5 Luxury Investments Worth Your Money

Start-up cost: Less than $25,000, plus minimal insurance costs

How to do it: If you don't have the pockets for a Picasso, try exploring contemporary art by young or emerging artists, suggests Michael Plummer, principal and cofounder of Artvest Partners. He often points new collectors toward unique works on paper, such as drawings or watercolors.

Remember this: Global sales of art surpassed $64 billion in 2011, triple the 2002 total; in fact, art has even outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 10 years. And as with any investment, diversifying your art casts a wider net for future earnings. Jump in now and hold tight.

And don't forget: Fancy paintings may impress her, but even that Renoir won't matter if one place isn't up to her standards. Find out What Your Bathroom Is Telling Her.

Start-up cost: Hundreds to low thousands per case, plus storage fees or a cellar

How to do it: "Vintage and producer mean everything," says 20-year collector Keith Williams. Buy high-quality cases that are in limited supply and watch values rise. "I bought a 1982 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild at $150 and recently sold the bottle for $4,000." That's a 2,567 percent jump.

Remember this: As the Chinese market booms, standard French bottles continue to reign at auction, especially the top-tier brands, categorized Grand Cru. For value, Williams researches the best names (such as Chateau Lafon-Rochet) four or five classifications below top quality.

Can't swing high-end vino? No problem—these 16 Wines for Under $15 will do just fine.

Start-up cost: $15,000 to $20,000 for 25 percent shareholder status

How to do it: Find a racing outfit that offers general or limited partnerships, which allow several investors to share ownership. Brokers with racetrack know-how can advise you, or you can find a source through the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

Remember this: Wins and pedigree drive value. Even modest-stakes winners with fine pedigrees can turn a profit breeding, says Cot Campbell, president of Dogwood Stable in South Carolina. "We might buy a yearling for $100,000 and sell him for a multimillion stallion career 3 years later."

Start-up cost: $3,000 to $5,000 range is the lower entry point

How to do it: Buy quality. Commit these timepiece brands to memory: Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Sohne, and Vacheron Constantin. "Watches hold value over the long term," says Doug Escribano, a specialist in the watch department at Christie's.

Remember this: Returns vary widely depending on the brand, period, and scarcity of the timepiece. (Last year, a 1965 open-face Patek Philippe sold for $962,500.) Condition is extremely important, Escribano says, and can double the auction value. So wear it with care.

Of course, a great watch doesn't need to run you as much as a used car. Sign up for the Men's Health Style Siren newsletter for more affordable (but just as stylish) picks.

Start-up cost: $10,000 to $30,000, plus storage space, AAA, parts, and insurance

How to do it: Smarten up by joining a car club. Then shop at auctions (including eBay). Motorpool.com CEO Morgan Murphy suggests looking for "fringe" cars in popular genres. For example, a '63 Buick Riviera (a "muscle car in disguise") can cost a fraction of the price of a '65 Shelby GT350.

Remember this:Murphy's bought 43 classic cars and hasn't lost a nickel. In fact, he says he's seen double annual returns in some cases. "But I'm prepared to hold a car 5 years," he adds. Going forward, Murphy says, "I'm looking to the 1980s, especially Jeep Grand Wagoneers and BMW 3 Series."

*Plus $8,000 to $12,000 in annual maintenance and training fees

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