Investing in watches means combining the pleasure of wearing a fine timepiece with the possibility of preserving a durable asset over time. In this guide, we analyse the subject of watches as a form of investment, with a focus on the world of Rolex and Tudor, the two watch brands offered by Blondi 1897, a historic jeweller in Modena established in 1897 and an authorised Rolex retailer. We shall explore why certain watches are considered amongst the most sought-after, which models currently make up the Blondi selection, what factors influence a watch's value, and what precautions to take for a well-informed purchase. A journey conceived for collectors and enthusiasts who wish to approach this world with awareness, supported by an authorised retailer and a professional valuation service.

Why invest in watches

A high-end mechanical watch is far more than a simple instrument for measuring time: it is a work of craftsmanship, the product of a watchmaking tradition that, in brands such as Rolex and Tudor, is rooted in nearly a century of history. It is precisely this combination of build quality, brand reputation, and attention to detail that leads certain timepieces to be perceived not merely as accessories, but as assets capable of maintaining their value over time.

For those wishing to invest in watches, the first step is to understand that not all models behave in the same way. What matters is the strength of the brand, demand on the pre-owned market, and the condition of each individual piece. Entrusting oneself to a company such as Blondi, an authorised retailer with extensive experience in the buying and selling of fine watches, allows one to navigate this field with greater confidence and with the assurance of authenticity.

The world of Rolex: the benchmark for investors

Rolex is the name more than any other associated with the idea of a watch as a durable asset. Blondi Gioielli is proud to be part of the global network of authorised Rolex retailers, the only ones permitted to sell Rolex watches and carry out their servicing. This means that every timepiece purchased at Blondi comes from an official channel, a fundamental element for those who view their purchase with an eye on long-term value.

A particularly interesting chapter for collectors is the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme. These are pre-owned Rolex watches whose authenticity has been meticulously verified by Rolex and which are accompanied by a two-year international guarantee. Purchasing a certified Rolex therefore means combining the appeal of a timeless model with the reassurance of official certification. You can explore the available selection on the dedicated Rolex Certified Pre-Owned page.

Tudor: watchmaking quality at an accessible price

Alongside Rolex, Tudor represents a particularly appreciated choice for those approaching the world of fine watchmaking. Tudor is an award-winning Swiss watch brand, distinguished by its refined aesthetic, extraordinary reliability, and an unrivalled quality-to-price ratio. Its origins date back to 1926, when the name "The Tudor" was first registered by Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex. In 1946, Wilsdorf established Montres TUDOR SA with a precise objective: to produce watches with the same quality and reliability as a Rolex, but at a more accessible price.

Today the Tudor collection comprises iconic models such as the Black Bay, Pelagos, 1926, and Tudor Royal. Since 2015, the brand has also introduced in-house mechanical movements, offering superior performance and a power reserve of up to 70 hours. For those taking their first steps in collecting, Tudor offers an authoritative entry point into the world of Swiss watchmaking. You can find the brand's history and values in the dedicated Tudor section.

The most sought-after models in the Blondi selection

When discussing watches coveted by collectors, certain names recur with regularity. Within the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned selection offered by Blondi, there are models that embody the brand's tradition, presented with their year, case dimensions, and materials. Amongst the pieces that have featured in the selection are:

  • Rolex Datejust 36 – a timeless classic, offered in steel and white gold.
  • Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date – an icon of the dive watch world, in steel.
  • Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II – designed for those travelling across multiple time zones, in steel.
  • Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II – linked to the spirit of exploration, in steel.

These are models which, thanks to their recognisability and the strength of the brand, are amongst the most appreciated by those who view a watch as an asset to be preserved. On the Tudor side, the current collection includes references such as the Clair de Rose, Ranger, and Black Bay Bronze, offering a wide range of styles. The availability of individual pieces and their prices is always kept up to date on the catalogue pages of the website.

The factors that influence a watch's value

The value of a watch does not depend on a single element, but on a combination of characteristics. Understanding these is essential for anyone wishing to invest in watches in an informed manner. The principal factors include the condition and correct functioning of the piece, the completeness of its accompaniments, its authenticity and provenance, and naturally the model and materials. It is no coincidence that when Blondi appraises a watch, its experts carry out a thorough inspection to verify the timepiece's authenticity, provenance, and mechanical condition.

In summary, the aspects that have the greatest bearing are:

  • Authenticity and provenance: certainty that the watch is genuine and comes from a reliable source.
  • Condition: aesthetic appearance and correct functioning of the movement.
  • Accompaniments: the presence of the original box and guarantee certificate.
  • Model and materials: the recognisability of the model and the nature of the materials used.

The preservation of the box and documentation in particular is a detail that is often underestimated yet highly relevant: a watch complete with its original accompaniments is generally more valued.

A well-informed purchase: Blondi's advice

A well-informed purchase always begins with the choice of channel. Turning to an authorised retailer, such as Blondi for Rolex and Tudor, is the first guarantee of purchasing an authentic product and of being able to rely on qualified after-sales support. When the objective is also to protect long-term value, prioritising certified pieces, such as those from the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme with its two-year international guarantee, adds a further layer of security.

Equally, knowing the real value of a watch is fundamental, whether one is looking to buy or to sell. Blondi offers a dedicated valuation service: following a careful examination of the timepiece, a quotation is provided indicating the most appropriate price, with a response generally given within two working days of the request being submitted. If you would like to find out how much your watch is worth, you can request a watch valuation directly online.

Trust Blondi 1897 for your watch

At Blondi, we have been guiding enthusiasts and collectors in choosing the right timepiece for over a century. Founded in 1897, Blondi Gioielli combines the rich heritage of a historic Modenese establishment with the expertise of an authorised Rolex and Tudor retailer. Whether you are approaching the world of fine watchmaking for the first time or looking to expand your collection, our team is available to advise you with transparency, helping you to choose a watch that will stand the test of time. Come and visit us at our boutique in Modena, or contact us for further information.