A. Lange & Sohne 2nd hand market

[cloudsun]

Hi all

I am possibly looking to add another watch in my collection, and after looking in this forum, came to admire the A. Lange & Sohne watches. I have looked at the buy/sell forum here and a few websites just for research purpose. What are some websites you guys visit for 2nd hand watches?



Thank you all for your input!

[CFR]

Two preowned dealers in the US who often have decent Lange inventory (as well as brick and mortar locations) are Govberg/Watchbox (in PA) and European Watch Company (in MA). Those should get you started. I think preowned Lange prices have been increasing at a higher rate in the past 1-2 years.

[cloudsun]

Originally Posted by CFR

Two preowned dealers in the US who often have decent Lange inventory (as well as brick and mortar locations) are Govberg/Watchbox (in PA) and European Watch Company (in MA). Those should get you started. I think preowned Lange prices have been increasing at a higher rate in the past 1-2 years.

Thank you, ill definitely take a look at these two.

[enjoythemusic]

Albert at European in Boston is wonderful. Also check with DavidSW.

[chiscott_29]

I can recommend Burdeen's Jewelry here in the Chicago suburbs. They are an ALS authorized dealer and operate a boutique, and they have several Langes available pre-owned. Most of their listings are on C24 as well. Shipping I am sure wouldn't be an issue for them and they are a most reputable dealer. PM me if you want to know more.

[NYG1121]

EWC has good selection but super inflated prices even compared to grey standards although there is some “wiggle room”. DSW is great but ALS choices usually limited

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

EWC has good selection but super inflated prices even compared to grey standards although there is some “wiggle room”. DSW is great but ALS choices usually limited

Totally agree European prices are nuts in many instances. If people are paying those I sincerely worry about humanity.

I’m curious what the “wiggle room” might be because some of their watches turn over really fast.

[NYG1121]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Totally agree European prices are nuts in many instances. If people are paying those I sincerely worry about humanity.

I’m curious what the “wiggle room” might be because some of their watches turn over really fast.

Ive tried to deal with them many times but never struck a deal because their offers for my pieces are usually way below other dealers and their own prices really high. And I am local too!

Depends on model of course but around 5% or so off their prices is what I’ve seen.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by cloudsun

Hi all

I am possibly looking to add another watch in my collection, and after looking in this forum, came to admire the A. Lange & Sohne watches. I have looked at the buy/sell forum here and a few websites just for research purpose. What are some websites you guys visit for 2nd hand watches?



Thank you all for your input!

Which models are you looking at?


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[cloudsun]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I can recommend Burdeen's Jewelry here in the Chicago suburbs. They are an ALS authorized dealer and operate a boutique, and they have several Langes available pre-owned. Most of their listings are on C24 as well. Shipping I am sure wouldn't be an issue for them and they are a most reputable dealer. PM me if you want to know more.

Definitely searching on the web to see different options , I’ll take a look at that as well! Thanks!

[cloudsun]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

EWC has good selection but super inflated prices even compared to grey standards although there is some “wiggle room”. DSW is great but ALS choices usually limited

Prices are definitely all over the place , I’ll keep that in mind when comparing the price from ewc

[cloudsun]

@Eepro it wouldn’t let me reply to you for some reason

But looking at Lange 1 rose gold 191.032 , or similar

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by cloudsun

@Eepro it wouldn’t let me reply to you for some reason

But looking at Lange 1 rose gold 191.032 , or similar

Nice. I have WatchRecon alerts set up for Lange 1 moonphase. I have the sax moon in white.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

Ive tried to deal with them many times but never struck a deal because their offers for my pieces are usually way below other dealers and their own prices really high. And I am local too!

Depends on model of course but around 5% or so off their prices is what I’ve seen.

Totally with you. I have tried twice to sell to them, and I’ve used them as a gauge a few times on what the true dealer secondary market is at. Honestly I couldn’t have been more turned off. Completely ridiculous rationale for their pricing offers. The only explanation I have is they genuinely took me for a fool.

These guys must be great at service and doing something right though...Their inventory is really great and like I said some things seem to turn over in a matter of days.


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[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by cloudsun

@Eepro it wouldn’t let me reply to you for some reason

But looking at Lange 1 rose gold 191.032 , or similar

I’m pretty sure you can land this one for about $25k to $28k in the secondary market. I’d move sooner than later. If Lange does draw more attention this year, the Lange 1 is probably the face of the brand and I would suspect these models would trend upwards. That said, I wouldn’t expect any sudden moves and I’d take my time finding a nice example.


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[fullofboats]

The big grey dealers mentioned here are terrible to sell to. They typically make offers that net them a margin of 30-40%. They try to take advantage of their size and reputation to not only command above market prices when selling but also below market prices when buying.

End of the day some people can't or don't know how to sell watches themselves, or are under some time pressure. These dealers are predatory and will try to rip your face off.

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

Totally with you. I have tried twice to sell to them, and I’ve used them as a gauge a few times on what the true dealer secondary market is at. Honestly I couldn’t have been more turned off. Completely ridiculous rationale for their pricing offers. The only explanation I have is they genuinely took me for a fool.

These guys must be great at service and doing something right though...Their inventory is really great and like I said some things seem to turn over in a matter of days.


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[CFR]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

These guys must be great at service and doing something right though...Their inventory is really great and like I said some things seem to turn over in a matter of days.

I've frequented EWC for years (local) and know them all. They have a huge repeat clientele and don't like to hold onto pieces for very long, hence the turnover. They're definitely customer-focused and do go the extra mile to please people. Joshua learned a lot of good stuff from his father Albert. Their pricing is indeed pretty variable -- on some pieces they ask way too much, but they also offer some really good deals (which we often don't see because they're gone before they've made it past the "Incoming" page). Their wiggle room depends (in my experience) more upon how much they paid for that piece and less upon the typical market price for the piece: They might have two identical watches in inventory, and they'll sell one for less if they paid less for it. I got a 1680 Red Sub that way: Saw it laying on the counter, looked at it, they let me take it home for the weekend to see if I liked it, price was quite good, so then I bought it. I don't think it had even hit the website yet (or maybe it was just posted -- can't remember). They tend to have one of the largest and most frequently rotating Lange inventories of any preowned US dealer, too.

[MichaelFlash]

Originally Posted by CFR

I've frequented EWC for years (local) and know them all. They have a huge repeat clientele and don't like to hold onto pieces for very long, hence the turnover. They're definitely customer-focused and do go the extra mile to please people. Joshua learned a lot of good stuff from his father Albert. Their pricing is indeed pretty variable -- on some pieces they ask way too much, but they also offer some really good deals (which we often don't see because they're gone before they've made it past the "Incoming" page). Their wiggle room depends (in my experience) more upon how much they paid for that piece and less upon the typical market price for the piece: They might have two identical watches in inventory, and they'll sell one for less if they paid less for it. I got a 1680 Red Sub that way: Saw it laying on the counter, looked at it, they let me take it home for the weekend to see if I liked it, price was quite good, so then I bought it. I don't think it had even hit the website yet (or maybe it was just posted -- can't remember). They tend to have one of the largest and most frequently rotating Lange inventories of any preowned US dealer, too.

I have no criticism for EWC. I have sold 3 watches to them all at much better prices than any other grey dealer offered. Fair dealers IMHO. The transactions were seamless too. I have never purchased a watch from them however.

[watchucallit]

I am favorable towards EWC. I bought a Lange from them and they were very professional and accurate. I have visited their store a couple of times as I do spend a lot of time in Boston. There were two other watches I almost purchased and while I was thinking about it.. they sold. He did contact me and asked me if I wanted it because of interest by others but I had a lot going on at the time and could not decide... Anyway -- I would buy from them again without hesitation.

[chiscott_29]

As I said, clearly they are doing something right. I will say they appear to be very attentive and I’m guessing their service level is very good.

I don’t really understand why there is so much discrepancy between dealers in terms of buying offers. I guess people cater to different clientele and that can result in differences. Of course, stock on hand plays a role.

I’m not exaggerating by saying the offers from EWC for me were embarrassingly low. Not even in the ballpark, and to the point I’d never waste my time again.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I’m not exaggerating by saying the offers from EWC for me were embarrassingly low. Not even in the ballpark, and to the point I’d never waste my time again.

Did you bargain at all? Which piece was this?

EWC is usually a bit more bargaining than, say, DavidSW imho. As for customer sales, both EWC and DavidSW are excellent in my experience. Have not had DavidSW service anything, yet will say EWC has an EXCELLENT watchmaker.

[fullofboats]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

As I said, clearly they are doing something right. I will say they appear to be very attentive and I’m guessing their service level is very good.

I don’t really understand why there is so much discrepancy between dealers in terms of buying offers. I guess people cater to different clientele and that can result in differences. Of course, stock on hand plays a role.

I’m not exaggerating by saying the offers from EWC for me were embarrassingly low. Not even in the ballpark, and to the point I’d never waste my time again.

You mention the reason yourself. Grey dealers make their money on fast turnover more than wider margins - they’d rather sell a $10k watch for $11k 3 times in a month for $3k profit on $10k of capital than sell that $10k watch for $13k once. They don’t want to take the inventory risk of holding onto a piece and see it’s market value tank. The price they offer is dependent primarily on how fast they can move it which will be affected by whether they specialists in that brand, do they already have a buyer lined up, do they have that reference in stock already.

Combined with this the big greys are better able to buy directly from owners and therefore can lowball on offers. Smaller greys actually source inventory from other greys in the wholesale market and therefore have even thinner margins and these are the guys that typically can offer owners a better price.


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[ts3]

I frequent EWC's website as a source for inspiration. FWIW it seems like lots of their stock has just been marked up substantially. AP's recent 5% price increase appears small in comparison. Never dealt with them though as I have several large European greys within a few miles from my place.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by ts3

I frequent EWC's website as a source for inspiration.

Yup, EWC tends to have far more higher-end models and rarities than DavidSW. DavidSW tends to have the 'latest and greatest' just-relased hot models.

[Cayenne06]

EA4D457F-2A74-4E3E-9052-66BD285A4AC1.jpegFWIW I just picked this 1815 chrono from Mike at EWC. Very pleased with the price, service and the piece.

[CFR]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

I don’t really understand why there is so much discrepancy between dealers in terms of buying offers. I guess people cater to different clientele and that can result in differences. Of course, stock on hand plays a role.

I’m not exaggerating by saying the offers from EWC for me were embarrassingly low. Not even in the ballpark, and to the point I’d never waste my time again.

I don't sell watches often, but I've definitely heard this before. I experienced it last year, when I was selling my Rolex DSSD 116660. I shopped it around to probably 5-6 dealers (before deciding to sell it myself) and got offers that were all over the place. I was surprised, because this is such a common watch with so many data points and such a narrow range of selling prices. I noticed that the smaller dealers seemed to offer a bit more, maybe because they have lower overhead (no high rent, few or no employee salaries to pay, etc.), but I don't know if that's generalizable. And as you mentioned, another big factor (invisible to us) that influences how much they offer is stock on hand vs. their cash available at that moment for purchases.

[CFR]

Originally Posted by Cayenne06

FWIW I just picked this 1815 chrono from Mike at EWC. Very pleased with the price, service and the piece.

Congrats! I really like that nice, clean version of the 1815 Chrono. I knew Mike from his former job, too. He's good, and also a nice guy.

[cloudsun]

Originally Posted by Cayenne06

Attachment 1196767FWIW I just picked this 1815 chrono from Mike at EWC. Very pleased with the price, service and the piece.

Great looking watch! But for some reason the rose gold catches my attention more!

[crod]

I bought an ALS DATOGRAPH in Sept from DavidSW and I included as part of the deal a BLNR and a 15300 OR and I got a fair deal. I would definitely deal with them again. At the time EWC also had a DATO same model but DSW just were faster in closing the deal with me.

[pdnb]

Originally Posted by crod

I bought an ALS DATOGRAPH in Sept from DavidSW and I included as part of the deal a BLNR and a 15300 OR and I got a fair deal. I would definitely deal with them again. At the time EWC also had a DATO same model but DSW just were faster in closing the deal with me.

Haha... I was looking at these two during that time; I purchased mine from a referral “friend of a friend”


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