What is the price-point range that provides the most value?

E. None of the above

And

F. All of the above

$1501 - 2299 & $5501 - $7999

Depends, new or vintage? Also are you talking objective market value or simply personal value?

If you’re taking a combination of all factors, I think under $3k is the sweet spot. You can still find new stuff that is produced using artisan techniques and get historically significant and rare pieces (for now) on the vintage markets

Personally, I think the $3000-$8000 the worst value- I think this narrative of this price range being “good value” is driven largely by the rise of YouTube/blogger enthusiast pretending to be watch deaIers and many people have drank the kool-aid….

Think about it, this price point is occupied by(mostly)large corporate, established brands- at this price point you’re getting their entry level pieces, that are mass produced. Keep in mind, the entry level item almost always sells the most and hence a business will try and make them their most profitable….which by default makes them inherently lower ‘value’ to the consumer.

So at the $3000-$8000 price point when you buy from an established brand you’re basically paying for the name on the watch.

Sort of but you can find a ton of artisan watches produced by small indie shops as well (think James Lamb, Nick Hacko, Fears, Arcanaut) in that price range.

For me I find some very nice watches in the $1000-$2000 range.

I hear and respect your perspective;

-I have to think most of the marketing is in the B range; and that is where there are a large number of customers and a large number of watches. Almost an infinite number of watches. Some recent watches I saw in person included a Zodiac Ceramic ($1700MSRP that can be had for $1,000 new) and a Tissot CSOC (which I think is a bargain at $725).

-There are less watches in C range - watches I own in that range include an Omega or two and a Hermes H08 an Oris 400 a Glashutte Original, a Prospex spring drive, an uncomplicated Paneri, and a Stowa chronometer; an add might be a GS quartz or a Cartier. There is a level of detail and refinement in the case and movements that are just not found below $1,500. Buying used also comes into play where you can derive quite a bit of value

-In the rare-a-fied bracket - my experience is to add in watches that retain or gain in value. There is a marginal difference between C and D in terms of the watch you are getting - that extra few percentage points of "utils - utility" cost quite a bit. Some of the watches are very special. If you buy a datejust at MSRP you can start to see the difference and then I have a few watches "in my opinion over rolex" specifically an H Moser, a complicated Paneri, a Grand Seiko, and a Vacheron.

The majority of people don't know what the watch you are wearing and unless its a rolex they don't care.

---The high horology we are talking artwork. Those watches are the sum or 1/2 the value, the value, or even more than my whole collection.

My suggestion (and to learn I did not follow this advice) is buy a single A range watch, buy a single B range watch; and then start the journey (even its a very slow journey) in the C range. Or buy whatever you like that gets wrist time.