Top 5 Watches We Think Will Rise in Value in 2026

At Oakleigh Watches, we’re often asked which models we believe are poised for meaningful appreciation in the year ahead. So, for this edition of our investment-focused series, we’re sharing the Top 5 Watches We Think Will Rise in Value in 2026 and the reasons behind our choices.

These aren’t guesses. They’re grounded in current market behaviour, supply constraints and long-term collector sentiment. Let’s dive in.

1. Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 – The Pre-Ceramic Classic

The first watch on our list is the Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600, the aluminium-bezel model produced from the late 1980s through to the late 2000s.

Traditionally, Sea-Dwellers have commanded a premium over Submariners and yet, today, a clean 16600 often sells for similar money to a Submariner Date. That imbalance won’t last.

Why we expect it to rise in value next year:

• It comes from the final era before Rolex shifted to ceramic bezels
• Increasingly difficult to find in excellent, unpolished condition
• Historically undervalued compared to its Submariner sibling

If you’ve been considering adding a 16600 to your collection, now is a strategically smart time to do so.

2. Rolex Explorer 114270 – The 36mm Sweet Spot

Next up, another Rolex and a model experiencing quietly rising demand: the Explorer 114270, the last 36mm Explorer before Rolex increased the case size (and later returned it to 36mm).

Prices remain surprisingly reasonable, with superb examples available in the £6,000s. But the real story is scarcity.

When we checked Chrono24 recently, we found just seven Full-Set, excellent UK examples. Compare that to the dozens of available Hulks, Batgirls or other modern steel sports models, and the direction of travel becomes clear.

Why this watch is poised for growth:

• Genuine scarcity of high-grade examples
• Strong collector preference for the classic 36mm profile
• Outstanding value for a full-set Rolex sport model

For us, the 114270 Explorer is one of the most obvious value movers for 2026.

3. Bremont (Propeller Logo Models) – A Logo-Era Collectible

A change in branding often reshapes collector psychology, and Bremont is experiencing exactly that.

With the brand’s recent shift from the iconic propeller logo to a new compass-style logo, we’ve noticed a marked increase in demand for earlier propeller-logo models.

Reasons the older logo pieces are gaining momentum:

• Discontinued design = finite supply
• Loyal Bremont collectors overwhelmingly prefer the original logo
• Strong value proposition for well-made, uniquely British watches

Not every Bremont will see appreciation, but top quality, propeller-logo pieces are becoming a niche worth watching closely.

4. Vintage Omega Speedmasters (Hesalite) – Underpriced Icons

No investment list would be complete without the Omega Speedmaster, but we’re focusing specifically on vintage Hesalite references such as:

• 1973 “Straight Writing” Speedmaster
• 1964 Pre-Professional Speedmaster

Two key forces are driving value upward:

1. New Speedmaster Price Inflation

Over the last six or seven years, prices for new Hesalite Speedmasters have more than doubled, outpacing many other Swiss watches.

2. Daytona Comparisons

When these models were new, their natural competitor was the manual-wind Rolex Daytona. Today:

• A 1973 Speedmaster full set will cost approx £6-7k
• An equivalent-era Daytona? A minimum of ten times the price.

The same applies to the 1964 Pre-Professional, of which fewer than 2,500 were made. With no comparable examples currently for sale worldwide, its £20,000 price tag looks remarkably fair next to a Daytona of the same era (£90k-£100k).

For collectors who value originality and provenance, vintage Speedmasters remain one of the most compelling opportunities on the market.

5. Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar – The Last of Its Kind

Finally, we return to Rolex with the Explorer II 16570 Polar, especially the late examples featuring:

• Engraved rehaut
• 3186 movement

These have become extremely difficult to source in excellent condition. At the time of writing, only one or two examples of this quality are available in the UK.

Why it makes our Top 5:

• Supply tightening significantly
• Growing collector appetite for the Polar dial
• Represents the final evolution of the five-digit Explorer II line

As availability shrinks and demand strengthens, the 16570 Polar stands out as a very strong candidate for appreciation in 2026.

Final Thoughts

We hope you found this breakdown useful and perhaps even inspiring as you plan your collecting strategy for next year. Each of these models has a compelling narrative, a restricted supply, and a strong track record of collector interest. Plus – at the time of writing this blog, we had all 5 examples in stock. 

If you’d like to see the watches we’ve discussed and hear the full commentary, head over to our YouTube channel and watch our new video:

“Top 5 Watches We Think Will Rise in 2026”

You’ll find close-ups, market analysis, and everything you need to make an informed decision.