The Feeding Frenzy Is Over for Skittish Collectors

[exador]

This is an article about classic cars, but could equally apply to vintage watches...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ish-collectors

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by exador

This is an article about classic cars, but could equally apply to vintage watches...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ish-collectors

Let's see the graphs for watches showing the downturn. ;-)

[037]

Perhaps there's finally a shift towards buying the cars (or watches) one actually likes rather than what's supposedly a future investment.

[Richard Carver]

Been saying it for years, stock up on 4 digit DateJusts. :)

1968 1603

1969 600

1967 1601 Mickey Mouse

1969 1603

1968 1625

[mattedialdoc]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Been saying it for years, stock up on 4 digit DateJusts. :)

4 digits are the best. But now we can’t get parts. This has been mentioned in multiple threads, but it’s more serious than I first thought. Rolex had already pulled parts accounts from Independents. But now even very large Rolex ADs with full service watchmakers are unable to have orders filled for 4 digit parts. I’m talking the dealers that recently had to buy entire full line refinishing equipment to stay in line w Rolex. Done. Game over.


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[77T]

I know Christies offers regular auctions of routine modern and vintage watches and sometimes gets a stellar one in their catalog.

But the watch auction market isn’t a hot one like car auctions with many companies vying to put important lots into the catalog.

The article was giving a perspective in values that rose after the recession had cratered prices. It’s not surprising that an overheated market is now cooling a bit - especially in the top price bracket above $1Million.

How does this apply to vintage watches? Not sure because I haven’t seen it cooling off...


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[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

4 digits are the best. But now we can’t get parts. This has been mentioned in multiple threads, but it’s more serious than I first thought. Rolex had already pulled parts accounts from Independents. But now even very large Rolex ADs with full service watchmakers are unable to have orders filled for 4 digit parts. I’m talking the dealers that recently had to buy entire full line refinishing equipment to stay in line w Rolex. Done. Game over.


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I think they may have 50 or a 100 years or so to go. :) There are several mullion 1570s out there and parts will be/are available...just not from Rolex. That may chase off a few snobs but I don't care where my hairspring comes from as long as it works. :)

[exador]

Originally Posted by 77T

How does this apply to vintage watches? Not sure because I haven’t seen it cooling off...

The latest Bonhams and Watches of Knightsbridge auctions had quite poor results with many lots unsold. Apparently a lot of the watches had "done the rounds" so collectors are definitely becoming more picky.

[roh123]

The watch market is also getting slow. At least for bigger pieces. It’s not shocking to see a reaction after prices have moved up for so long. It will be interesting to see if people who have ”invested” sit tight or if they panic if/when prices move down.

[cardiel]

watches are easier to store than cars.......

[BigAppleBill]

Originally Posted by cardiel

watches are easier to store than cars.......

Agreed! Especially in NYC.

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by exador

This is an article about classic cars, but could equally apply to vintage watches...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ish-collectors

Interesting

[1665fan]

Watches in general are waaaay cheaper to service as well...

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Been saying it for years, stock up on 4 digit DateJusts. :)

#carverforpresident

[Johnnie K]

Rolex is definitely making changes on how watches are to be serviced. One must hope to find a certified Rolex independent watchmaker who was smart enough to maintain a large inventory of vintage parts. I am sure there are quite a few who do work for reputable jewelry stores that carry/sell preowned Rolex's. May have to do a little shopping around, but there are parts still available. Good luck

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Johnnie K

Rolex is definitely making changes on how watches are to be serviced. One must hope to find a certified Rolex independent watchmaker who was smart enough to maintain a large inventory of vintage parts. I am sure there are quite a few who do work for reputable jewelry stores that carry/sell preowned Rolex's. May have to do a little shopping around, but there are parts still available. Good luck

The parts problem may be real in the US (I can’t say) but I can tell you that it is no problem at all to order 15xx movement parts in other parts of the world. They are available through the myrolex system.