A return of +200% in 8 months – is that even possible in times of crisis? Yes! Because we were able to realise precisely this performance with one of our first exits. You can find out exactly how the exit process works at Timeless and how our luxury watches perform compared to other asset classes here.
What makes this asset so special: The Cartier Santos Ref. 2960 is part of the Santos de Cartier collection and embodies the quintessence of luxury and pioneering spirit. Originally designed for the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the first Santos from 1904 marked the beginning of the wristwatch era. The Santos Carrée version, which was introduced in the late 1970s, characterised the watch aesthetic of the 1980s with its striking square case. Our Ref. 2960 is reminiscent of the bold elegance of the film character Gordon Gekko from “Wall Street” and is a rare collector’s item that epitomises the luxurious style and innovative spirit that Cartier represents worldwide.
Exit details: After an investment period of just 4 months, the Cartier Santos Ref. 2960 realised a sales price of €23,305, which represents an impressive +18%* increase in value. This performance resulted in an exit fraction price of €59 per share, from an original drop share price of €50.
Comparison with the market and traditional financial investments: The success of this exit reflects the strength and growth of the luxury watch market, particularly during a period when even the best performing indices such as the S&P 500 returned +15.62%. Our Cartier watch has not only matched but outperformed these benchmarks, underlining its attractiveness as an investment. The Knight Frank Wealth Report (Q2, 2023) confirms this positive trend in the luxury watch segment with an increase of +10% in The AMR Watch Index.
*Realised value increase of the specimen, fractionalised by Timeless, in the time period between the asset’s drop and exit (Cartier Santos Ref. 2960, 28.09.2023 – 07.02.2024). This is not an indication of future performance.
What makes this asset so special: As one of the first four models after the reestablishment of the luxury label in 1994, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia stands for mechanical perfection and innovation – a tribute to the first German steam locomotive of the same name, the SAXONIA from 1839. Reference 102.002, produced between 1994 and 1996, is particularly notable for its rare, solid gold case back. Our example is presented in immaculate condition, complemented by a brand new Lange alligator strap and the original yellow gold pin buckle.
Exit details: After an investment period of just 10 months, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia was sold for €32,500. This impressive result represents an increase in value of +13.6%*, which equates to an exit price of €57 per fraction.
Comparison with the market and traditional financial assets: This success reflects the positive development in the secondary market for luxury watches, as shown by the AMR Watch Index with a robust increase of +10% in the second quarter of 2023 (Knight Frank The Wealth Report Q2, 2023). Compared to traditional financial assets, Saxonia outperformed the S&P 500 by 3.6% and the DAX by 4.6% (in the period 15/12/2022 – 02/10/2023).
*Realised increase in value of the specimen fractionalised by Timeless in the period between drop and exit of the asset (A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia, 15.12.2022 – 02.10.2023). This is not an indication for the future.
This particular exit case not only exceeded our expectations, but above all once again highlighted the opportunities offered by the emerging collectibles market.
The Year of Cartier: An In-Depth Look
2023 was without a doubt the year of Cartier. A veritable hype arose around vintage Cartier watches, not least thanks to the impressive new models presented by Cartier at this year’s “Watches & Wonders” trade show at the end of March.
Cartier watches have recently experienced a renaissance. The growing interest in the brand, coupled with Cartier’s outstanding design and iconic aesthetic, is attracting the attention of collectors. More than ever, aesthetics and design are coming to the forefront, which has given Cartier a distinct advantage.
In addition, according to Bloomberg, mid-priced brands like Cartier have proven to be particularly resilient; while the global economy and cryptocurrencies were experiencing setbacks, Cartier was thriving.
Why was now the right time?
Our team at Timeless Investments always follows what is happening in the market. Through our expertise and regular interactions with our extensive dealer network, we were quick to spot rising prices for Cartier watches. The Knight Frank Wealth Report 2023 Q2 highlights this trend, with Cartier watches seeing a price increase of around +12% over the last 12 months–more than bigger brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe. Our contacts with dealers enabled us to acquire the watch at an excellent price. After that, the goal was clear: to take advantage of the current hype and sell the watch as quickly as possible. We aimed for a return of at least +12%, based on Knight Frank’s price trend analysis.
Our expectations were exceeded: Contrary to the average holding period of 12-36 months, our experts were able to achieve an attractive offer of €9,000 for the Cartier Arrondie within a few days through quick and strategic negotiations. For our investors, this means a return of +20%* at an exit fraction price of €60.
Conclusion
In summary, the sale of our Cartier Arrondie was not only the result of thorough analysis and deep knowledge of the luxury watch market. It was also the result of our firm conviction to always have our finger on the pulse and keep an eye on the latest trends.
*Realised increase in value of the specimen fractionalised by Timeless in the period between drop and exit of the asset (Cartier Tank Arondie, 21.09.2023 – 04.10.2023). This is not an indication for the future.
What makes this asset so special: It combines class, beauty and elegance. The finely polished steel of the bracelet gives the watch its class. The pink-coloured hands in combination with the sapphire crystal give the watch a certain beauty and the crown lends the watch an unmistakable elegance.
In top condition and with original accessories, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 115200 is a wonderful collector’s item of particular rarity.
Exit facts: After just 15 months, our experts succeeded in negotiating an excellent sales price of €10,000 for this asset. The shareholders can now look forward to a considerable return: the increase in value is +33.3%*, which corresponds to an exit price of €13.33 per share.
How did the stock market fare during the same period?
This is particularly remarkable given the current market situation. Compared to traditional financial investments, our Rolex outperformed the DAX by +26.73% and the S&P500 by a full +27.15% (06/06/2022 – 24/08/2023).
*Realised increase in value of the specimen fractionated by Timeless in the period between drop and exit of the asset (Rolex Oyster Perpetual 115200, 06.06.2022 – 24.08.2023). This is not an indicator for the future.
What makes this asset so special: The Nautilus from Patek Philippe is a watch that has made history far beyond the world of watches and has become an integral part of pop culture. Everyone knows its name. In the 1970s, it made a significant contribution to the change in style from the dress watch (a simple, elegant watch) to the sporty steel watch. With its minimalist, timeless look, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1 is an unrivalled style icon.
Exit facts: After 23 months of holding, this luxurious timepiece was sold for €91,000. This means that the exit share price is now €65 after the original share price of €50, which corresponds to an impressive increase in value of +30%*. This stable development is particularly impressive in comparison to the current market situation.
How did the stock market fare during the same period?
With a return of +30% in 23 months, our Nautilus outperformed three of the largest indices in the comparative period (22 July 2021 – 29 June 2023) – the S&P500 by 30.4%, the DAX by +27.2% and the Watchcharts Index by as much as +31.7%.
*Realised increase in value of the specimen fractionalised by Timeless in the period between drop and exit of the asset (Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1, 22.07.2021 – 29.06.2023). This is not an indication for the future.
What makes this asset so special: The Patek Philippe 5050 G Perpetual is a vintage jewel from 1997. The wristwatch has an applied hour marker, a retrograde date display and a perpetual moon phase. This means that the moon phase would only have to be reset after 122 years: a technical masterpiece. However, the most fascinating thing about the watch is its unique dial. Over the 23 years since its release, the once silver-coloured dial has become the beautiful “salmon pink” that we see today – an absolute rarity.
Exit facts: The watch was dropped on 14 October 2021 for € 74,000. Just 13 months later, the asset realised a selling price of €86,000 – an increase in value of 16.21%*. This puts the exit share price at €58.10 after an original share price of €50.
How did the stock market fare during the same period?
With a performance of +16.21%*, the Patek Philippe 5050 G outperformed the DAX and the S&P 500 in the same period (between 14/10/21 and 10/11/22). During this period, the DAX lost -7% and the S&P 500 -10.1%.
*Realised increase in value of the specimen fractionalised by Timeless in the period between drop and exit of the asset (asset Patek Philippe 5050 G: 14.10.21 – 13.11.22). This is not an indication for the future.
Invest in unique assets in drop or trading.
Omega Speedmaster Skeleton
What makes this asset so special: Our Vacheron Constantin Jumbo 222 is a genuine vintage model. It was produced in 1977 for the 222nd anniversary of Vacheron Constantin in a very limited number. The watch is similar in style and quality to the AP Royal Oak and was favourably priced at the time of the drop. Since the drop, both the value of the watch and the reputation of the Vacheron brand have risen sharply. Timeless was able to sell the watch after only 8 months at four times the price.
Exit facts: The Vacheron Constantin dropped on 30 September 2021 with a drop price of €30,000. After just 8 months, our experts succeeded in achieving a sales price of €90,000 – which corresponds to an increase in value of 200%*, putting the exit price at €150.
How did the stock market fare during the same period?
For comparison: While Vacheron recorded a performance of +200%* between 30 September 21 and 27 May 22, the DAX lost -14.6% and the MSCI World -6.79% over the same period.
*Realised increase in value of the specimen fractionalised by Timeless in the period between drop and exit of the asset (Vacheron Constantin Jumbo 222: 30.09.21 – 27.05.22). This is not an indication for the future.
What makes this asset so special: The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was one of the first watches we dropped at Timeless. Why did we choose this model? A few months ago, our experts realised that Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak A series was already trading at a very high price, whereas the B, C and D series were priced much lower.
As the D-series is one of the rarest models in the range, it could be assumed that if the price of the A-series increased, the D-series would most likely also increase in value. As you can now see, the market value of the D-Series has also developed extremely positively.
Exit facts: The watch was dropped on 18/03/21 for €48,900. Just 15 months later, we were able to realise a sale price of €90,000. The increase in value of the asset is therefore +84%*. This puts the exit share price at €92 after an original share price of €50.
How did the stock market fare during the same period?
The Audemars Piguet on offer outperformed the DAX by 84%** in the same period (between 18/03/21 and 27/05/22). During this period, the DAX lost -11.8% and the MSCI World gained just +0.01%.
*Realised increase in value of the specimen fractionalised by Timeless in the period between drop and exit of the asset (asset Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402 ST: 18.03.21 – 27.05.22). This is not an indication for the future.
We founded Timeless so that everyone can participate in the increase in value of special collectibles. That’s why we are all the more pleased that we were able to achieve such impressive results with our first exits.
You can find out more about our assets and the upcoming drops in the app.
