Top 10 Timepieces Under $15,000: Luxury Watches Worth Your Investment

From sporty and androgynous to classic and feminine.

By Brandon Chia - published 15 Aug 2024

Buying a luxury watch is an art in and of itself. There are many factors to consider, such as the cost price, the brand’s prestige, celebrity fanfare, the design aesthetic, the production quantity, and the materials and complications. Analysing these attributes can be tricky, which is why we’ve come up with a list of 10 luxury watches under $15,000 worth investing in for the long haul.

Luxury watches worth investing in

Rolex’s Datejust 36, $13,200

This manufacture is the Godfather of all watches and you can never go wrong with purchasing a Rolex—if you can even get an allocation. Aside from the scarcity, which helps drive up prices on the second-hand market, the beauty of the Datejust lies in its versatility. The series is continuously updated with fresh dials, some even featuring special effects, engravings or diamond gem-setting. The Datejust can also be configured based on your preference, be it a smooth or fluted bezel, an Oyster or a Jubilee bracelet, making it a perfect wrist companion.

Related article: How A Rolex Watch Dial Is Made

Cartier’s Baignore Watch, $9,950

A cult classic luxury watch is always worth investing in and the baignoire watches from Cartier won’t disappoint. Since its reissue in 2023, the bathtub-shaped model has become one of the world’s most popular timepieces, worn by the likes of Kendall Jenner, Lily Collins and Tyler The Creator. The grey market has also seen a surge of vintage baignoires fetching two or three times more than they usually would have before Cartier’s reveal at Watches and Wonders 2023. Although collectors are vying for rarer and more intricate pre-loved pieces at the moment, the new editions have the potential to be sought after in years to come.

Chanel’s Première Ribbon Couture Watch, $14,500

This Maison cannot be any more timeless, and its newest novelties from Watches and Wonders 2024 are a testament to that. Chanel’s watch studio crafted a set of limited-edition pieces that draw inspiration from the atelier and the equipment commonly found within such as scissors, bobbins and, in this case, a measuring tape cleverly disguised as the straps. Every piece is a rare collectible, just like a minaudière, which any fashionista will love to add to their trove of treasures.

Chopard’s Happy Sport, $12,200

If you value engineering and beauty, this timepiece from Chopard is definitely worth investing in. With curved lines throughout its design, the Happy Sport is a feminine masterpiece that sparkles with floating diamonds bouncing in between two sapphire crystal discs. The inclusion of deep red rubies packs an additional punch to the watch while remaining thoroughly elegant. Of course, don’t just take our word for it, Rihanna and Julia Roberts have also rocked similar timepieces in recent years.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso One, $11,000

Inspired by the first elongated models dating back to the 30s, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso One is a graceful and robust tour de force. The Art Deco style watch has several design elements that have become synonymous with the brand such as the gadroons on the rectangular case and the reversible case that reveals either a high-shine stainless steel caseback or a gorgeously lacquered dial in a lush green that matches the alligator straps. The diamonds fitted on the gadroons elevate the watch even further, making it even more worthy of your luxury watch collection.

Hermès Cut Watch, $9,810

Hermès has the quiet luxury game on lock and it is crossing over to its watch department too. The design philosophy of the Cut revolves around refined simplicity by playing with geometry and dimension to avoid bells and whistles to draw attention. The sharp angles and crisp lines bleed into the circular case, giving it a unique unisex experience while the satin and polished finishes add a sense of depth to the watch. Customisation is also a big reason why this timepiece is worth investing in, thanks to the easy interchangeable strap system that allows the wearer to switch between a bracelet or a colourful rubber strap to match an ensemble.

Grand Seiko SLGH013, $12,800

Purists love Grand Seiko. Every design aspect is thoughtfully laid out and executed to give each watch Japanese flair. From the incredibly legible indexes to the Zaratsu polishing that delivers an ultra smooth and distortion-free mirror of the case, the SLGH013 is a sparkling wonder matched by the captivating dial that is carefully engraved to mimic the melting snow on Mount Iwate that overlooks the watchmaking studio. The mechanical movement is crafted to perfection to provide precision and deliver a power reserve of 80 hours.

Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas Watch, $8,970

We covet versatility and the Serpenti Tubogas watch is brilliant as it merges two iconic symbols from the house of Bvlgari—the classic serpent design and the tubogas technique that imbues flexibility to the creations. The snake’s head functions as the watch case and face, the way it coils around the wrist and the sleek stainless steel body just makes so much sense for the brand. This timepiece is worth investing in because it can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, thanks to the mysterious black opaline dial and rubellite cabochon on the crown that adds sophisticated glamour.

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, $10,100

The OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch is arguably the most iconic watch in the world because it was the first watch to be worn on the moon. Since that fateful day in 1969, the watch model has made five more moon landings, showcasing its resilience and performance capabilities. The 42mm case diameter packs serious wrist presence but the black stepped dial and anodised aluminium ring bezel make it more low-key and a daily go-to timepiece.

TAG Heuer Formula 1| Kith, $2,150

A blast from the past never looked this good. Limited to 1,350 pieces in the world, this collaboration watch’s striking aesthetic featuring an eggshell-coloured face that contrasts the black bezel and red numerals seamlessly heralds the famed original from 1986. Of course, TAG Heuer gave it some necessary upgrades with sapphire crystal glass, colourful rubber straps fitted on the other counterparts as part of the collection and an updated movement. Although the price is on the more affordable side, the challenge is to collect them all.