Can you make money investing in watches?

[JohnDe]

My brother in-law has been collecting expensive Euro watches for a long time. About 12 years ago he purchased a watch for the price of a cheap small car, I was flabbergasted and thought him a selfish fool.

That watch has now doubled in price.

Goes to show, don't judge a book by its cover.

We caught up on the weekend and had a good discussion about watches, the world of watches is very complex and detailed. I previously thought that the watch was an endangered species with the smart phones and smart watches being the slayer. But that didn't happen, the watch world is back with a vengeance.

People are putting watches back on to read the time, instead of pulling out their phone. Consumers are tired of having smart watches with a useby date governed by technology and apps.

Now would seem to be a good time to invest in quality rare watches and lock them in a safe.

Or is it?

I think that ship has sailed.

Any watch investors on the forum?

I have three that I have collected over the years. One is a dress watch, a 21st gift from my grandfather. Another is a dive watch gifted to me by my wife. And the third is one I chose for lap times. They are all sellable, like anything, but none will contribute to my retirement or a flight to Europe

 

[SirRumpole]

You can make money investing in a lot of things that aren't made any more, including watches, classic cars, meccano sets, art, Hornby train sets, the list goes on.

Things that were popular in their day and aren't made any more will usually increase in price.

 

[moXJO]

Whatever is on trend. I've invested in some weird stuff. Everything goes through cycles and crowds get drawn to certain areas. I think TikTok and Instagram drive a lot of interest to particular investments.
Things get a run and eventually blow up though. My 9 yo son was killing it with pokemon a few years back. Well... till the bottom dropped out of the market.

You just have to notice the interest early.

 

[sptrawler]

My brother in-law has been collecting expensive Euro watches for a long time. About 12 years ago he purchased a watch for the price of a cheap small car, I was flabbergasted and thought him a selfish fool.

That watch has now doubled in price.

Goes to show, don't judge a book by its cover.

We caught up on the weekend and had a good discussion about watches, the world of watches is very complex and detailed. I previously thought that the watch was an endangered species with the smart phones and smart watches being the slayer. But that didn't happen, the watch world is back with a vengeance.

People are putting watches back on to read the time, instead of pulling out their phone. Consumers are tired of having smart watches with a useby date governed by technology and apps.

Now would seem to be a good time to invest in quality rare watches and lock them in a safe.

Or is it?

I think that ship has sailed.

Any watch investors on the forum?

I have three that I have collected over the years. One is a dress watch, a 21st gift from my grandfather. Another is a dive watch gifted to me by my wife. And the third is one I chose for lap times. They are all sellable, like anything, but none will contribute to my retirement or a flight to Europe

View attachment 191064

I've got a few watches, I just like mechanical watches, to me the 1960's-70's watches are works of art.
When I started my apprenticeship as a scientific instrument maker and repairer, that's what it was called back then. Lol

There was an older tradesman who was the leading hand, he did his apprenticeship in Holland as a watchmaker and when we had spare time, he would show me how to pull down a watch, I've loved them ever since.

I have never seen them as an investment, just something to enjoy like a piece of art.

The other problem I found with these new smart watches was, when travelling they are difficult to deal with time changes if your phone doesn't have an internet connection.
i actually gave my Samsung Galaxy watch to one of my grandsons, I just didn't use it.

Like everything in life, it is personal choices and not trying to impose your preferences on everyone else.
That seems to be the part everyone has trouble with these days. Lol

Enjoy what you can while you can and if you chose something because to love it, you will always be happy with it. Lol

 

[frugal.rock]

I always wanted one of those Casio calculator watches.
Remember regularly looking at them in the pharmacy window and dreaming.

Wonder if they are worth anything now?

 

[sptrawler]

I always wanted one of those Casio calculator watches.
Remember regularly looking at them in the pharmacy window and dreaming.

Wonder if they are worth anything now?

Your fingers will be too big and your eyesight to poor these days, to use one. Lol

 

[Craton]

@JohnDe
That watch has now doubled in price

Watches have always appealed to me also and no, I'm not a watch investor. More a hoarder of time keepers.

The advent of the digital aka battery watch was seen as the death knell for mechanical watches. Astute watch wearers soon realised that any good automatic watch was just as good and in an artistic and probably investment sense, far superior. Although my 1980's Swatch is fetching up to ten times the $20 I paid brand new.

Back in the 80's when living in Sydney, my old man visited and together we purused a pawn shop in Rockdale. He laid eyes upon the watches for sale, he haggled then bought two gold plated Omega watches costing $100 and $50. The cheaper watch he gifted to me and was my first automatic watch and first Omega.
As the watch was losing time and the glass was badly cracked and scratched, it was clearly in need of a service. Off to the authorised service repairer in the city it went. From memory service cost was $80.

At that time for insurance purposes, replacement was valued at $550! Clearly the old man knew a bargain when he saw one.

I recently had it serviced again, this time that pleasure was nearly a $$$ grand. My 1970's wind up Tissot (a rare red dial Navigator) was a hundred bucks cheaper to service.

The dollar value on the secondary market would recoup those costs and perhaps a little more but the thing is, as Dad is no longer with us the Omega has sentimental value and is now a treasured family heirloom. It is being left to my son (or his eldest son) on my passing.
No way am I letting that gorgeous Tissot go.

As mentioned, watches are not only functional but are wearable pieces of jewellery and some a just sheer works of art.
For example, some of the mind boggling prices from, among others, Patek Phillippe especially the tourbillons are eye-watering. For the uber wealthy, just another piece of wearable fashion and work-of-art jewellery.

Anyway, watches, like anything we collect, buy and sell (rarity notwithstanding) prices vary on the demand and/or fad at any one time.

I do know one thing though. I'd rather have a mechanical watch on hand should the world go pear shaped. Having more than one is simply extra insurance.

@sptrawler
Your fingers will be too big and your eyesight to poor these days, to use one

Back in the day, that LCD was too dull to see in daylight and my fingers are still too big.
I saw better value in a full sized calculator. I bought my first digital calculator in the mid 70's through my tech college. At 60 bucks, that was two weeks of my apprentice wages but at least it was easy to use and the big red display readable on the job site.

 

[JohnDe]

I've got a few watches, I just like mechanical watches, to me the 1960's-70's watches are works of art.
When I started my apprenticeship as a scientific instrument maker and repairer, that's what it was called back then. Lol

There was an older tradesman who was the leading hand, he did his apprenticeship in Holland as a watchmaker and when we had spare time, he would show me how to pull down a watch, I've loved them ever since.

I have never seen them as an investment, just something to enjoy like a piece of art.

The other problem I found with these new smart watches was, when travelling they are difficult to deal with time changes if your phone doesn't have an internet connection.
i actually gave my Samsung Galaxy watch to one of my grandsons, I just didn't use it.

Like everything in life, it is personal choices and not trying to impose your preferences on everyone else.
That seems to be the part everyone has trouble with these days. Lol

Enjoy what you can while you can and if you chose something because to love it, you will always be happy with it. Lol

I’ve been watching a few watch repair videos, and I now have an itch to start a new hobby.

 

[JohnDe]

I always wanted one of those Casio calculator watches.
Remember regularly looking at them in the pharmacy window and dreaming.

Wonder if they are worth anything now?

I had a mate at school with one, thought he was rich.

Everything old is new again

CASIO Vintage | Original Calculator Watches | CASIO Watches

Shop for CASIO calculator wristwatches online at CASIO Watches and never lose track of time. Browse our range of innovative calculator watches now.

casioau.com

 

[JohnDe]

Watches have always appealed to me also and no, I'm not a watch investor. More a hoarder of time keepers.

The advent of the digital aka battery watch was seen as the death knell for mechanical watches. Astute watch wearers soon realised that any good automatic watch was just as good and in an artistic and probably investment sense, far superior. Although my 1980's Swatch is fetching up to ten times the $20 I paid brand new.

Back in the 80's when living in Sydney, my old man visited and together we purused a pawn shop in Rockdale. He laid eyes upon the watches for sale, he haggled then bought two gold plated Omega watches costing $100 and $50. The cheaper watch he gifted to me and was my first automatic watch and first Omega.
As the watch was losing time and the glass was badly cracked and scratched, it was clearly in need of a service. Off to the authorised service repairer in the city it went. From memory service cost was $80.

At that time for insurance purposes, replacement was valued at $550! Clearly the old man knew a bargain when he saw one.

I recently had it serviced again, this time that pleasure was nearly a $$$ grand. My 1970's wind up Tissot (a rare red dial Navigator) was a hundred bucks cheaper to service.

The dollar value on the secondary market would recoup those costs and perhaps a little more but the thing is, as Dad is no longer with us the Omega has sentimental value and is now a treasured family heirloom. It is being left to my son (or his eldest son) on my passing.
No way am I letting that gorgeous Tissot go.

As mentioned, watches are not only functional but are wearable pieces of jewellery and some a just sheer works of art.
For example, some of the mind boggling prices from, among others, Patek Phillippe especially the tourbillons are eye-watering. For the uber wealthy, just another piece of wearable fashion and work-of-art jewellery.

Anyway, watches, like anything we collect, buy and sell (rarity notwithstanding) prices vary on the demand and/or fad at any one time.

I do know one thing though. I'd rather have a mechanical watch on hand should the world go pear shaped. Having more than one is simply extra insurance.


Back in the day, that LCD was too dull to see in daylight and my fingers are still too big.
I saw better value in a full sized calculator. I bought my first digital calculator in the mid 70's through my tech college. At 60 bucks, that was two weeks of my apprentice wages but at least it was easy to use and the big red display readable on the job site.

My 23 year old Speedmaster is currently getting serviced, I almost fell off the chair when I asked for a quote. But seeing as I won’t sell it and will be handing it down when I’m gone, I want it in tip top condition.

I’m looking at watches on the second hand market, a lot of dreamers out there.

 

[JohnDe]

I’ve been watching a few watch repair videos, and I now have an itch to start a new hobby.

You Tube link was wrong, bloody phones. Here is the one I meant to post -

 

[moXJO]

You Tube link was wrong, bloody phones. Here is the one I meant to post -

I've heard watchmaker apprenticeships are making a comeback. Intricate work that needs a lot of patience. I think the British reopened a course. They really learn the ins and outs of the watches. Even the making of parts.

 

[Craton]

My 23 year old Speedmaster is currently getting serviced, I almost fell off the chair when I asked for a quote. But seeing as I won’t sell it and will be handing it down when I’m gone, I want it in tip top condition.

I’m looking at watches on the second hand market, a lot of dreamers out there.

Yep, servicing costs a pretty penny that's for sure.

Yes, too many dreamers AND too bloody fraudsters. My old man thought he's scored a Seamaster for mom and boasted what a bargain it was. Well I've got that watch in my hands now that both have passed on and this watch is just one of the many that were faked and peddled to unsuspecting tourists.
As he normally was very sharp back in the day, why he didn't pick up that this "vintage seamaster" didn't have a waterproof screwed base boggles the mind.

I've heard watchmaker apprenticeships are making a comeback. Intricate work that needs a lot of patience. I think the British reopened a course. They really learn the ins and outs of the watches. Even the making of parts.

Wristwatch Revival is one of my fav watch repair channels and Marshall certainly has a very infectious passion.

For something different and as an entry into the Seiko world (one day I might own a Grand Seiko) I recently purchased a couple of Seiko 5's, one for my partner and one for yours truly.

Both are automatic movements with day/date and very stylish in gold tone s/steel. Best thing is that these timepieces don't pinch the hip pocket nerve too hard.

 

[JohnDe]

Having a beer and decided to have a look at second hand watches online.

There seems a lot of Rolex watches for sale from Victoria. I wonder if that is an indication of the economy.

If I was keen on Rolex's I'd be offering 50%

 

[Macquack]

I would want a car for that sort of money.

I can buy a watch on e-bay for $10. I certainly can't buy a car for 10 bucks.

 

[JohnDe]

I would want a car for that sort of money.

I can buy a watch on e-bay for $10. I certainly can't buy a car for 10 bucks.

True, and I would as well, probably a nice classic from the 60’s or 70’s.

Though, I can appreciate the cost of some watches, considering the skill and labour involved in making and assembling mechanical watches. But not when they are asking 10’s of thousands $’s

A $10 watch would end up in land fill after a few years, whereas a quality mechanical watch would be around for decades and most likely passed on to the next generation.

 

[Knobby22]

Products like watches, antiques, Star Wars toys, rely on fashion and money.

For instance, a lot of the antique market has depreciated badly as people want new modern homes with a modern look.

Stars Wars collectibles have lasted longer compared to other toy collections as Disney keep the franchise going and the original fans are at peak wealth.

My brother in law loves watches but he is 65 and these days wears a smart watch. I never see him with one of his fancies.

I reckon in 20 years, mechanical watches will go the way of Stamp collecting. There is heavy marketing to keep the industry alive especially with the Chinese market but it won't take much change much before watches are considered a relic of the past.

 

[JohnDe]

Products like watches, antiques, Star Wars toys, rely on fashion and money.

For instance, a lot of the antique market has depreciated badly as people want new modern homes with a modern look.

Stars Wars collectibles have lasted longer compared to other toy collections as Disney keep the franchise going and the original fans are at peak wealth.

My brother in law loves watches but he is 65 and these days wears a smart watch. I never see him with one of his fancies.

I reckon in 20 years, mechanical watches will go the way of Stamp collecting. There is heavy marketing to keep the industry alive especially with the Chinese market but it won't take much change much before watches are considered a relic of the past.

Anything is possible, especially when fashion is involved. I thought the same, a few times, even as recently as a few years ago.

In my youth during the 80's, me and my mates were obsessed with digital watches, none of us wanted an old-fashioned analogue watch. By the time I finished high school I was fascinated with mechanical watches.

When smart phones and watches came out, I reduced watch wearing for when I dressed up for a party or function, or I was heading out to places where it was difficult to charge my phone.

I never ended up getting a smart watch, though I have always wanted one, I have been waiting for the smartest model to come out before committing. Now, I can't be bothered. They mostly all look the same, they always need charging, they are outdated by the time the next new chip and memory is released, which is every 6 months.

There is something about a mechanical watch that is comforting, it doesn't require a battery or an external power supply. A robust mechanical watch will almost last forever, they can be worn for work, business or pleasure, and always reliable in a world that has become unreliable.

Mechanical Watch Market Size​

Mechanical Watch Market size was valued at around USD 59.2 Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 5.2% between 2024 to 2032. Driven to several reasons, including rise of disposable income in developed and developing nations, consumer spending on luxury segment boosts the demand in high end mechanical watch. Furthermore, manufacturers are launching the limited-edition model creating a sense of urgency and desirability, further driving the overall mechanical watch sales.​

In 20 years', time the mechanical watch will still tell you the correct time, while the smart watch will no longer be supported by its manufacturer and most likely have a dead chipset.

Which one is the least environmentally friendly, which one will end up in landfill?

 

[JohnDe]

Picked upped a second-hand solid dive watch from a pawn shop on the weekend travels. $130 with 1 month's warranty.

Not a brand that I have heard of, but after a quick google search, I found that it’s a good workhorse for my swimming and snorkelling hobby.

Feels great on my wrist, and has a clever “butterfly” clasp that allows the wearer to put it over a wetsuit without mucking around.

 

[Knobby22]

Picked upped a second-hand solid dive watch from a pawn shop on the weekend travels. $130 with 1 month's warranty.

Not a brand that I have heard of, but after a quick google search, I found that it’s a good workhorse for my swimming and snorkelling hobby.

Feels great on my wrist, and has a clever “butterfly” clasp that allows the wearer to put it over a wetsuit without mucking around.

The guy who sold it probably bought a smart watch that traced where he had been and at what depth so he could post on Strava.

Mechanical watches are now jewellery and subject to fashion. Telling the time is incidental unless you are in the Melbourne Club where phones and any modem technology is disallowed. (According to the paper (Age) I read today).