Worth It: A Fine Watch
Fine jewelry holds a lot of value—both sentimental and monetary—and the right piece will appreciate in both ways over time. Here, our recommendations of heirloom-worthy investments to grace your jewelry box now and pass on to future generations later. Enjoy, forever.
Photo credit: @aidyn_ahmet & @lido_kz
It’s about time you found the right investment piece
Like the storied house’s famous campaign explains, “You never really own a Patek Phillipe.” A fine watch is a small (26–42 mm to be exact) miracle of craftsmanship, quality, and design—both a keeper of time and a signal of style that is, paradoxically, timeless. From immutable materials to precise mechanics to aesthetic appeal, these are pieces meant to be passed down through the ages, stewarded, as it were, from one generation to the next.
With all of these exquisite elements, it’s no wonder that fine watches often cost a pretty penny. Luckily, many retailers offer payment plans, and we know plenty of jewelers who can help hopeful horophiles realize their dreams.
Patek Philippe isn’t the only famous case in point. Take Cartier’s Panthère de Cartier watch, a perennially popular pick among celebrities since its inception in 1983 (Cartier is often credited with heralding the concept of a “jewelry watch” with this design). In the ‘80s, you might have spotted a Panthère on the likes of Pierce Brosnan or Charlie Sheen. Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jane Fonda all wore one throughout the `90s, adopting a borrowed-from-the-It-boys look. When Cartier re-released the style in 2017, ingéneus of the Gen Z variety (think Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid) started stacking theirs amidst armfuls of bangles and bracelets.
As the saying goes, “Fashion changes, but style endures.”
Plenty of trends exist in the high-end watch world. This season alone, we saw rainbow gems, striking green faces, and snow-set diamonds. Make your investment worth it by seeking out an ageless aesthetic, something that you—and future generations—will wear day and evening, now and always, no matter the place or time.
Editor: Samantha Durbin
Wordsmith: Rebecca Daly
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