Value retention is typically the biggest question when shopping for a luxury sports watch. Anyone willing to spend thousands of dollars on a piece of jewelry will likely be concerned about its value and whether or not it is worth the high price tag. It’s also normal to wonder if your watch will remain valuable or lose its value in the long run. After all, a luxury watch is expected to be a good store of value.
For people interested in watches that retain or even gain value over time, Patek Philippe watches are the most recommended options. Patek watches like the Patek Philippe 5167 & 5167Aare great investment pieces. One of the brand’s marketing taglines is that you never really own a Patek Philippe; you only keep it for the next generation. This simple quip encapsulates everything you need to know about the Patek Philippe.
Watches like the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167 are among the most sought-after watches in the luxury market. The Aquanaut collection in itself has a strong track record of value retention and appreciates significantly over time – all thanks to its peculiar design, excellent craftsmanship, and growing popularity leading to high demand.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the value retention of the Patek Philippe 5167 and its potential as an investment piece.
High Demand
The Aquanaut collection, including all versions of the Patek 5167 is among Patek Philippe’s best-sellers. Considered a modern icon by many, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A is one of the most popular models in the Aquanaut lineup. It’s not the most in-demand Patek watch in the market, but it is definitely one of the most desirable ones.
The popularity of the Patek 5167 and 5167A with Aquanaut fans is partly due to its classic appearance but also because it is one of the most affordable Patek watches you could ever buy. The low price point of this watch makes it a popular choice for beginners and casual buyers. It’s no wonder that this watch is sometimes referred to as the “poor man’s Patek”. The Aquanaut 5167A serves as an affordable way to break the ice as a beginner in the Patek universe of super-expensive watches.
Finding a modern Patek Philippe watch at a retail price of less than $25,000 is not a trivial task. Fortunately, options like the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A can be purchased at this price point when you shop from official retailers. This watch also maintains a relatively affordable price in the pre-owned market. These factors have led to a consistent demand for the Patek 5167 and 5167A. And with high demand comes great long-term resale value for anyone who chooses to sell this watch in the secondary market.
Distinctive Design
Like other Aquanaut watches, the Patek 5167 has a modern, sporty aesthetic, which sets it apart from other luxury timepieces. This Aquanaut model occupies a special position in Patek’s lineup. It was one of the timepieces released in 2007 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Aquanaut collection and came with some major redesigns/upgrades over previous models. Commemorative pieces like this often enjoy higher demand than regular models due to their value to the Patek brand.
One of the most obvious upgrades with this timepiece is its enlarged casing. The Aquanaut 5167 was released in a 40.8 mm casing, considered extra-large compared to other Aquanaut models. However, it is still an average-sized watch for a Patek sports watch and has a slim profile that makes it quite wearable.
Another update with this collection was its redesigned dial, which gave it a more discreet appearance. Patek also introduced an upgrade in the strap of this model. Unlike older watches in the collection, the tropical strap of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167 comes with patterns designed to match the case contours.
These design upgrades gave the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167 & 5167A a distinctive look compared to other Aquanaut watches. Factors like this drive demand in the luxury watch market and contribute significantly to this model’s price retention.
The similarity in size between the Aquanaut 5167 and the classic Nautilus is another reason why purists love this timepiece. This connection motivates collectors (especially those looking for a good but affordable alternative to the Nautilus) to choose the Patek Philippe 5167A over the alternatives. Design peculiarities like this also contribute to the long-term value of this wristwatch.
Useful and Versatile
The Aquanaut 5167 has an understated aesthetic. This type of design is perfect for people who prefer a simple timepiece with a muted appearance. A conservative design also tends to be very versatile. It can be paired with any outfit without looking overbearing or overshadowing the rest of your outfit.
The Patek 5167 and 5167A Stainless steel watches perfectly embody everything the Aquanaut collection stands for. They offer a perfect balance between sporty and formal, thanks to their slim profile, average-sized casing, and reliable self-winding movement. To complete the elegant design of this watch is a highly refined and colorful dial designed to match the unique tropical strap.
Thanks to these design features, the Patek Philippe 5167 looks like a watch you could wear for casual and formal occasions without worrying. The fact that this watch is waterproof to a depth of up to 120 meters further improves its utility.
Watch enthusiasts love versatile timepieces that can be worn for every occasion. The Patek 5167’s subtle look might not be a good fit for those who prefer to have their wrist stand with luxurious precious metals and diamonds, but it is perfect for those who prefer exquisite but ordinary-looking watches.
Timeless Appeal
Timelessness is one of the secrets to value preservation in the luxury watch industry. An understated aesthetic like that of the Patek 5167 is a vital quality that allows Patek Philippe watches to survive beyond fleeting fashion trends.
The enduring appeal of this watch lies in its subtle elegance and versatility. As explained above, this attribute makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions and personal styles – perfect for people looking for a watch they can wear daily for various occasions.
This universal design language, combined with the impeccable craftsmanship and enduring reputation of the Patek Philippe, further contributes to a strong potential for long-term value retention.
Furthermore, watches with a timeless design like this will likely attract discerning collectors with a good eye for quality and longevity over flashy accessories. This consistent demand from seasoned collectors and enthusiasts will help maintain the value of this timepiece over time.
Proven Track Record
Finally, a look at the historical price data for the Patek 5167 shows a general appreciation in value for this watch. The Patek 5167A has a retail price of roughly $24,750 for the stainless steel version, while the rose gold version of this watch is sold for about $47,000 by official retailers.
Both versions sell for double this price in the secondary market. The stainless steel 5167 costs approximately $53,000, ranging from $32,000 for the cheapest examples to $78,000 for the most expensive ones. This represents a value gain of 100 to 200% on this timepiece.
A similar trend applies to the rose gold version as well. The Aquanaut 5167R-001 is listed for an average price of $78,000 on secondary marketplaces, with pricing ranging from $57,000 for the cheapest ones to $110,000. These figures reflect the model’s desirability and potential to retain its value for a long time, making it a reliable investment choice.
Conclusion
The luxury watch market is subject to price fluctuations. Yet, the intrinsic value of a well-made watch from a high-end manufacturer like Patek will likely increase steadily over time instead of declining. The Patek 5167 and 5167A are good examples of high-quality Patek watches with a timeless design that’s unlikely to lose value. This makes any variant of this watch a sound investment for anyone looking to buy one either for personal use, a heirloom piece, or as a store of value to be resold later.