In 2025, we already know that luxury watches offer more than just exceptional craftsmanship. They represent a compelling investment opportunity. A pre-owned luxury watch from a prestigious brand is considered a tangible asset that holds and even increases in value over time. However, for many, this vast market can feel intimidating with so many attractive options lurking.
If you’re planning to buy pre-owned luxury watches with investment potential, here are the top models, according to The Luxury Hut.
Rolex Submariner ‘Hulk’
Few pre-owned men’s watches command the respect of the Rolex Submariner, a diving icon since its debut in 1953. The Submariner is widely regarded as the blue-chip investment model, with the stainless steel variants enjoying incredibly high demand. One such variant is the Rolex Submariner ‘Hulk’ (116610LV) that consistently sells above retail in the secondary market.
Why it holds value:
The ‘Hulk’ is a distinctive and iconic watch, easily distinguishable for its unique green colour scheme. This stainless steel Submariner equips a green bezel and a matching dial, earning it the nickname ‘Hulk’.
Its discontinuation in 2020 makes it hard to find and increases its desirability on the pre-owned market. This limited supply, coupled with high demand, is a key driver of its value appreciation.
The Submariner Hulk appeals to collectors who seek discontinued pieces with enduring popularity.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700
When Gerald Genta designed the Patek Philippe Nautilus in the 1970s, few could anticipate its explosive rise decades later. Talking about monetary investment, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700, launched in 1976, is considered an excellent option due to its status as the original luxury sports watch, with a distinctive design, extreme rarity, and iconic heritage.
Why it holds value:
Its distinctive porthole-shaped case and integrated bracelet design, created by Gerald Genta, have remained highly influential and sought after even after decades, making it historically significant.
Only 3500 units of Nautilus 3700 in stainless steel were produced, making it exceptionally rare. This extreme scarcity, combined with massive global demand, drives significant price appreciation on the secondary market.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus collection as a whole consistently commands top prices, and vintage models like the Nautilus ref. 3700 have seen their value multiply significantly over the years, with rare variations such as those with ‘double-signed’ dials fetching even higher prices.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin
Another Gerald Genta masterpiece is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak that debuted in 1972 as the world’s first luxury sports watch in stainless steel. The Royal Oak is now one of the most coveted investment watches globally, and the Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin 15202ST sees one of the strongest demands.
Why it holds value:
The AP Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin 15202ST is the closest modern version of Gerald Genta’s 1972 original 5402ST and hence, enjoys a dedicated fan base.
For enthusiasts, the stainless steel case, the octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, deep blue ‘Petite Tapisserie’ dial and integrated bracelet is not just a design but a symbol of watchmaking revolution.
The discontinuation of the model in 2022 made it more valuable as demand for the remaining pieces on the secondary market increased. The prices for the Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’15202ST indicate an annual increase of 15-20%.
OMEGA Speedmaster 'Silver Snoopy Award' 50th Anniversary
No list is complete without the OMEGA Speedmaster. This watch holds a place in history that few watches can rival, and the Speedmaster 'Silver Snoopy Award' edition enjoys huge demand due to its unique design, historical significance and limited availability. The watch celebrates the Silver Snoopy Award NASA presented to Omega in 1970 for its role in the Apollo 13 mission, and Omega released the Speedmaster 'Silver Snoopy Award' Ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001 in 2020 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this event.
Why it holds value:
The watch commemorates the major achievement in the 1970 Apollo 13 Mission. This authentic connection to space history drives high collector appeal.
The Omega Speedmaster 'Silver Snoopy Award' Ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001 is a special-edition timepiece, not a limited edition. Still, Omega has failed to meet the incredibly high demand for this piece, resulting in multi-year wait lists at retail. So, naturally, the model sells at a high premium on the pre-owned market, with some selling for multiple times their original price on the secondary market.
The watch features a creative design with an animated case back that shows a Silver Snoopy in a Command Module flying around the far side of the Moon when the chronograph is activated. The Earth disc in the background rotates once per minute. This artistic mechanical innovation highly captivates the collectors.
Rolex Daytona 116500LN
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has evolved from a niche racing chronograph model into one of the most valued and sought-after pre-owned watches to invest in. Today, the Daytona stands as one of the most successful watches, commanding premium resale prices. And among all the variants, the Daytona 116500LN is the most valued.
Why it holds value:
The Daytona 116500LN is known for its iconic design, featuring a stainless steel case, ceramic bezel, and a clear dial. The white dial version showcases black-rimmed chronograph sub-dials, offering the striking ‘Panda’ look, which is most sought after.
As a discontinued model, the 116500LN is considered the ‘last of the line’, adding to its value and appeal for collectors. This scarcity has created high demand in the secondary market, where it sells for far more than its original price.
This model is significant for reintroducing the ceramic bezel in the steel Daytona, adding to its historic significance.
Final Thought
The pre-owned watch market generally follows cycles, with short-term corrections, but top-tier models tend to rebound and continue their upward trajectory over time. The models listed above have a proven track record, enjoy strong collector demand and enduring style, ensuring you can get the thrill of owning some of the world’s most loved timepieces with the reassurance of long-term value retention.
For those seeking pre-owned men’s watches that hold value, check out The Luxury Hut’s extensive collection of pre-owned watches, including top models from the world’s most prestigious watch brands. Discover some of the finest pre-owned men’s watches at unbeatable prices, all fully authenticated and verified by experts. Shop the full range online or visit in-store to try the watches in person. Contact 0207 242 9160 for any queries.
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