Chasing after Grails
Inspired by @GoQuartzYourself’s post, it got me thinking: how does our community deal with grail watch chases that span years (if not decades).
Most of the time, inflation is invisible. But some grail watch chases take years so what is invisible now becomes visible.
I haven’t been collecting long enough so I haven’t experienced inflation as badly so I’d love to hear more about our collective experience for those who’ve been in the hobby for years now.
Do you find yourself feeling FOMO and going beyond your budget with the fear of price increases next year/two? Do you patiently wait for your investments to make returns to buy your grail? Or do you find yourself going grey/secondhand/homage route as you can’t stomach paying 2x what you would have a few years back?
P.S. Grail doesn’t have to be a Rolex/luxury watch, a grail can be any watch that takes you a few months/years to think about/save for.
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Never buy new, lightly used with manufacturers warranty. Don't be distracted by easy other choices.
How did you know I love Ikea?
Now where did I put that lottery ticket...
I never save for a watch, expensive or affordable. If I don't have the money to burn on a particular watch I can't afford said watch. I go by my economic situation at the time of purchase.
I bought my grail secondhand, no complaints there. It’s also been discontinued for 20 years, so it’s not like I had much choice.
Never buy new, lightly used with manufacturers warranty. Don't be distracted by easy other choices.
Hey Steve, I haven’t bought lightly used yet, may I ask if you use ebay or Chrono24? And what are some red flags you look out for?
My grail is 975 which I can easily afford but I will never spend more than that on a Watch and the great thing is that really is my grail. I'll get it when I feel the time is right.
How did you know I love Ikea?
As Zlatan Ibrahimovic put it, “Intelligent people buy furniture at Ikea” :). I do limit my going to Ikea though, I find every trip is a time warp. I come in to look at chairs and next thing I know, 4 hours have gone by 🙈.
Now where did I put that lottery ticket...
Haha that’s my retirement plan right there 🤪
I never save for a watch, expensive or affordable. If I don't have the money to burn on a particular watch I can't afford said watch. I go by my economic situation at the time of purchase.
Hey Sherwin,
That’s good practice. I remember you picked up your grail, a JLC Reverso iirc, after a major life event. Was it a cooncidence that its availability and your economic situation at that time were both conducive for a big ticket item? Or was the availability of the JLC at an acceptable price your primary motivator?
I bought my grail secondhand, no complaints there. It’s also been discontinued for 20 years, so it’s not like I had much choice.
Hey Paul,
I’m guessing that’s your Omega Seamaster. Beautiful looking watch! Did you buy secondhand from a person you know or did you do it via ebay/chrono24?
My grail is 975 which I can easily afford but I will never spend more than that on a Watch and the great thing is that really is my grail. I'll get it when I feel the time is right.
Hey Stephen,
That’s awesome. I have a few grails (stupid watch obsession haha) ranging from 400-2k. I can afford most of them (one at a time) but have also held back more on principle as I’m not sure I’m comfortable dropping that much money on a watch.
May I ask what your grail is? Btw, not sure if that’s your basement or your den, but that’s awesome watch shrine you got there!
Hey Sherwin,
That’s good practice. I remember you picked up your grail, a JLC Reverso iirc, after a major life event. Was it a cooncidence that its availability and your economic situation at that time were both conducive for a big ticket item? Or was the availability of the JLC at an acceptable price your primary motivator?
It was sourced by my drug dealer... I mean my vintage gal... in November. I had the money even then (or rather I had enough in my bank account to cover the cost without impacting my lifestyle, etc.). I just didn't take it in November because I got talked out of it by my then-significant other, prioritizing other things that she and I talked about doing in 2024. I told my vintage gal to sell it to someone else.
However, come January my partner and I broke up and the watch was still available. Since those other things that we planned for left my life along with my then-partner, I suddenly found myself with enough coin to spend on a big ticket item.
I didn't save the money, it was just there ready to be spent, either on the Reverso or on something else. When that something else disappeared, I bought the Reverso.
So a combination of the availability of the watch at an acceptable price, as you put it, but it wasn't the primary motivator.
As far as my economic situation was concerned, well, with the next three years of my kid's university having already been taken care of, I felt very comfortable getting the Reverso.
It was sourced by my drug dealer... I mean my vintage gal... in November. I had the money even then (or rather I had enough in my bank account to cover the cost without impacting my lifestyle, etc.). I just didn't take it in November because I got talked out of it by my then-significant other, prioritizing other things that she and I talked about doing in 2024. I told my vintage gal to sell it to someone else.
However, come January my partner and I broke up and the watch was still available. Since those other things that we planned for left my life along with my then-partner, I suddenly found myself with enough coin to spend on a big ticket item.
I didn't save the money, it was just there ready to be spent, either on the Reverso or on something else. When that something else disappeared, I bought the Reverso.
So a combination of the availability of the watch at an acceptable price, as you put it, but it wasn't the primary motivator.
As far as my economic situation was concerned, well, with the next three years of my kid's university having already been taken care of, I felt very comfortable getting the Reverso.
I’m sorry to hear about your breakup but your situation of having enough money in the bank to be able to take advantage of your grail coming back on the table is very inspiring. I hope I’ll reach that point in the future.
Congrats again on achieving your grail 👏.
I’m sorry to hear about your breakup but your situation of having enough money in the bank to be able to take advantage of your grail coming back on the table is very inspiring. I hope I’ll reach that point in the future.
Congrats again on achieving your grail 👏.
Thanks.
Yes, that's a good way of putting it: "Having the ability to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself" is how I go about my watch purchases. For example, I am not in any position to get a Trinity even if the situation presents itself. If someone offers me a Patek at even half of its current marketprice, I would have to turn it down even though I want a Patek so bad I can taste it. I just can't afford it. I don't even know anyone in real life who has that kind of money. I certainly won't save for a Patek. If I ever get into an economic position where I can afford it, sure, why not? By "afford" I mean the money I spend might create inconvenience but not drama.
But, like I said, I refuse to save for a watch.
Definitely go pre-owned and grey providing that it's below retail. The past three watches I've bought were pre-owned/grey and one thing to note about the grey market today especially from my experience in Singapore and Japan is it's such a great experience and service. When I was in Singapore a few years back I was at a grey dealer and ended up being there for longer than intended from talking to a fellow watch nerd who just happened to be browsing the shop too.
Hey Baz,
You know, I am considering going grey market for next watch pickup. Largely out of necessity as the Seiko I want is Japan exclusive. I might look into pre-owned as well but I’m a lot more cautious of that area as even if it’s say 30% below retail, paying 70% for a lemon still hurts.
Sell kidney... no one said it has to be your's 😈
Villain origin story right there haha.
That would be correct! I bought via Chrono24, and from a shop that a friend of mine had bought from in the past. Mine came with no box or papers, but was recently serviced before purchase, runs great, and is legitimate. Seller was extremely easy to work with, shipped fast, and I had the watch in less than a week from Japan. The longest wait was for the watch to clear US customs, which took about 3 days.
Hey Paul,
That’s good to hear. I suspect it’s only a matter of time before I go to the grey/used markets. Bec of price but also bec those watches that are catching my eye tend to be models that have long since been discontinued.
Your Omega Seamaster is an example of that, that’s one of my favorite references in the line. Great pickup!
Personally my grail has always been a yellow gold date day . It was a watch that I admired in my early twenties and wanted to buy for over 20 years until I pulled the trigger last year . I probably could have bought it sooner but such a purchase is completely self indulgence and I would have felt guilty on my family so I held off until the time that it was financially responsible to buy ( house paid , car paid and investments taken care of) . I think my approach has really allowed me to enjoy the watch with no financial regrets. Everyone’s life is different and there are no rights and wrongs but for me the long road it has taken to acquire my “ grail “ has certainly made me appreciate it 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing your story friend, you made the right choice. Watches are great and all but if it means taking away from our families’ welfare then it’s a terrible idea. Even working extremely long hours and being away from our families is already suboptimal.
Congrats on getting your grail, it’s an absolutely beautiful piece.
Hey Baz,
You know, I am considering going grey market for next watch pickup. Largely out of necessity as the Seiko I want is Japan exclusive. I might look into pre-owned as well but I’m a lot more cautious of that area as even if it’s say 30% below retail, paying 70% for a lemon still hurts.
Would you consider taking a trip to Tokyo? I’ve been to Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan and I’d say Japan was the best in terms of greys and new esp. for Seikos, Citizens and Orients which can be had relatively cheaper. Retail chains like Yodabashi and Bic Camera was a treat for JDMs. Nakano Broadway in Tokyo for grey market shops selling Swiss watches. Unfortunately my time there was limited but would definitely visit again just to nerd out on watches and beyond!
Villain origin story right there haha.
Plenty of watches to enjoy in your price range. I
would love a fancy vintage Ferrari, but I cant afford one so I drive something else. I dont know why people complain about things they cant afford. These are all luxuries
Hey Hippo, it’s human nature to crave something we don’t currently have. Hedonic adaptation ensures we’re constantly on that treadmill of wanting something better. And social media exacerbates the need to “keep up” as everyone seems to be enjoying that perfect partner, trip, home, watch, etc.
It’s a very complex and frankly impressive system.
Hey Hippo, it’s human nature to crave something we don’t currently have. Hedonic adaptation ensures we’re constantly on that treadmill of wanting something better. And social media exacerbates the need to “keep up” as everyone seems to be enjoying that perfect partner, trip, home, watch, etc.
It’s a very complex and frankly impressive system.
Yes, and watches seem tantalizingly attainable compared to a yacht or supercar
I am pumping the brakes on ⌚ and accessories, such as straps and bracelets.
Recent months have been too indulgent, and the economy is not so hot right now.
With that said. . .the right moment may revert me to the dark side.
Would you consider taking a trip to Tokyo? I’ve been to Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan and I’d say Japan was the best in terms of greys and new esp. for Seikos, Citizens and Orients which can be had relatively cheaper. Retail chains like Yodabashi and Bic Camera was a treat for JDMs. Nakano Broadway in Tokyo for grey market shops selling Swiss watches. Unfortunately my time there was limited but would definitely visit again just to nerd out on watches and beyond!
Hey Baz,
Japan’s a bit far from me as I live in Canada. I will be visiting Asia this year but for my wallet’s sake, might be good to avoid Japan. All my favorite watch brands (Casio, Grand Seiko, etc) are from Japan and I am a big Pokemon fan as well. So my wallet is GG if ever I visit Japan haha.
Hey Sawtelle,
Makes sense. I am broadly the same, the right watch (or rather, the lack thereof) has slowed my watch purchases. There are still a handful of watches I’d love to own though so I might just eat my words XD.
None of the above. I'm just waiting patiently for my G.O. SEAQ PANO blue dial; she will be mine - sooner rather than later.
None of the above. I'm just waiting patiently for my G.O. SEAQ PANO blue dial; she will be mine - sooner rather than later.
That’s a cool piece, good luck, looking forward to seeing your NWA :).
Hey Steve, I haven’t bought lightly used yet, may I ask if you use ebay or Chrono24? And what are some red flags you look out for?
I use eBay.
Go by seller's feedback (" buy the seller")
eBay has a good authentication process and customer protection.
Bought around 20 watches from eBay over the years, from £300-£4000 and had no trouble.
I use eBay.
Go by seller's feedback (" buy the seller")
eBay has a good authentication process and customer protection.
Bought around 20 watches from eBay over the years, from £300-£4000 and had no trouble.
Hey Steve,
Glad to hear you’ve had good experience with eBay, I’ll be sure to keep an eye on seller’s feedback and will maybe test the waters with a cheaper watch first.
Have a great day ahead bud!