Monday, 15th November 2004 (4365 views)

Old timepieces are proving increasingly popular with collectors as they offer a solid investment opportunity and a strong status for their owners.

Celebrities in particular appear to be clocking on to the investment opportunity of well-crafted timepieces, with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and Henry Dent Brocklehurst all owning impressive collections.

The market first appeared around 15 years ago, when people were more interested in old-style pocket watches and then wristwatches took over.

The greatest value items are Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso and Memovox models but vintage ladies white-gold Rolex watches and Cartier's Tank America models are also popular.

Some items which previously traded for around £9,000 can now sell for up to £85,000, with names including Vacheron & Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Longines and Omega also promising.

Discussing Rolex timepieces, Tom Boles, director of watchguru.com and watch designer at Dunhill told the Belfast Telegraph: "For £2,000 you can buy a 1950s vintage diamond white-gold ladies dress watch and it is absolutely beautiful."

However, experts warn that collectors need to be particularly wary of fake items and should make sure the items they are purchasing are authentic.

 

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