Watch collectors - watch market, discussion, thoughts

Great quote from back in the day

New Analyst: “Why do you have a 250 thousand dollar watch?”

Partner: “Because I can’t drive my fucking Ferrari into the conference room now can I?”

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They make maybe 25k a year. They’re in demand. the model works.

I like this new model: Omega Speedmaster Pilot.

Wish it was a smidgeon larger case diameter, but 40.85mm is okay. I doubt I’ll see any in my region for a while.

10 grand for a watch? I can think of many other things I would rather spend that on

Here’s a watch I think is really cool. I have a big soft spot for Bulova Lunar Pilots, and this version is especially cool.

Great heritage, and an underdog story.



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I’m not even a watch guy, and I really like that Bulova.

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Good looking watch. Lots of Bulova’s are well styled with sub dials and chronographs. I used to have one (it’s gotta be somewhere in my closet).

So what’s the perception of the brand from watch aficionados? From a pricing perspective, they’re generally not that expensive. Although this one might be (if there’s only 5000 made)?

Does pricing that an average Joe can afford make for an average watch?

They seem to just about hold their prices. It’s quartz so doesn’t have the cache of automatic movements. Just a nice watch, with an interesting heritage.

If Santa didn’t quite hit the mark, here’s a watch I’m really liking. Very rarely I’d pick a gold watch over it’s more steel or titanium versions, but this just lends itself to it…



Personally, I like the silver/black styling. Understated, sophisticated, dressy, serious, goes with any outfit. Lots to like.

Anybody here down with RGM ? I have been sort of eyeing the Corp of Engineers watch. Not sure why, but it seems like a not too flashy but way cool timekeeper. Caveat, haven’t worn a watch since my old Ironman timex died in 1986.

https://www.omegawatches.com/media/catalog/product/o/m/omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-professional-co-axial-master-chronometer-chronograph-42-mm-31030425004001-5bcb6e.png?w=700

This is the hottest Omega watch on the market right now…

The white face has a clean aesthetic. I’d still take the Speedmaster Pilot above and the Rolex Explorer in the white face.

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Yeah. I think in another generation, “fine” mechanical watches will be like grandma’s “fine” china and crystal collection – sought after by only a dwindling few, generally appreciated as a historical curiosity of high craftsmanship, but undesired by most.

I disagree for a number of reasons. Mechanical watches have an enduring appeal as they represent more than just a method of telling time. In this, they are comparable to fine jewellery, valued for their craftsmanship, emotional significance, and timeless appeal. They also stand out as a meaningful counterpoint to the disposable culture associated with digital technology.

They are intricate works of art that require many hours of precision labor. Every gear, spring, and component in a mechanical movement is meticulously engineered to function without batteries or electronics, powered solely by the ingenuity of human design.

This craftsmanship connects watches to centuries of horological tradition, making them embodiments of heritage. Iconic watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin carry histories that span centuries. Owning a watch is akin to wearing a piece of history on your wrist; a quality that resonates deeply in a world dominated by fleeting trends.

Smartwatches, while innovative, feel transient; defined by product cycles. Rapid technological advancements render them obsolete within a few years, leading to disposal and replacement. In contrast, a mechanical watch is timeless. Built with durable materials and designed to be serviced and repaired, they can last lifetimes, often becoming cherished heirlooms passed through generations. They serve as an ideal counterpoint to our disposable culture. Their durability mirrors the enduring nature of fine jewellery, which retains value and significance far beyond its initial purchase.

Both mechanical watches and fine jewellery transcend their practical purpose. They are symbols of status, taste, and personal expression. A high-end watch, much like a diamond necklace, is often chosen for its ability to convey sophistication and individuality. It’s not just a timepiece; it’s a statement.

Moreover, the mechanical nature of these watches fosters an emotional connection. The tactile act of winding a watch or feeling its movement on your wrist creates a sense of intimacy and mindfulness. Unlike digital watches, which function as extensions of our hyperconnected lives, mechanical watches remind wearers of the beauty of simplicity and the art of being present.

In an increasingly digital world, mechanical watches serve as a counterbalance to digital fatigue; that sense of being constantly “plugged in” and overstimulated.

Not everything in life needs to be “smart” to be meaningful. The above argument doesn’t touch on their value, which often appreciates, as opposed to the Garmin Epix Pro I am currently wearing as a daily device, which is next to worthless despite being in good condition.

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Very clean.

Fair enough. I hadn’t considered your analogy with jewelry.

Wish watch love translated to love of clocks. There’s history, and the workmanship (clockmaker as well as case maker) for its era is incredible. Look at any real “estate” properly and beautiful tall case will be welcoming you. Now you can pick them up for 1/4 or less the price than few decades ago.

I like the seconds hand on this one.


The back of the Omega white Speedmaster is quite impressive, too

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