In the world of watch collecting, few things spark more excitement (and regret) than the words “discontinued model.”
Whether they vanished quietly or left with a farewell edition, these watches are no longer in production - but their legacy lives on in collector circles and the secondary market. Some have become cult classics, others are rising stars. All are worth a second look.
Here are some of our favourite discontinued watches you should have bought - and still can.
Nicknamed the “Tiffany OP,” this 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual release caught the watch community off guard with its vibrant pastel dial colours - a refreshing and playful departure from Rolex’s typically conservative palette.
Among the range, the turquoise blue variant quickly became the standout favourite, largely because of its striking resemblance to the coveted Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany dial, which had recently captivated collectors worldwide. This unexpected nod to a competitor’s iconic colour scheme sparked huge demand.
When Rolex quietly discontinued several Oyster Perpetual dial colours, including this turquoise blue, in 2022, the model’s value surged dramatically. While it’s still possible to find this watch on the secondary market, expect to pay a significant premium, reflecting its newfound status as a sought-after collector’s piece.
2022 marked the end of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202ST.
Known for its slim case, the watch featured the classic “Petite Tapisserie” dial pattern and housed the reliable Jaeger-LeCoultre-based calibre 2121 movement.
The 50th Anniversary edition was the final release of this model before it was replaced by the updated 16202.
While the new version offers some technical improvements, many collectors still prefer the 15202 for its simplicity and close connection to the original Royal Oak design.
The word “discontinued” rarely causes as much buzz as when Patek Philippe announced they were ending the Nautilus 5711.
The steel sports watch, especially the classic blue dial, had become a modern icon and a must-have for collectors worldwide.
The green dial version, which was only made for a short time, quickly became even more sought-after. Both models are now legends in their own right.
Since the announcement, prices on the secondary market have shot up, and while you can still find these watches, they’re becoming harder to come by - and prices aren’t coming down anytime soon.
Though the Tudor Black Bay 58 Navy Blue is technically still available, Tudor has started shifting its attention to newer models like the Black Bay 54 and its METAS-certified watches, which feature updated technology and design.
Despite this, the BB58 Blue - with its slim, 39mm case and versatile, deep blue dial - has earned a devoted following. It perfectly balances vintage-inspired style with modern reliability, making it one of the most sought-after early entries in Tudor’s recent lineup.
Collectors appreciate its understated size and classic look, which have helped the BB58 Blue quickly gain cult status as a modern Tudor classic that combines everyday wearability with strong heritage appeal.
This minimalist moonphase dress watch was well-liked for its clean silver dial, polished hour markers, and slim profile that made it comfortable and elegant on the wrist.
It offered a simple yet refined look, appealing to those who prefer classic, understated designs. Recently, Jaeger-LeCoultre discontinued this model as they moved towards producing bolder, more complex Master Control watches with additional features.
For anyone who appreciates subtle elegance and a timeless style, this watch is now a rare find and a great opportunity to own a quality timepiece that doesn’t shout for attention.
While the Snowflake hasn’t been officially discontinued, the earlier SBGA011 and SBGA211 references have quietly made way for updated versions with small design changes and new branding.
Newer models carry Grand Seiko’s standalone logo and a few subtle tweaks, but for many collectors, the originals still hold more charm.
The earlier dials, along with the pre-2017 Seiko branding, are often seen as more balanced and true to the watch’s original identity. If you’re after that classic Snowflake look, the older models are still out there - but getting harder to come by.
This charming pilot’s watch, known for its deep sunburst blue dial and whimsical caseback engraving of the Little Prince, quickly built a loyal following.
It offered a unique blend of aviation heritage and literary flair, standing out in IWC’s lineup. While IWC continues to release new “Le Petit Prince” editions, the earlier versions - especially those with Arabic numerals and a leather strap instead of a bracelet - are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Collectors are drawn to these original models for their classic proportions and storytelling appeal, making them a standout piece in the world of modern pilot’s watches.
Just because a watch is discontinued doesn’t mean it’s gone.
Many of these models are still very much alive on the secondary market - and that’s where BQ Watches comes in. We specialise in sourcing rare and hard-to-find timepieces before they become even harder to track down or disappear into long-term collections. Whether you missed out when they were first released or are only now discovering their appeal, these watches prove that some of the most exciting pieces aren’t in brand-new catalogues - they’re waiting to be rediscovered.
Browse our carefully curated collection below to find the discontinued or hard to find luxury watch you are looking for. We stock all the major luxury watch brands, so you're sure to discover a piece that fits your style. And if you don’t see exactly what you’re after, our expert team specialises in sourcing timepieces to match your needs.
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