When you think of an “investment watch,” Rolex is the brand that comes to mind, right? That's because they have a near-mythical reputation. But ask any true watch collector—those who've bought a Jaeger or Patek—and they'll tell you that a Rolex is one of the few that live up to the hype. They are among the most reliable, no-fuss mechanical watches in the world. And they'll never, ever go out of style. If you're not sure which to buy, you can't go wrong with a classic Oyster Perpetual—perhaps the humblest Rolex, but no less impressive with its understated style and signature Rolex bracelet.

$5,800 by Rolex

The Speedmaster was originally introduced in 1957 as a racing watch, hence the “speed” moniker. But it really wasn't until 1969—when it accompanied the crew of Apollo 11 onto the surface of the Moon—that the hand-wound chronograph received the legendary status that it holds today. The three-register Speedmaster features a sturdy 42mm steel case (with a clear exhibition caseback) and a sturdy leather strap, only adding to its classic good looks.

$7,200 by Omega

Inspired by the first Renault tanks deployed in 1917 during the First World War, Louis Cartier's iconic square-faced Tank is a classic in every sense of the world. An elegant dress watch that's sturdy enough for daily wear, it comes in a handful of variations. But the Solo—with its cabochon-shaped spinel and Roman numeral face--is our favorite. And bonus, the slick, clean-lined interpretation is also the most affordable in the range.

$2,790 by Cartier

Originally introduced in 1933, then launched as a racing-inspired chronograph in the '60s, this watch was discontinued sometime in the mid-1980s. But Tag Heuer recently revived the Autavia line to appeal to a new generation of adventurers based on demand for the vintage models. The handsome timepiece has all the hallmarks of the original with an all new in-house chronograph movement.

$5,450 by Tag Heuer

Hermès makes both luxurious leather goods and striking timepieces. The Cape Cod watch exemplifies both perfectly. Somewhat of a modern classic, it was born in 1991 with a simple square face set within a minimal rectangular case. Over the years, they’ve introduced variations and this XL model features a thin 41mm case that’s both tasteful and tough as hell.

$3,375 by Hermès

A relative newcomer to the field of collectible mechanical timepieces, this high-design German watchmaker often draws from the heritage of its home city of Glashütte to craft its movements in house. Their Club Campus range is aimed at younger watch buyers and features their unique “California” configuration, displaying a mix of Arabic and Roman numerals for the hours.

$2,980 by NOMOS Glashütte

When you want a no-nonsense watch that still has some provenance and status, you can't do much better than an IWC tool watch. There's an undeniable vintage appeal to the brand's Pilot Watch Automatic Spitfire and a simplicity that's hard not to appreciate. The self-winding in-house movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve, which comes in handy for anyone who likes swapping out their timepieces (without having to reset it with each wear).

$4,900 by IWC

The Detrola line of watches is crafted from high-grade TR90 resin that's durable yet lightweight and finished with a quick-release silicone strap. And while it offers an approachable price tag and a simplified aesthetic, the Detrola collection still provides the durable construction you'd expect from a Shinola product.

$395 by Shinola

Rolex's sibling has spent the last few years re-establishing itself as a company equally capable of producing iconic watches. Now it has doubled down on that position by creating their own iconic style with the Black Bay. Drawing inspiration from the brand's early dive watches of the 1950s, the rich gilt dial and saturated burgundy bezel set it apart from any other dive watch available today.

$4,050 by Tudor

Back in 1960, Japanese watch manufacturer Seiko launched their Grand Seiko line with the aim of crafting heirloom-quality timepieces on par with those of the legendary Swiss horological houses. True to the legacy of Japan, they did just that and did it really well. A Grand Seiko watch looks and ticks like a watch that costs $50,000. And it looks as good as it works—that tasteful ivory colored face—somehow appearing like it's from the future and the past at once.

$4,300 by Grand Seiko