The Watch Appreciation Thread - Part two (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre,

[Ambulance Chaser]

Aren't luxury goods a hedge against inflation? At least that's what I've been hearing from people who advocate for fine art as an investment class.

 

[Texasmade]

How much do you think the last ever accounted for? I can see for the hardcore collector with cases full
of watches and a couple of daily drivers, but it seems a stretch for the guy who has a few or is one and done.

The Omega Boutique in Houston said I'm a VIP for them even though I hardly ever buy any watches. They said that most customers they have are one and done. I'm one of the few that's bought multiple watches (3 in total over 10 years) but I normally buy accessories from them.

 

[Scuppers]

The Omega Boutique in Houston said I'm a VIP for them even though I hardly ever buy any watches. They said that most customers they have are one and done. I'm one of the few that's bought multiple watches (3 in total over 10 years) but I normally buy accessories from them.

Sheesh, my friend was not afforded the same privilege… Was dropped off the VIP list shortly after last Olympic event. 12 purchases in (which includes the 3 for 1 1957 box-set).
He tried to get on the 321 band-wagon and was told to slum it like the rest for 4 years.

Thank balls I belong to a more refined squad.

 

[classicalthunde]

How much do you think the last ever accounted for? I can see for the hardcore collector with cases full
of watches and a couple of daily drivers, but it seems a stretch for the guy who has a few or is one and done.

Probably not much, but I think once word got out that you could theoretically make $2-5K by buying a Rolex and then selling it caused every Tom, Dick, and Harry to put their name down for any SS sport mode they could get their hands on with the intent of offloading to to make a quick buck.

I imagine this increased demand significantly, which along with the hype bubble pushed secondary prices higher in a short run since luxury watches are a Veblen good

But all in all, I think it’s probably the least of the three culprits

 

[Dino944]

Probably not much, but I think once word got out that you could theoretically make $2-5K by buying a Rolex and then selling it caused every Tom, Dick, and Harry to put their name down for any SS sport mode they could get their hands on with the intent of offloading to to make a quick buck.

I agree with your analysis. I also think as you said once word got at to average people, that you could make $2-5K flipping a Rolex...they all put their names down to get one or more.

A former local Rolex AD used to request a $500 deposit on a steel Daytona or a Kermit Sub (they were the only very high demand Rolex's in the early to mid 2000s). Back then he said tying up $500 for some people for a year or so was enough to discourage many would be flippers and keep the list a reasonable size.

 

[DorianGreen]

If it’s not “relevant”, why pay more for a Dufour over a Lange or a Lange over a JLC? It doesn’t take a magnifying glass (or a loupe) to tell the difference in finishing quality, but one does need to know what they are looking for and also not be relying on photos where the finishing between a $10K watch and a $100K watch cannot be distinguished. For example, with decent eyesight and some knowledge you can differentiate between machine-finished anglage and hand-finished anglage, as well as judge the quality of execution—using naked eyes alone. The key tells are the brilliance, sharpness, smoothness, roundness, and direction of the reflected light.

In truth, the finishing quality between Lange and its close peers (e.g. Patek, Vacheron, etc.) is only marginally different and not necessarily any better or worse. But internet hobbyists are constantly parroting the maxim that Lange finishing is somehow exceptional in that group—I have yet to see anyone answer why they think such to be the case other than conflating ornateness with quality or with reliance on what other authorities tell them.



No value? Pretender?

I understand your point and it makes sense of course for a watch enthusiast. Maybe I'm not so into this matter, I'm just a watch lover who sees a watch as the only jewel a man can wear, and a lovely complement to a perfect outfit. The sense of my post was simply to point out that no matter how a movement can be perfectly finished, it comes ultimately (for me) to the aesthetics on the case and dial.

 

[DorianGreen]

A new stunning Portugieser with a salmon dial.

 

[NakedYoga]

Watches are serious business.

‘Shark Tank’ star Kevin O’Leary roasted for crying while buying pricey Swiss watch

O’Leary, who has nearly 1 million followers on TikTok, posted cell phone video showing him admiring the timepiece — an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

nypost.com

 

[edmorel]

Watches are serious business.

‘Shark Tank’ star Kevin O’Leary roasted for crying while buying pricey Swiss watch

O’Leary, who has nearly 1 million followers on TikTok, posted cell phone video showing him admiring the timepiece — an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

nypost.com

I would cry because of how ugly it is but, it’s his money and if that’s what he wanted

 

[Idesofmarch17]

A new stunning Portugieser with a salmon dial.

View attachment 1897235

This is the first IWC I have ever considered purchasing, even sight unseen.

 

[Omega Male]

I would cry because of how ugly it is but, it’s his money and if that’s what he wanted

He’s a deep thinker.

 

[classicalthunde]

Might sound like an odd question - does anyone know of a restoration operation that can replicate a new modern case for a vintage watch?

It’s nothing super crazy, just a 34mm steel cushion case…unfortunately, it’s pretty dinged up and starting to rust in one part.

 

[classicoutfits]

Watches are serious business.

‘Shark Tank’ star Kevin O’Leary roasted for crying while buying pricey Swiss watch

O’Leary, who has nearly 1 million followers on TikTok, posted cell phone video showing him admiring the timepiece — an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

nypost.com

I would cry because of how ugly it is but, it’s his money and if that’s what he wanted

It’s one of a kind, and people who knows his style can tell it is his watch. He has a great taste in watches in my opinion, and after hanging out with Teddy he has bought many affordable pieces. Always fun to see those videos!

 

[Nickd]

Re. WoS and their results - it won’t be their Rolex sales that have driven the fall in sales, they still have more customers than watches. It will be everything else IMO.

 

[Clouseau]

Lunch with a mate that has a much nicer watch than mine 😉