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Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Marci Hirshleifer-Penn

I'm Obsessed With Investment Watches—You Can't Go Wrong With These Picks

Marci Hirshleifer Penn wearing watches.

Happy October! I can't believe we're here already.

It still feels surreal that I get to contribute to Marie Claire every month. I feel incredibly lucky and endlessly grateful to everyone who reads my column—and to the Marie Claire team for giving me this opportunity.

I was recently in Paris for Fashion Week and came across a beautiful timepiece that I ultimately didn’t pull the trigger on. Still, it got me thinking about watches and the role they’ve played in my life. I often read articles that focus on the value of watches, how their prices rise and fall like stocks. While I know people who track that closely, that’s never been my approach. I’m not a “collector” in the traditional sense. I don't care about reference numbers or complicated mechanics. For me, watches are markers of time and meaning. I love how giving or receiving a watch can feel—how these objects can carry the weight of a moment. To me, a watch is one of the most emotionally valuable keepsakes you can have.

My first “nice” watch was a Rolex, gifted to me by my husband on our honeymoon. It’s a two-tone GMT, and it’s still the timepiece I wear the most. That’s not because it’s the rarest or most expensive, but because it holds so much meaning. Every time I look down at it, I remember how I felt all those years ago and somehow, I love it more now than I did then.

(Image credit: Marci Hirshleifer-Penn/Instagram)

Aesthetically, I also love its classic tool-watch look and the slightly larger case size (at least for a woman’s wrist). Rolex sport watches are like the perfect, well-worn white tee: timeless, versatile, and easy to love. That said, I’m brand-agnostic and appreciate many of the “greatest hits”: Cartier Tanks, Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks, classic Rolex models like GMTs, Submariners, Daytonas...If it speaks to you, it speaks to you.

When it comes to investing in a timepiece, or any fine jewelry, my biggest advice is this: make it personal. Honor a milestone, celebrate someone you love, or buy it just because. You’ll always look down and remember why you chose it and that’s what gives it value.

(Image credit: Marci Hirshleifer-Penn/Instagram)

Below, I’ve curated some timepieces I’m currently obsessed with. Whether it’s your first watch, a new addition to a collection, or a gift for someone special, I hope one of these finds its way into your life story.

For the Ultimate Splurge

For a First Investment Piece

The It Girl Choice

Let me know your favorites! See you next month. xx

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