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4 Tips to Watch Collecting and Maintaining Your Watches Value

August 15th, 2025

A close up of a watch dial with blue hands, roman numerals and brown leather strap.

At Gerald Peters, we understand that collecting fine watches is not merely about style, it’s about legacy, precision, and passion. The world of horology offers countless possibilities for every collector, and for those just beginning their journey, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why our experts have created this guide to the essential principles of building and maintaining a luxury timepiece collection. Whether you’re investing in your first Swiss-made watch or looking to expand your collection with bold, technical designs, our insights are rooted in decades of experience. Explore these timeless tips for creating a collection worthy of admiration today with the experts at Gerald Peters.

A close up of a gold plated Tissot watch with black dial and matching bracelet.

Start with Purpose and Knowledge

Before buying your first timepiece, it’s vital to consider what you value most in a luxury watch, including features like style, heritage, complications, or collectibility. Collecting watches without direction can lead to overspending or missing meaningful opportunities. We recommend starting with Swiss brands known for their enduring quality. For example, Tissot blends timeless aesthetics with precision, offering excellent mechanical and quartz models for entry-level collectors. Their use of sapphire crystals and automatic movements also ensures long-term wearability. Beginning with trusted names and specific criteria for your purchases builds both confidence and credibility in your collection.

Add Iconic Brands that Hold Their Value

When building your collection, it’s important to focus on acquiring models with timeless appeal. For the most success, you should select timepieces from brands that are recognized for technical innovation and lasting demand. Among these timepieces, those by TUDOR are a great example. Known for their rugged elegance, TUDOR offers dive watches like the Black Bay collection that blend robust engineering with vintage flair. Their rising popularity has also made them especially attractive on the secondary market. As your collection evolves, it’s important to consider acquiring models that offer rarity and narrative, such as limited editions or historic reissues.

A black and white close up of a TUDOR watch with a white backdrop.

Rotate and Wear with Intention

Wearing your watches is part of the joy of collecting, but overuse of one piece can accelerate wear while neglecting others can impact their movement. To prevent this, let each watch have its moment while preventing overexposure. It’s important to thoughtfully rotate your collection and match timepieces to occasion and attire while maintaining balance in their usage. Many luxurious watches offer unmatched versatility with interchangeable straps and diamond details that transition seamlessly from day to night. These designs complement both casual and formal ensembles, making them ideal for daily rotation.

Maintain with Professional Care

Even the finest timepieces require regular maintenance to ensure peak performance and aesthetic appeal. For example, cleaning your watches regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils and storing them in protective compartments or winders prevents scratching and keeps automatic movements in motion. Periodic servicing— typically every three to five years— is also essential to cleaning internal components and refreshing gaskets. At Gerald Peters, our own watch repair and restoration services include battery replacement, polishing, movement regulation, and resizing. Entrusting your watches to skilled professionals not only extends their lifespan, but also preserves their resale value and peerless beauty.

A close-up of a watchmaker’s hands adjusting the gears of a mechanical watch under warm lighting.

Explore Incredible Timepieces to Collect at Gerald Peters

At Gerald Peters, our luxurious showroom is a haven for discerning watch collectors. Whether you’re taking the first step into your collection or expanding a lifetime passion, we are proud to offer an extraordinary range of designer watches including TUDOR, Breitling, Michele, and Tissot. As a trusted name for over 30 years in New York, we are dedicated to pairing every collector with stunning watches that tell their story. Let us help you build and protect a collection that reflects both your style and your pursuit of horological excellence. Visit us in Staten Island or contact us for personalized assistance with your growing collection today.