Attention Watch Collectors: Brace Yourself for Changing Prices!

Yes and I notice alot more inventory for most brands. Like every AD I go to, they are fully stocked with basically all the watches, even recent releases and often multiples of them, which is great for buyers like me where I get to see and try any watch I want. Furthermore I see alot LESS buyers than before, often times I am the only person in the shop, I wonder how these ADs stay in business... (Ofcourse I am not talking about Patek, Rolex or AP).

I don't track the prices of my watches - intent is to keep them till I give them away or sell them. I do research price for individual watches when looking at options for whom to purchase and my negotiation range.

On a philosophical note - I am not sure I, personally, consider someone a collector if they buying/selling based off market trends. But, people can participate as a hobbyist however they please.

The global and especially the US economy is going to tank hard until Q1 of 2025.

The trick was to buy right in the first place. I have zero cares for those that paid full MSRP, or worse, over on watches. For me, I’m a “If there’s blood on the street, buy” type so I have been struggling to not buy as many pieces as I want. I think there is still another 20%+ on many models.

I really hope that's not the case!

The price of my watches up or mostly down has never concerned me, just living each day. I do not see prices for new watches dropping any time soon here in Toronto, the folks who buy watches are pretty affluent, perhaps some smaller boutiques,ads might start to sell with better discounts but the Rolex market will not change imo. I was somewhat interested in looking at an Omega summer blue PO from last summer but my ad was reserving his single copy for a wealthy customer who might buy 20 new watches at a time, bubble wraps his watches stores them away. Guy is not looking for deals. My buddies used to joke that our watches lost 50% value the second we fitted a bracelet or tried on a watch with a nice croco strap. We were not careless with our dollars but watches were a hobby.

I agree with you. I see my watches as long-term keepsakes rather than investments to monitor closely. It would be best to do your homework on prices when you're in the market—to understand what's fair when buying. I agree with your philosophical take. Collecting is more about the passion and personal connection to each piece rather than following market trends. But as you said, everyone enjoys the hobby differently, making it diverse and exciting.

Most of my watches I bought pre-owned to take advantage of the drop in price most brands have in the secondary market. Just like new cars, drive off the dealership and the price drops. If I decide to part ways with a watch there is less or no loss. I bought my BB58, BB36, and Speedmaster Pro used, all were less than one year old with a lot of warranty left. Both Tudors cost ~$1K below retail, and the Moonwatch ~2K.

Of course, this strategy does not apply to Rolex, AP, and the other unobtainium-made watches.

I could see someone selling when they were high, because the money was too tenpting. But if you havent sold it yet and you’re arent starving, why sell now?

The watch itself hasn’t changed

You've made some intelligent choices by building your watch collection with pre-owned watches. This approach allows you to enjoy high-quality timepieces at significant savings below retail prices and with plenty of warranty remaining.

Nope. I swim in the affordable end

Whatever is on the high-end of the spectrum will always spike in the face of inflation. Price correction is never linear. So if I'm holding anything uniquely top tier of its type/category I will not worry.

But if your hoard is not exactly top tier, then, you might want to consider the fact that people are going to want the extra and try to cash out. This is why it's never linear. The amount of people holding the 2nd tier goods is exponentially higher than the top one and they do behave/are forced to behave differently.

Why? Because not everyone is in it for collecting and find forever home for the pieces. It comes down to the amount or the ratio of collectors-investors in the same market sector. The less investor infiltrated in your kind of kink the better your hoard will age. Because afterall what they want is not the goods but the money (maybe not profit, they may hold goods to park their money. this is crucial point since they can exit "early").

Likewise, I bought my Rolex and AP retail to avoid the gray market markup.

Smart!

Wrist phone crisis...

Hope youre right. I have been putting my money in 3-6 month CDs at 5.45% rates

The value of my watches has absolutely no impact on my decision to keep or sell them. I care not what the used market is doing really.

If I may ahem .. drop one of my own videos on this topic: https://youtu.be/vh_G9fLlDXA?si=PS6XbRtw3X7Zx80Q

As an economist, I discuss the watch market on my channel. The one above is the status on Rolex precious metals. But the drop I discuss is really applicable to the entire luxury watch market.

Watching a “mint” 2024 124060 Sub at a well known used dealer was 10.5, just reduced to 9.8, been with them for well over a month now.

I know it’ll sell before I’m ready lol… but that’s not the point…. It ain’t selling….

Insightful take. I look at prices and the market obviously if I’m buying. I have never sold a watch so post purchase I try and enjoy the ownership and wearing experience.

I agree and believe it will open the door to get even more collectors on board which will only help moving forward as well as even get more microbrands to sprout and offer competitive models 🤷

Is there an estimate when watch prices will plummet drastically?

Any move that places watches in the hands of people that really love them is a good move in my book.

It’s too early to tell what’s going on in this landscape. There is a lot of You Tube echo chamber at work. If you think a hard correction is coming, keep your powder dry. I don’t agree with the sentiment of parting with your prized possession before the bottom falls out. That’s too transactional for me.

Finally something for ppl that like watches

I’ve never considered investment in watches as a viable option. They are purely mechanical pleasures to enjoy as a hobby. Certainly the current market price will determine if I will buy a watch now or later.

I think to totally depends on whether you consider yourself a watch collector or a "watch investor".

If you are the former, secondary market prices shouldn't concern you. If you are the latter, I would say there are better ways to invest your money.

Micros say hi 👋

I'm celebrate this thread by wearing a watch today which doubled its grey market value since 2022.

My guess is that you’ll buy the Longines at a good discount as well

As many here will agree watches are not something that should be considered investments. To me I view them as any object of my affection that needs to be purchased. I buy my watches for personal enjoyment and not based on trends or what IG influencers or pretenders indicate must be in any serious collector's watch box.

Like most cars, depreciation hits the moment you buy it and leave the store save a few brands. By rights, none of us needs any watch with the advent of our phones telling 100% accurate time always plus world time, chronograph,moon phase and perpetual calendar built in. Just need to ask Mr Google and you shall receive.

We collect these objects out of fascination, respect for engineering, and that je ne sais quoi magic that only watch hobbyists/enthusiasts can understand. The moment we collect them based solely on what resale value is or will be then that magic is lost.

Just my thoughts anyways. I welcome market correction so that I may be able to obtain more grails to my collection.

Enjoy the watches all!