When asked what he intends to leave his children, a Bangladeshi father is likely to mention property or a flourishing business company. However, an heirloom that ticks with history, workmanship, and a strong return on investment, has been finding its way into the discourse for an increasing number of individuals — expensive watches.

Real estate and gold have long been seen by Bangladeshis as the safest methods to accumulate wealth. But an elegantly selected luxury watch? When the moment is appropriate, you may wear, show off, and profit from that asset. An excellent watch tells more than simply the time, and it retains its worth.

Although conventional wisdom is that luxury watches are exclusive to the wealthy, a new breed of well-travelled professionals and business owners is developing here who are not hesitant to dream big. The luxury watch sector is expected to reach billions of dollars globally, indicating that collectors are passionate.

However, figures only provide half the picture. The artistry, tradition, and interpersonal relationships that come with collecting watches are what truly make them magical, not just the money.

Truly timeless

Captain Kashfiq H Chowdhury, an airline pilot, doesn't just buy watches — he falls in love with them.

"There's something fascinating about it," he says. "Before buying, I look at the rarity — how many were made, how the value might change over time. Most men do not wear jewellery, so a watch is the one thing that lets you make a statement."

As someone who spends most of his life soaring above the clouds, Kashfiq sees a fine timepiece the way he sees a plane — elegantly engineered, timeless, and built to last.

For Shafiq Hossain, a service holder, watches are also more than simple accessories — they are family heirlooms.

"I started with a Casio when I was young. My father was a collector, and after he passed away, I inherited his collection," Hossain says. "It was surreal. These watches carried his memories, his journey. That's when I realised their real worth."

This is where watches set themselves apart. Stocks rise and fall. Gold sits in a drawer. But a watch? It's something you wear, touch, and pass down. A legacy timepiece does not just tell time — it narrates a story.

In an age of tech everything, some wonder if traditional watches are becoming obsolete. Sharfaraz Rahman, a businessman, does not buy into that idea."Buying a smartwatch is throwing money away," he believes. "They go obsolete after a few years, you cannot pass them down, and their resale value is laughable. It just doesn't make sense!"

He's not wrong. A mechanical watch does not need software updates. It will not die when the battery degrades. It's built to outlive its owner. A smartwatch? Well, let's just say Apple will not be offering a Series 1 in their vintage collection anytime soon.

Buying time wisely

For those looking to start, the advice is simple: do your research, buy from reputable dealers, and think long-term. As Kashfiq says, "It's not just about price — it's about what the watch represents. A well-chosen timepiece will outlive us all."

In a world where everything feels temporary, a great watch is proof that some things — when crafted right — are built to last forever.

Beyond investment potential, high-end watches hold deep sentimental value. Some view their timepieces as a part of their identity. For families, watches serve as historical artefacts, representing different eras and milestones in life.

A watch worn by a grandfather, a father's prized possession from his first major promotion, or a son's graduation gift — each carries a legacy worth preserving.

As Dhaka's elite get more global, they are looking beyond land and bullion. A high-end timepiece can be sold or traded anywhere in the world making it a truly international currency. The luxury watch market here is only just waking up. More collectors are emerging, dealers are gaining recognition, and global brands are eyeing Bangladesh as a future hub for serious collectors.

Watch collecting has soared for many reasons — including making a statement, leaving a legacy, and sensible financial decisions. One of the few things in life that only grows better with time is a luxury watch, whether it is handed down through the years or sold for a good profit.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Collector's Corner: The most coveted luxury pieces 
Not every luxury watch is a smart buy. Some are marketing gimmicks; others are genuinely built to appreciate. Here are a few worth considering:  
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711: Out of production and fast rising in value.
The ultimate collector's item among Rolex Daytona models is their millions of dollar value (Reference 116500LN and Vintage Paul Newman 6239).
Classic Gérald Genta design is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (15202ST).
The ultra-thin Vacheron Constantine Overseas Perpetual Calendar — a rare finding with a strong history of respect.
German technological marvel, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual has great collector attraction.

Tips for beginners

New collectors in Bangladesh should start with research. Understanding the history and market trends of different brands is crucial. Seek out reputable watch dealers, both locally and internationally, to ensure authenticity.

Key things to consider —

Buy what you love: Don't just chase hype; get something that resonates with your personal style.

Rarity matters: Limited-edition watches and discontinued models tend to appreciate.

Keep your papers: Box, papers, and service records add value to resale.

Service and maintenance: Luxury watches need care; routine servicing keeps them in top condition.