2022 is coming to a close, which means it’s the perfect time to take a look at how the luxury watch market has developed during the year. While there were quite a few “losers” in 2022, and growth across the watch market slowed compared to the previous few years, there were still some strong performers that stood out from the crowd. Here are five luxury watches that have done remarkably well in 2022. Spoiler alert: We aren’t looking at the usual suspects from Rolex. These watches are all extraordinarily unique timepieces, some of which are in the realm of true collector’s items.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato
The Perennial Underdog Becomes Everyone’s Darling
The Girard-Perregaux Laureato has been extremely underrated and considered an insider’s tip among watch enthusiasts for such a long time, but in 2022, it finally made its way into the public spotlight. Whether more collectors have suddenly started appreciating the beauty of this model or it’s simply benefiting from its proximity to beloved (and unattainable) Genta classics, the perennial underdog has performed amazingly well in 2022. While the Laureato has recently seen a slight correction in prices, overall, it has appreciated by more than 15% since the start of the year. This is a strong performance in any year, but especially when you consider how tumultuous this one has been for the market as a whole.
Are you a fan of the sporty all-rounder with its characteristic waffle dial, unique bezel, and integrated bracelet? If so, current prices for an unworn model with a blue dial run just shy of $15,000.
A. Lange & Söhne 1 and 1815
Elegant Timepieces Are In!
Is it the fine aesthetics? The precious metal cases? The “under the radar” allure? Whatever the reason, elegant dress watches definitely enjoyed a surge of interest in 2022. Two watches from A. Lange & Söhne did particularly well this year: the Lange 1 and the A. Lange & Söhne 1815. Prices for the former rose by 15%, while the latter appreciated by 25% – impressive performances to say the least. Regardless of which model catches your eye, both offer reserved, streamlined aesthetics and top-notch finishing. These represent the epitome of what a fine dress watch should be. If you’d like to call one of these beauties your own, however, you’ll need an ample budget. We are, after all, talking about luxury watches made of solid gold. Prices for both the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 and A. Lange & Söhne 1815 are currently pushing the $30,000 mark.
Chopard St. Moritz
Watch or jewelry?
The next watch on our list of 2022’s top performers is a vintage timepiece that could easily be mistaken for a piece of jewelry. The Chopard St. Moritz is a fantastic unisex watch that is vaguely reminiscent of the more modern Chopard Alpine Eagle, but much more finely decorated. In terms of performance, this unique watch rose in value by 17% across the year. This is in all likelihood due to the recent success of the Alpine Eagle, which has also made a good showing in terms of popularity and price appreciation in 2022. Prices for the vintage timepiece are still relatively accessible, with two-tone models and models set with diamonds running in the $2,000 – 2,500 range, and the larger chronograph version starting closer to the $9,000 mark. With its 39-mm stainless steel case and blue dial, the chronograph may be the most interesting option for men. In any case, the Chopard St. Moritz is a truly exceptional timepiece that definitely deserves serious consideration.
Breguet Classique
Traditional and Classic
The name of this luxury timepiece says it all: The Breguet Classique is nothing if not extremely traditional and classic. You can find this dress watch in precious metals such as yellow, rose, or white gold and, similar to the two A. Lange & Söhne models discussed above, it stuns with its understated elegance. The classic dial is an object of beauty, and the blued hands will keep your eyes wandering back to your wrist again and again. It’s actually remarkable that this timepiece has appreciated by 15% in 2022 considering it’s not a timepiece that you’d see on every street corner. But even as a whole, Breguet has performed quite well this year, posting a roughly 9% rise in prices across the board compared to the previous year. That is a strong performance for an “insider” brand for connoisseurs.
Perrelet Turbine
Not Something You See Every Day
I was honestly a bit shocked to see that the Perrelet Turbine appreciated by approximately 14% in 2022. This is definitely the most unique timepiece on our list, and one you won’t see very often. Again, the name says it all with this model: The Perrelet Turbine’s dial is very reminiscent of an airplane turbine. I personally like the design; it’s fresh and something you don’t see every day in the world of luxury watches. If you’re considering buying one, however, you’d best have a sizable wrist or at least be a fan of sizable watches, because the Turbine is bulky. Sizes vary between 44 and 48 mm, depending on the variant. Compared to the other luxury watches on this list, this unusual timepiece is a downright bargain! You can find some versions for under $3,000 on Chrono24. That makes this model a much more affordable alternative to a Richard Mille, no?
