Once a niche market, designer toys have swiftly gained traction, especially among younger, affluent collectors who value the blend of art and play. These limited-edition collectables often feature collaborations between renowned artists and toy manufacturers, merging nostalgia with contemporary aesthetics. 

Iconic figures like Kaws and Bearbricks have become emblematic of this trend, with rare pieces fetching over US$2 million. Online platforms like eBay and speciality stores are popular sources, but designer toy auctions have also become key venues for trading these coveted items.

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Fine wines have long been a staple of high-net-worth individuals seeking to diversify their portfolios. Bordeaux wines, in particular, have become a staple among Asia’s elite collectors. Bottles from legendary estates such as Château Lafite Rothschild and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti often sell for tens of thousands of dollars, with rarer vintages reaching even higher prices.

Wine’s ability to appreciate in value over time, especially if properly stored, has made it an appealing option for those looking to invest in assets with a certain level of liquidity. Wine auctions, such as those hosted by Sotheby’s, as well as specialised wine retailers, are where the most desirable bottles can be found.

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Luxury watches are more than just functional timepieces; they serve as high-status symbols, with certain models becoming coveted collectables. Watches from iconic brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet have become major players in the luxury collectables market. Models such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711A and vintage Rolex Daytonas fetch over US$1 million at auction.

What makes luxury watches so desirable is their combination of technical mastery, craftsmanship and rarity. Limited-edition releases and vintage models have particularly appreciated in value over time. Leading auction houses like Phillips and luxury watch boutiques are the go-to places to acquire high-end pieces. 

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The market for vintage cars is a growing segment among wealthy collectors, with iconic models offering both investment potential and the joy of ownership. Cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO and Porsche 917 have set records at auctions, selling for tens of millions of dollars. 

Collecting classic cars allows enthusiasts to connect with automotive history. The appreciation of these cars, especially those in pristine condition, makes them highly sought after by collectors who have a deep understanding of automotive craftsmanship. Collectors often turn to classic car auctions such as RM Sotheby’s and certain dealerships to acquire rare models. 

The long-standing tradition of coin and stamp collecting has endured in Asia, with rare pieces continuing to command high prices at auction. Chinese gold coins, such as the “Yuan Shikai” gold coins, and rare stamps, such as the “Red Revenue” stamp, have sold for millions.

These collectables are viewed as stable investments, especially when acquired in rare or near-perfect conditions. Coin and stamp collecting also appeal to investors who want to diversify their portfolios with assets that have intrinsic cultural and historical value. Auction houses like Stack’s Bowers and other numismatic shops are popular places for finding rare and valuable pieces.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent a new phase in the world of collectables, appealing to younger, tech-savvy investors looking for unique digital assets. Digital artworks by artists like Beeple have sold for astronomical prices, with one piece fetching US$69 million. Besides digital art, virtual items in games like “Axie Infinity” have also become high-value collectables, with individual items selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Many view NFTs as the future of collecting, offering a new, digital form of rarity. What sets NFTs apart from traditional collectables is the ability to verify ownership through blockchain technology. Marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible and Foundation have become the primary hubs for buying and selling NFTs, with traditional auction houses such as Sotheby’s also offering NFT segments. 

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