What’s your thoughts on the current value of some of the big names?
I’ve been chasing a nice example of a Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570 for a little while now since anything in standard metal is nigh on unattainable. Prices for the model are still at quite a premium, although obviously at less of a mark up than the more popular tool watches by the marque. It’ll be a regular wear watch, rather than an investment piece. Like the case size and GMT function.
Any one following the market values much? It’s not a topic regularly discussed, which surprises me given the demographic of the forum.
I troll watch auctions on Sothebys Christies and Bonhams. I think the bigger Rolex watches are grossly overpriced. It isn’t like they are in short supply. A Patek or Constantin is a much rare and often nicer looking watch IMHO. There are also so many very interesting watches made by other Swiss makers. I have a 1960 Rolex that tells time with a seconds hand as well. I bought from Sothebys six years ago for 2000 dollars
A few weeks ago, either the WSJ or NYT had their magazine supplement dedicated to fine watches … Interesting to peruse.
Personally, I haven’t worn my dress watch in over a year - and it’s far from a rare/pricey piece. I just prefer having ongoing data (HR - resting, high, workouts) automatically logged by my Garmin 24/7 (vs. having chunks missing from the day).
And I’ve noticed my Gen Z kids and their friends hardly wear watches these days. And if they do, it’s an Apple watch or something.
I was once asked by a friend to get them a $25k Patek at Tiffany’s. I went there and they said they only sold those to favored customers. Seemed like an odd business model.
I’ve been looking at watches that have won the gran prix d’horologie se Geneve
There are amazing watches that present excellent value and are genuinely hand made for far less than a Rolex
I really like the new Ingenieur and glaschute (spelling) as I’m not in like for a patek - a friend has picked up a nautilus, aqua and new calatrava in last 2 years and they’re beautiful watches
A friend is good friends with people at patek and has not waited and got three recent releases virtually upon release. My boss was told by patek that he’d only get in line for one of the watches in demand if he bought one that wasn’t
I think ultra-luxury items are getting to be a smaller and smaller market - watches, handbags, designer clothing, etc. To my knowledge used prices for high end watches have been collapsing. There are videos and such showing authentic vs knock-off and it’s to where the authentic is only better in very subtle ways, so I could never justify a 5 figure watch purchase. If I wanted a collection of high end watches then none of them would be authentic.
At one point I thought a nice watch would be an heirloom but I have serious doubts it is something my kids or grandkids would ever care about. I purchased a Grand Seiko quartz several years ago and it meets any desires or needs I have and is much less hassle than a high end mechanical. I have a few other decent watches also but I tend to wear my Garmin 99.5% of the time.
Many years ago I helped put myself through college, and after college, trading collectable watches. I still follow the market a bit but mostly lost interest.
The secondary market has taken a bit of a hit lately. I kinda wonder if there might be more supply in the coming months.
Personally I have always liked the simplicity of the Junghans Max Bill.
I went through a boutique watch phase, but became frustrated with that as by the time I found out about one I liked the look of, the limited release pre-orders were sold out. They all seem to be built on the same Sellita movement.
I like the Omega Speedmasters and am trying to learn which are the desirable/collectsble references of that model. The 42mm size is good for me; I’m 6’5”, with big hands.
The other watch I like a lot at the moment are the Seiko Springdrives
I have a vintage Submariner and Sea-Dweller, and I really like the Explorer II with the white face. I see prices are still a big premium although as someone mentioned here, prices do seem to be falling.
Most of my clients tend to be into the Richard Mille marque - Asian culture do seem to be into the very ostentatious brands that loudly convey wealth. I’ve had flights where we’ve had a ”boys’ trip” and they’ve all come back with these things. Fortunately their aesthetic isn’t for me, and their price isn’t for my wallet…
I think there will always be an appreciation for watches.
I also wear a Garmin - I have an Epix Pro with titanium strap and really love it. I don’t love other models that need charging a lot - this is the first Garmin I’ve had that I genuinely enjoy, and I’ve had 3 or 4, but they’ve all only been useful for doing sport. The best feature is by far the flashlight. I use that a ridiculous amount.
I’ve got an Apple Watch stainless steel I dressed up with Nomad steel or Nomad active leather straps. I have hardly used it because I can’t stand the constant charging - even though I have a MagSafe phone/watch charger by my bed. I travel a lot so it just isn’t convenient. I still carry a short Satechi Apple Watch puck, but never the watch…
Rolex is incredibly frustrating as the official dealer network also seems to be complicit. A lot of official dealers have a separate business trading ‘like new’ hard to get watches at significant mark up. That’s just wrong and Rolex should police that better.
I think Rolex’s supply issue isn’t wholly intentional. I know they’re increasing production soon with new facilities, but it must be hard to gauge genuine demand versus the waiting list for those just flipping the watches.
Me neither. If I was gifted one, I’d sell it. Living in SE Asia and travelling extensively through Asia with work, it’s that ostentatious show of wealth that seems to be the target market. And there seems to be no shortage of that over here…
I agree. I like the ones with the back where you can see the workings of the watch. And a manual wind doesn’t have the thingy that winds the watch on an automatic that obscures half your view.
