An iconic timepiece will never age. In fact, many gain style and value over the years. Whether you’re looking for a classic investment watch for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a birthday, anniversary or even an engagement (because what’s more romantic than the gift of time?), you can’t go wrong with a timeless classic. From Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual to Patek Phillipe’s Nautilus, here are the ultimate classic investment watches for women
Oyster Perpetual
£4,200
As one of the most recognised and covetable brands in the world, Rolex is a byword for quality, reliability and timeless design. This steel Oyster Perpetual 34mm is a modern classic – originally created in 1926 as the first waterproof and dustproof watch – and will always be in fashion, as well as being a wise investment.
watches-of-switzerland.co.uk
Little Lange 1 Moon Phase
£38,400
Looking for something ultra-collectable but under-the-radar? Storied German watchmaker
A Lange & Söhne delivers the finest craftsmanship both inside and out. Their Lange 1 model was first introduced in 1994, after the reunification of Germany – this chic 2017 Little Lange features a gorgeous off-centre, guilloche dial.
alange-soehne.com
Galop d'Hermès
£7,720
Die-hard Hermès fans will immediately recognise this watch’s equestrian nods, from the stirrup-shaped case to the number eight styled like a horse’s bit. Created with the American designer Ini Archibong in 2019, this is an instant collector’s piece.
net-a-porter.com
Happy Sport
£11,600
When the Happy Sport first burst onto the scene in 1993, its dial set with free-floating ‘dancing’ diamonds, the idea of a women’s sport luxe watch was born. The latest pieces pay homage to that game-changing moment with 21st-century updates, including a new movement and 18ct ethically sourced gold.
chopard.com
Reverso Classic Monoface
£3,950
Reverso immediately became a watchmaking icon when it arrived on the scene in 1931. Famed for its elegance, engineering and, most notably, its flippable dial, this year marks the design’s 90th birthday – proof that classic design only gets better with age.
jaeger-lecoultre.com
Égérie Moon Phase
£22,700
Horological savoir-faire is a given with Vacheron Constantin, which was founded in 1755 and is one of the oldest watchmakers in the world. Its Égérie collection, which was launched last year, features a contemporary, haute couture-inspired touch with a tapestry dial that recalls the pleating of silk.
vacheron-constantin.com
Nautilus
£72,860
For years, the Patek Philippe Nautilus – first introduced in 1976 – was easily the most sought-after watch on the planet. Now, with its blue dial discontinued, its successor comes with an olive green dial – and already has collectability (and waitlists) written all over it.
patek.com
Tank Française
£17,300
A Cartier Tank is an instant heirloom and the epitome of understated glamour. Originally created in 1917 as one of the world’s first wristwatches, cultural icons from Jackie Onassis to Audrey Hepburn and Diana, Princess of Wales all wore the Cartier Tank. Reimagined in 1996 with a metal bracelet, the Tank Française model offers a thoroughly modern update.
cartier.com
