Collectible beauties….
Whilst a lot of the $$ discussions are about Rolex, one of the advantages of the downturn in demand for hype watches is the trickle-down effect on other prices ( except MSRP of new ones - I’m looking at you, JLC and Lange!!)
As an example, this is my Breguet S/S Marine. It’s an achingly beautiful thing, with its hand-cut silver dial, blued hands and the movement engraving and finishing. I’ve had it since new, and it still makes me smile, but here’s the thing…..
You can get these for £7k to £8k now, and the solid gold ones for £12-£14k. With that level of horological chops and the beauty of them, they are excellent value compared to sinking the same $$ into a steel sports watch!
Similarly, there are great deals to be had on 15-25 yr old JLC ( especially Master series). I’m also seeing good opportunities to buy really special H. Moser, Glashutte Original and older Cartier.
Smaller jewellery watches ( especially factory diamond Cartier), and precious metal watches of all kinds are looking good on price as well.
So, looking beyond the Crown and the ‘Holy Trinity’, there’s a load of 20-30yr old watches for sale right now, and some of them are absolute bargains, compared to more modern references.
So, while the fizz falls off the hype, perhaps now is the time to put nine or two absolute beauties into your collection, without getting ripped off 😁
Old git with large collection of watches ( I mean to sell some, but can never quite get there!!) - likes sports/tool/vintage inspired stuff, as well as geeking out on fine movements
Honestly don't see why anyone would buy a Sub when they could get that Breguet 😍 It's gorgeous 😘👏🏻
Ooh that’s pretty
Spot on! I picked up a neo vintage VC for a criminal price and a beautiful Urban Jurgensen GMT steel sports watch (a hyped category, but not a hyped brand) for a steal. You can even find "bargains" amongst the holy trinity if you go beyond the Nautilii, RO, or the Overseas.
Some neo-vintage pateks are also going for decent amounts!
One thing I disagree with is your comment on Lange. They make innovative watches (mechanically-speaking) with beautiful design and nice hand finishing. They're getting their just rewards finally.
Yes, its good times for millionaires.
Spot on! I picked up a neo vintage VC for a criminal price and a beautiful Urban Jurgensen GMT steel sports watch (a hyped category, but not a hyped brand) for a steal. You can even find "bargains" amongst the holy trinity if you go beyond the Nautilii, RO, or the Overseas.
Some neo-vintage pateks are also going for decent amounts!
One thing I disagree with is your comment on Lange. They make innovative watches (mechanically-speaking) with beautiful design and nice hand finishing. They're getting their just rewards finally.
I’m just bitter about the Saxonia thin. When I asked about it, rep was £13k. A year later, when they had one for me. Rep was £23k…. Ridiculous.
Your spot on. When u look at the possibilities the market isn’t that bad for the person willing to do the research and think about brands not associated with the hype. Breguet has been at the forefront of watch making for years. Beautiful piece. Wear it well.
Whaaa? Can't believe it jumped that much. They went nuts in the pricing this year. The 1815 chrono went up by 20% or something and the datograph too. But that said, it was a flyback chrono that was cheaper than a worse patek chrono. So, I understand that they can do it.
Always feels bad when you know it was a good deal, but now no longer available. JLC included but they don't have the same brand power.
Whaaa? Can't believe it jumped that much. They went nuts in the pricing this year. The 1815 chrono went up by 20% or something and the datograph too. But that said, it was a flyback chrono that was cheaper than a worse patek chrono. So, I understand that they can do it.
Always feels bad when you know it was a good deal, but now no longer available. JLC included but they don't have the same brand power.
Believe it - thebUK price increases were savage
Yes, if you go 15-20 back, I’m seeing good JLC prices on several sites. On the hunt . . .
The very finest iteration of the Marine. Just stunning.