Question about pricing increases
Hello. New to the site here. Always been a watch enjoyer and have started a small collection just for fun. Mostly “affordable” budget stuff. So I see a lot of YouTube reviews are from 1-2 years ago and the pricing has jumped considerably. Any thoughts on how that’s affected your buying knowing these watches were 30-40% less a short time ago. So for a specific example do you think a Vostok Amphibia is “worth” $140? Like to hear thoughts. Thanks
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JL
This is my profile. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
USA
Member since
Last active: 2 weeks ago
7.00” / 17.78 cm
I’ve noticed this too. I got my Amphibia used through Vinted for like $70. So I’d say make use of the second hand market, there’s some good stuff out there! As for whether the watch is worth a certain price, that depends I suppose. What is it worth to you to have that specific watch?
Most watches never sell for MSRP so it really does not impact my purchasing. For any purchase, I always check what the market is doing and pay accordingly. Will a brand new Omega etc sell for the inflated price? For a limited time, but eventually it settles back down to reality.
Knowing a price increase is or might be coming to a retail purchase (most major brands announced one at the end of last year with a delay in implementation) would spur me to buy if I was close to making the purchase.
In the secondary market, I target a price I feel the watch is worth... to me. If it rises above that, I'll wait... unless I HAVE to have it.
Prices of everything have spiked over the last few years. Average price of a new car is $50k. I was shocked when I noticed that a quart of half and half was over $4. As much as wish watch prices were immune, how could they be?
My Seamaster in 2006 Was less than $1500 new. However the price increases over the last couple of years have been wild.
I think a big factor is the market is actually getting smaller so the brands are up charging to a smaller audience.
My Seamaster in 2006 Was less than $1500 new. However the price increases over the last couple of years have been wild.
I think a big factor is the market is actually getting smaller so the brands are up charging to a smaller audience.
Some parts of the market may be slowing compared to the last few years. And, I think the era of Datejusts going straight to grey market for a 100% mark up are behind us. But I don’t think we’ll be seeing Rolexes in ADs anytime soon.
As far as the 2006 prices . . . That’s almost 17 years ago. Covid, supply chains, etc.
In general, look for used watches. You will be able to save some money and many times the watches will be like new. There are some watches which are selling above MSRP such as sport models Rolex or Omega Snoopy.
Certain % of increase is justified due to global situation ( covid, inflation, war, increased demand ... )in last few years, rest is margin grabbing and repositioning of the brand. In industry where I work ( yachts ) pricing has gone up app. 30% in last 18 months, so have cars... New normality, like it or not. If sales will drop availability will increase or disounts will be available, dependong on the brand
Certain % of increase is justified due to global situation ( covid, inflation, war, increased demand ... )in last few years, rest is margin grabbing and repositioning of the brand. In industry where I work ( yachts ) pricing has gone up app. 30% in last 18 months, so have cars... New normality, like it or not. If sales will drop availability will increase or disounts will be available, dependong on the brand
Glad I didn't order that yacht 😂