We have all been there, standing at the shop window looking at your dream watch and thinking of the 100 excuses to tell your partner why you bought a watch the same value as a second hand car. Well to add to the excuses here are 5 heirloom watches to keep within the family.
Rolex Submariner
The Timeless Classic
The Rolex Submariner has always been seen as the timeless classic of the Rolex collection. Originally created for divers to keep accurate time on their remaining oxygen supplies, the submariner has been transformed from a divers tool watch to day-to-day wearer worn by business professionals and general hobbyists.
One thing we like most about the submariner is how versitile the watch is within its category. It can be worn at almost any occasion, from a building site to formal dinner, and it can take alot knocks and scrapes along the way without affecting its ability to keep accurate time.
While we are fans of the all steel version of this watch if purchased in steel or in precious metal this watch ticks all the boxes for a great family heirloom.
Images used from www.rolex.com
Images used from www.tudorwatch.com
Tudor Black Bay 58
The Hidden Gem
If you were looking at the submariner and you said to yourself, i cant justify spending £6300. Thenwe think we have found the perfect substitute.
Behold the glorious Tudor Black Bay 58.
If you are unfamiliar with tudor here is a quick recap of the brand. Tudor watch company was founded in 1926 by none other than the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf.
Wilsdorf created the sister brand to offer a cheaper solution to Rolex while maintaining high quality watchmaking and materials. Recently, Tudor have been making big moves in the watch world, and collectors are seeing Tudor as the go-to brand for affordable luxury.
And they are not wrong! The Tudor Black Bay 58 is probably the best value for money watch on the market today, With all the elements of the non-date submariner this Tudor watch is also a fraction of the price of its older brother at just £2760.
With a 39mm case, Unidirectional rotatable bezel , domed sapphire cystal, and waterproofness up to 200m this watch is as good as the submariner, just without the Rolex badge.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
The Bond Watch
While you might have seen this watch on the movie screens worn by such Bond actors as Daniel Craig & Piers Brosnan, you would have probably bypassed this watch when visiting your local Authorised Dealer.
The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is a beautiful and versatile watch similar to the Rolex Submariner. With the ability to sip under a shirt and dive to 300m it is needless to say why this watch is featured in all the Bond Movies. Unlike the Rolex Submariner, this watch is obtainable from shop windows and no 2 year waiting lists, which is a big plus along with the more reasonable price tag of £4170. And if your not a fan of black, no worries as comes in blue as well as bimetal varients.
So if your looking for something abit more available, good looking, and a beautiful watch to pass down the generations. Look no further than the Seamaster Diver.
Images used from www.omegawatches.com
Images used from www.audemarspiguet.com
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Rugged, while elegant
Another fan favourite for collectors far and wide is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
While there are many variants of the Royal Oak, the all-steel Ref. #15500ST.OO.1220ST.01 is the hot ticket right now.
Sporting a 41mm case , water-resistance of 50m, and probably the most beautiful bracelet on the market, this watch is stunning and this could also be said regarding the retail price. At £19,900 this watch is one of the most expensive on this list but unfortunately it doesnt end there. If you can find one in the shops selling for £19,900 that would be considered a steal…yes these watches are known to fetch as much as £27,000. which is comparible to a preowned, 2014 solid gold, submariner. Plus you will still have £2,000 change.
But if you do have a spare £27,000 tucked behind the sofa cushions, you probably wouldn’t go far wrong with purchasing this watch, as long as you keep it within the family for the foreseeable future.
Patek Phillippe Aquanaut
The 'watch' of watches
If you are looking for the watch that will be admired and adored by collectors and every generation of your family, this is the watch to acquire.
The Patek Phillipe Aquanaut is the beauiful introduction into the Patek sports line. With beautiful looks and excellent provenance this watch sports a 40mm case, self-winding movement, date function, and gorgeous sapphire crystal case back to view the Caliber 324 S movement.
While this watch retails at £15,110 you will be lucky to find one in the high twenties. With a 2018 model of this watch fetching £35,950 on the secondary market, its needless to say this watch is highly desirable.
With the Patek Phillipe famous slogan:
‘You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’
It is understandable why this awesome watch has made our list.
Images used from www.patek.com
OVERVIEW
Your Watch Story
While these watches are our top 5 watches for passing down to generations to come, there are definitely more than just 5 watches that could be fantasic heirlooms.
Tell us what watches you are planning to give to your children and your purchase decisions around the watch. We would love to hear your stories.
