Inked Mag Staff
March 11th, 2024
Investing in Time
A Closer Look at the World's Most Luxurious Timepieces
The luxury watch market is booming and doesn’t appear to be hitting the brakes anytime soon. It’s currently sitting at $43 billion, and researchers forecast that the global luxury watch market will hit over $53.5 billion by 2028.
Exclusivity is the name of the luxury watch game, and the waiting lists that accompany many of these watches speak to that. But the exclusivity of these pieces doesn’t serve just as a status symbol; it also serves as an investment. Luxury watches often appreciate in value due to their limited numbers and craftsmanship, making them a sought-after investment. This is evident in secondhand watch sales, which account for roughly 30 percent of the luxury watch market. Younger generations are taking to these secondhand watches as they look beyond fashion to see the ROI in preowned top-brand models like Rolex and Audemars Piguet.
Each year brings with it more modern additions to these classic timepieces, making them even more luxurious blends of centuries-old craftsmanship and advanced engineering. Though at their heart, luxury watches will always stay true to their roots, we will continue to see advancements in new technology, mechanisms, precision and versatility.
Breguet Marine Hora Mundi x Only Watch
The Breguet Marine Hora Mundi gold watch features a blue dial, dual-time display and self-winding Calibre 77F1 with a 55-hour power reserve. While its sleek midnight blue rubber strap exudes style, there is an element of surprise in its power—this watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, ready to accompany you on your underwater adventures.
Chanel J12 Diamond Tourbillon – The Flying Solitaire
Chanel’s stunning J12 Diamond Tourbillon embraces the art of timekeeping with its hand-wound caliber with a flying tourbillon, a triple-folding buckle, and nothing short of extravagance with a solitaire diamond on the cage. Crafted from the finest black ceramic, diamonds and white gold, this timepiece is more than just a watch. You can even dive into the depths without fear, as this luxurious watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech
The horological marvel that is the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph has a 44mm carbon-titanium case with a unique Tech8 composite, making it quite the statement. It boasts intricate features that show you the details of the luxurious world of timekeeping, including a gradient grey dial, sandwich-style markers, and GP03300-1058 automatic movement.
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Chronograph
Elevate your watch game to new heights with the Patek Philippe Chronograph—a watch of style and functionality. This masterpiece features a date sub-dial, luminescent markers and a 60-minute counter, allowing you to live every moment with precision. The central chronograph hand and transparent case back are features that elevate this piece, making it another Patek Philippe piece of perfection.
Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility–LE
Looking for something exclusive? Look no further than the limited-edition Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Utility. This piece is the epitome of craftsmanship and offers details such as titanium carbide, flyback function and a 48-hour power reserve that allows you to enjoy every moment without concern. The slate grey “Bund” leather strap adds some opulence to this already incredible watch, making it a piece that boasts both style and performance.
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication
Time looks better when it’s read from the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication. This watch’s silvered dial is encased in a white gold case, making it a true piece of art. Powered by the Caliber 2755 TMRCCQP movement, every tick of this watch brings with it sophistication and style. You’ll not only look better, but you’ll also feel better with this watch on your wrist.
ZENITH Unveils Defy 21 Chroma II–Light, Color and Speed
Fusing both style and function, ZENITH’s DEFY 21 Chroma II is a limited black and white ceramic edition piece that takes the notion of conventional watches and runs with it. This exclusive timepiece features a stunning black and white ceramic design with a refracted rainbow dial. Under the surface you’ll find the El Primero 21 movement operating at 5Hz and a whopping 50Hz to give you the top level of accuracy. The dial reveals its decorated movement through a sapphire case back, giving you a look into the heart of this horological masterpiece.
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Magic Gold
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Magic Gold timepiece embodies innovation and luxury in a fusion of cutting-edge materials. Crafted from Magic Gold, a proprietary alloy renowned for its resilience, this watch exudes sophistication. Its tonneau-shaped case merges modern aesthetics with intricate mechanics, housing a self-winding movement. The skeletonized dial offers a mesmerizing view of the intricate gears and mechanisms within. With a blend of contemporary design and technical prowess, it balances style and substance effortlessly. The Spirit of Big Bang Magic Gold stands as a testament to Hublot’s dedication to pushing boundaries in haute horology, epitomizing opulence and innovation.
Kross Studio Central Floating Tourbillon
The Kross Studio Central Floating Tourbillon timepiece exemplifies horological finesse with an avant-garde touch. Its mesmerizing floating tourbillon, centrally placed on the dial, captivates with its graceful, weightless rotation. Encased in sapphire crystal, the intricate movement is a visual spectacle, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. The minimalist design, coupled with a sophisticated blend of materials, enhances its contemporary allure. Limited in production, this timepiece signifies exclusivity and innovation in haute horology. Kross Studio’s dedication to precision and artistry shines through in this Central Floating Tourbillon, redefining elegance and sophistication in the realm of luxury watches.
The Audemars Piguet ‘The Chocolate AP’ by Travis Scott
The Audemars Piguet ‘The Chocolate AP’ by Travis Scott is a horological marvel fusing haute horology with streetwear allure. This limited-edition timepiece embodies the rapper’s signature style, featuring a tantalizing brown colorway that exudes boldness. The octagonal case, a nod to Audemars Piguet’s iconic design, showcases intricate details, including the Mega Tapisserie dial and the ‘Cactus Jack’ insignia, reflecting Travis Scott’s artistic flair. Its self-winding chronograph movement combines precision with a rugged, urban aesthetic, appealing to watch enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals alike. ‘The Chocolate AP’ stands as a testament to the fusion of high-end craftsmanship and contemporary culture, marking a dynamic collaboration between luxury watchmaking and music iconography.
Editor's Picks
Hooked on Ink
Tattoo enthusiasts often claim addiction, but true addiction involves chemical and psychological dependence. Obsessive love for tattoos is not the same as addiction.
Austin City Limits 2024: Tattooed Icons and Epic Performances – Copy 1
From Soulful Ballads to Punk Anthems: Tattooed Artists Leave Their Mark on Austin City Limits 2024
Austin City Limits 2024: Tattooed Icons and Epic Performances
From Soulful Ballads to Punk Anthems: Tattooed Artists Leave Their Mark on Austin City Limits 2024