Quartz vs Mechanical — Do Quartz Watches Appreciate?

The market for preowned luxury watches is a multi-billion-dollar industry. It attracts enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The majority of our first-time buyers ask: "Will this watch hold its value?"

The correct answer depends on several factors, one of which is the type of movement inside the watch. If you're considering watches for investment or looking for the best watches to buy for long-term value, understanding the fundamental difference between quartz and mechanical movements is essential.

Let's dive deep into the mechanics of luxury watch movements and how they affect the value.

The Hard Truth: Do Quartz Watches Appreciate in Value?

No, quartz watches generally do NOT appreciate in value.

There's a reason why most high-value retaining watches are mechanical. Most quartz watches depreciate significantly from their original retail price, regardless of the brand name on the dial, with rare exceptions (which we'll cover later).

If you confidently want to curate luxury watches as investments, then go for mechanical timepieces. These watches consistently demonstrated true investment-grade avenues.

What market data says?

According to market reports, mechanical watches from prestigious brands can typically retain value upwards of 100%. With some models like the Submariner Hulk reaching 244%. The quartz watches typically decline in value over time, depreciating immediately after purchase.

If you compare the resale values, collectors assign significantly lower resale values to vintage quartz compared to similar-quality vintage mechanical watches.

Why Mechanical Watches Appreciate: The Investment Formula

If it's your first time exploring preowned luxury watches, understanding why watches appreciate comes in handy. Here are the main factors that drive value in the luxury watch market:

1. Brand Prestige and Heritage

The most reliable luxury watches for investment come from established manufacturers with decades or centuries of horological excellence.

Preowned Rolex watches consistently retain 90-110% of retail value across most models. Patek Philippe watches are also excellent for investment due to their limited production. Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Omega are some other excellent brands.

2. Rarity and Limited Production

This is a no-brainer; the harder it is to acquire a watch, the more its value will be. It's simple demand and supply metrics. That's why limited edition releases such as Anniversary models, collaborations, and special dial variants affect value significantly. Also, discontinued models have seen prices soar exponentially. For instance, Patek Nautilus 5711/1A saw 300% appreciation after the discontinuation announcement.

3. Mechanical Craftsmanship

Ultimately, the real value of mechanical watches lies in the artistry behind the movements. The craftsmanship is what separates investment pieces from ordinary timepieces.

Hand-finished components, taking hundreds of hours to complete, drive prices. Most investment-worthy preowned luxury watches have in-house movements developed by the brand (not generic ETA movements). Additionally, complications like perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, or chronographs add to the movement's sophistication.

4. Condition and Originality

Original parts, unpolished cases, and complete documentation can impact resale value by 20-30%. Preowned luxury watches with original box and papers, credible service history, and original components retain high value.

The Reality of Quartz Watch Depreciation

Even when you buy luxury watches with quartz movements from prestigious brands, several factors work against value appreciation:

1. Electronic Component Degradation

Unlike mechanical movements, quartz movements have a finite lifespan. You cannot restore them indefinitely due to electromigration, as every electrical pulse degrades circuit boards microscopically.

2. Mass Production and Perception

The watch-collecting community values rarity and craftsmanship. Quartz movements are mass-produced with minimal hand-finishing. Adding complications in these watches doesn't require craftsmanship but is simply a matter of installing additional circuit board components.

3. Market Demand Dynamics

Investment value requires active buyer demand. The majority of serious collectors prefer mechanical watches. Also, auction houses rarely feature quartz pieces (except for rare exceptions).

Does that mean no quartz watches appreciate in value?

No, there are some exceptions.

The Rare Exceptions: Quartz Watches That Can Appreciate

While mechanical luxury watches dominate the preowned investment market, a select few quartz timepieces have proven to hold or increase value:

1. Rolex Oysterquartz (1977-2001)

This discontinued Rolex quartz line has become surprisingly collectible. The Day-Date Oysterquartz models with their unique tonneau-shaped cases and in-house quartz movement (developed after 5 years of research) are collectors' favorites.

2. Vintage Omega Seamaster Quartz (1970s)

These are the first-generation luxury quartz watches from the quartz crisis era. Rose gold-plated movements with visible mechanical components and superior finishing compared to modern mass-market quartz give them value. These quartz timepieces are a landmark of "transitional period" horology.

3. Vintage Cartier Must de Cartier Tank

Another collection with historical importance in the luxury quartz market. These timepieces are known for their in-house Cartier/Ebel joint venture movements and their iconic 1980s/1990s fashion watch status.

Best Watches to Buy for Investment: A Tiered Approach

The Final Verdict: Investment vs. Enjoyment

Preowned luxury watches offer both status value and investment opportunity. If your primary goal is appreciation, choose mechanical watches from prestigious brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. There are several iconic models with proven track records; however, choose timepieces that are in perfect condition and come with documentation. There are some quartz watches that offer exceptional value, accuracy, and convenience.

For watch-wearing enjoyment, there are high-end quartz watches from brands like Grand Seiko that rival mechanical finishing.

Why Master Luxury is Your Trusted Partner

At Master Luxury, we specialize in authenticated preowned luxury timepieces, helping clients make informed decisions about both mechanical and quartz watches. Whether you're seeking the best watches to buy for investment or looking for the perfect beginner luxury watch, our expertise ensures you understand exactly what you're purchasing.

When you buy a preowned luxury watch from Master Luxury, you get a 100% authenticity guarantee. From detailed condition reports to transparent pricing based on current market values, we ensure you have the best buying experience.