world’s most iconic watch, as it was the first timepiece worn on the moon. Since that historic day in 1969, this model has been part of five additional moon landings, demonstrating its resilience and performance. With a 42mm case diameter, it commands attention, yet the black stepped dial and anodised aluminium bezel give it a more understated look, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear.
TAG HEUER FORMULA 1| KITH, $2,150
A blast from the past has never looked this good. Limited to just 1,350 pieces worldwide, this collaboration watch features a striking eggshell-coloured face that contrasts beautifully with the black bezel and red numerals, paying homage to the original model from 1986. TAG Heuer has also incorporated necessary upgrades, including sapphire crystal glass, vibrant rubber straps for the other pieces in the collection, and an updated movement. While the price is relatively affordable, the challenge lies in collecting them all.
This story first appeared in Harper's Bazaar Singapore