The Watch List: Timepieces Worth Investing In

The Watch List: Timepieces Worth Investing In

The watches worth buying have a reliable movement, a case that suits your wrist and a design you will still like in ten years. Automatics, chronographs, bracelet watches and leather-strap watches each get a grid, so you can compare movement, case and strap in one place.

Which watches are worth buying

The watches worth buying have a reliable movement, a case that suits your wrist and a design you will still like in ten years. Automatics, chronographs, bracelet watches and leather-strap watches each get a grid, so you can compare movement, case and strap in one place. Choose by how you will wear it.

Automatic watches

Automatics explained

Automatic watches from Gucci, Versace and Zodiac are powered by motion and need no battery. They suit a man who likes the mechanics. Wear it daily to keep it running.

Chronographs

Chronographs, decoded

Chronographs from Ferragamo, Versace and Gucci add sub-dials and a stopwatch. They look busy and sporty. A steel case is the most versatile.

Bracelet watches in steel and gold

Bracelet watches

Bracelet watches from Ferragamo, Versace and Gucci in steel and gold are the sturdiest. They suit tailoring and casual. Have the links sized by a jeweler.

Leather-strap watches

Our honest take

Fashion-brand watches are fine as jewelry but are not heirloom investments. We would not buy a watch purely as an asset.

Buying a watch is partly a trust decision. Buy from an authorised retailer, keep the box and papers, and learn the servicing schedule before you commit. Try it on, check how it sits under a cuff and wear it for a day before you decide it is the one.

If you take one thing away: buy the watch you will want to wear on Tuesday, not the one that looks best in a box.