More interesting vintage market - Europe vs USA?

[Wahlberg]

If my title is a bit vague I'll explain.

I've been looking for ages at vintage (Rolex) watches and it amazes me every time how the US market is so so so much more interesting in price, availability and the state of the watches. Seems like Europe has the leftovers. I get the exact same feeling with vintage guitars which are more prevalent in the US.

I know the US is much bigger, different culture/mindset, certain events where people needed and bought submariners and GMTs so the market is much more interesting.

Am I correct or am I missing something?

[Filipão]

You are correct. Damn!

[cajuntiger]

all the good stuff is in Italy :)

[ravenhome777]

That's what the Chinese will be saying in 10 years. How come all the good stuff is in China?

All kidding aside. I've had that same thought about the Antiques Roadshow. The US Roadshow has way better antiques than the UK version. Seems strange, because their culture is so much older. Maybe all the royalty sucked up all the good stuff.

[cajuntiger]

Texas is bigger than the UK

[1665fan]

That’s partly true but as far as good 16520, most of the ones I see are Italy and overseas

[colpol]

That’s the reason I bought my 1680 & 1665 from US

Maybe Rolex was a bigger deal in the US in 60/ 70’s

[Wiener48]

Italy is still very big in Vintage Rolex.

[Haywood_Milton]

If only I lived in the USA, I might be able to compile a more interesting signature.

Mike Wood must wish he lived over there, too!

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[TimeToGo]

Originally Posted by cajuntiger

all the good stuff is in Italy :)

Yeap, they are still producing them there..

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by cajuntiger

all the good stuff is in Italy :)

and Japan. They are super serious about their vintage here.

[Old Expat Beast]

... and Hong Kong.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

If only I lived in the USA, I might be able to compile a more interesting signature.

Mike Wood must wish he lived over there, too!

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

All your watches are sourced mostly from Europe? Or mostly from USA and Asia (Japan + Hong Kong)?

I'm really not a fan of European prices for new and vintage watches.

[waspy1]

In the few decades post ww2, Europe had no money and the USA had lots. This may help explain some of it. Plus population size.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

All your watches are sourced mostly from Europe? Or mostly from USA and Asia (Japan + Hong Kong)?

I'm really not a fan of European prices for new and vintage watches.

I’m based in North West England, rarely ever travel to buy a watch and, when I have, the furthest I have gone is a couple of hours by train.

I have never bought a vintage watch that was not within Great Britain, nor do I expect to.