In the world of billionaires, where every luxury is a language and every legacy is a currency, vintage watches become much more than timepieces, they become symbols of power, style, and investment intelligence. From Silicon Valley boardrooms to French Riviera yachts, high-level collectors are quietly amassing horological history that far outperforms other asset classes. Here are the most notable vintage watches resting on billionaire wrist and vaults – and why they are such enticing investments.
1. Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman”
The Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” is probably the most well-known collector’s watch, and it has soared to the highest level of every billionaire’s portfolio. Paul Newman himself sold his Daytona, and it sold for over just shy of $17 million in 2017, the most expensive watch in the world, and it continues to raise the bar for vintage watches. Billionaires love vintage watches because of the rarity, undeniable goodwill in being communicated, and rising historical value. It is an asset class that serves as a trophy asset that signals the owner has some specific earning-disabling characteristics.
2. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518
Patek Philippe has long been a name synonymous with elite horology, and the Patek Philippe Ref 1518 – released in 1941 – is one of the most coveted models the company has produced. At the time, it was the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph as a wristwatch. According to records, only 281 pieces were ever produced, and a stainless-steel example will in all likelihood now be selling for over $11 million at an auction. Those with prominent collections including royalty in the middle east, chose the Ref 1518 because it was rare, and the spectacular mechanics forms an obvious point of differentiation.
Also read: Why the World’s Richest Are Obsessed with These Ultra-Rare Coins!
3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-Series
The Royal Oak A-Series changed the luxury watch industry forever with the introduction of the idea of the “luxury sports watch” in 1972. The bold industrial design, which was the work of Gérald Genta, brings new meaning to the word iconic. Billionaires, like François-Henri Pinault and Jay-Z, are often identified as fans of the Royal Oak. Models from the earlier years, and all in working condition, have seen timelines where their prices have jumped tenfold in recent years.
4. Cartier Crash
The Cartier Crash is known for its eccentricity while remaining stylish. The crash has been part of the line since 1967 and many elite collectors know it has been a sought-after collection from that date. With its melted aspect, it is often viewed as a counterculture piece within a traditionally buttoned-up industry. Prices have skyrocketed for original pieces and British and Middle Eastern billionaires have quietly pushed the prices for these pieces up into the six-figure range. The Crash is the perfect example of art and asset for an owner.
5. Omega Speedmaster “Moonwatch” (Pre-Moon)
The Omega Speedmaster, the same wristwatch worn by Buzz Aldrin on the moon, is a staple for many vintage watch collectors. Pre-Moon pieces (those with serial numbers before 1969) are highly desirable to collectors and enthusiasts, considering anyone with any relationship with NASA is desirable as an investable piece. More interestingly, vintage pieces encapsulate mid-century modernism and innovation. It is a desirable combination with a rich narrative. Elon Musk has supposedly got a collection of Speedmasters, as perhaps an homage to legacy technology whilst also pointing to his space ambitions.
Why billionaires invest in vintage watches
Unlike other investments, vintage watches can bring emotional associations. Scope aside, a vintage watch encompasses aesthetics, craftsmanship, and scarcity, all underscored by an intriguing story. In a sea of digital assets and intangible wealth, a vintage watch is something with value that you can wear and that’s tangible. Vintage watches also hold their value in amazing ways; while stock markets rise and fall and real estate cycles through crash, the right watch (especially one with provenance) will often, if quietly, increase in value. In addition, luxury watches are portable and private assets. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals wanting to de-risk their wealth with discretion, vintage watches can be transported, stored, and gifted to heirs with ease and often without the scrutiny that comes along with other holdings.
Conclusion
From the Rolex Daytona’s motorsport legacy to the Patek Philippe 1518’s mechanical ingenuity, vintage watches in billionaire collections are much more than luxury goods–they are alternative assets. As alternative investments gain traction, these horological legends represent a mix of legacy, art, and appreciation. For collectors with the opportunity and an eye, vintage watches are not just about telling time, but about outlasting it.
Written by Pranjal Data
