Will an Omega Speedmaster hold its value if I sell it in a few years?

If you bought it used, almost definitely as they tend to go up slowly with time. If you bought it brand new, probably not but you won’t lose too much if you sell it in a few years. The longer you keep it the more likely that inflation and prices increase enough to offset any potential depreciation.

It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future.

M,

Like always: It depends 😀

… model, wearing, vintage, LE, market, inflation, everything together decides about that.

BR
Hans

And importantly, does the OP have experience selling watches. I often talk to people who want to upgrade their watches, but have no credibility as a seller and no idea how to do it. It's very hard for someone like that to get top dollar.

Yeah, people have no idea how hard it is to sell watches and get decent returns. Too much social media out there suggesting easy money flips.

I have only sold two watches for a significant profit, and it was only significant in percentage (about 20%), not dollars (less than $300). One was a Tissot quartz chronograph that the buyer in England refused to pay duties on and so it was returned to me (and he never asked for a refund even though I reached out). So, I essentially sold it twice — which is the only reason I made money on it!

The only real profit I made was on a limited edition Steinhart that I imported from Germany when the dollar was strong, decided I didn’t like it, and flipped to a US seller for a $100 profit (after eBay fees).

In short, buy a watch to enjoy and expect that it money that you won’t get back — like money spent for a nice vacation. Then, if you do decide to sell, it’s a bonus back. Never buy a watch as an investment, or as something to hold “value” — unless you can get a Rolex at MSRP.

Depends what model it is, what age it is, whether you bought it new, used or vintage

Hard to get your money back if bought new…but you won’t take a bath on a Speedmaster.

A Speedmaster moonwatch is a better than average return. If they keep going up about $800 (AUD) a year like they have you should get your money back or not loose much in 3 years.
But once you go over 3+ years you’re looking at a new buyer wanting a service at the 4-5 year mark. ((No use saving $1000 if you have to fork out $1000 for a service. May as well buy new))

As mentioned above, it’s not easy selling a watch if you’re not privy to the game. Selling to a dealer is an easy way to get a low ball offer.

The is a lightly-used 3861 FS here the seller bought new and is currently down to a $4,200 asking price. That's a bit of an 'ouch'.

Only watches I’ve made money on was smart buys of vintage pieces where I found great examples before people figured out they exist.

Seiko 6117-8000 and my Longines Majatek.

Well my ST 2 but those are very limited production and sold out in 3 hours.

Think of it like buying a luxury car- a new run of the mill model will lose 10% the second you roll off the lot. Every year after that it will lose more until it hits its nadir. As some point it may rebound a bit- but you won’t get the same return on it as when you bought it. But if you bought a particularly rare or exotic model, barely drove it kept it as a garage queen- sure, you could break even or even make money…but what’s the fun in that.

If you can buy it new at a discount, and that is possible for a black dial hesalite or sapphire sandwich, you won't be hurt much at all if you decide to sell in 3+ years time. In that time period you have the enjoyment of owning and wearing the watch.

And how much you paid for it