Watch collectors - let's talk watches here!

[BigBob]

Thinking of swapping an old gold rolex datejust that i don't use (and probably will get my hand macheted off if i wear it in central London) for a submariner (will just get threatened with a knife).

I've a couple of questions for the those that actually know about the watches as i'm clueless please.

1. Is the second hand market still very strong or has the froth been lost? I'd rather thought it was the latter, but the watches im looking at are RRP of around 8k and offers on various websites are closer to 2k higher. Is that still about right? I'm not buying as an investment or to flip, but i don't want my pants pulled down either!

2. I'm trying to get my head around why there seems to be very little difference in price between a nearly new watch and one 5 years old. They look pretty much identical to me, so i'd have thought the newer one would be more desirable. what am I missing? 2 examples:

2020 - https://www.watches.co.uk/rolex-submariner-non-date-unworn-2020/RO24314S
2024 - https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Rolex/Submariner/124060/48245/item/324441

3. Final question - best way to sell the old (about 30years or so) one?
Similar to this: https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/ro...inish---champagne-dial---1986--id35133588.htm

Cheers!

Sponsored

 

[Watchesandburgers]

1. Is the second hand market still very strong or has the froth been lost?
2. I'm trying to get my head around why there seems to be very little difference in price between a nearly new watch and one 5 years old. They look pretty much identical to me, so i'd have thought the newer one would be more desirable. what am I missing?
3. Final question - best way to sell the old (about 30years or so) one?

All of this is just my opinion. I don't profess to be an expert here.
1. The second hand market has returned to a pre-Covid "normal". In other words, most watches trade below MSRP/RRP, but some Rolex, Patek, and other rarer examples may trade at or above. You've picked a good time to trade, as you can get a fair price for your older watch while still paying a reasonable price for the new one.
2. As we all know, Rolex doesn't change their designs that much, often making small tweaks versus wholesale revisions. This makes a 2020 in X condition nearly identical to a 2022 in the same condition. The only difference being some possible remaining warranty. With that in mind, I'd lean towards getting as new a watch as possible. Many online retailers offer their own 1 or 2 year warranties. Good to choose one that does.
3. Online retailers like 1916 Company, European Watch Co., Bob's Watches, and many many others, will buy Rolex watches. Many of those also sell Rolex, so you can do a straight trade all at once, with some possible associated savings in overall price, reducing taxes owed, etc. I personally would go this route versus attempting to sell on Ebay, Chrono24, or other "self listing" sites. You may get more money for a direct sale, but with some added stress.

Good luck. Enjoy. And post a pic when you complete the deal!

 

[MichaelPNW]

New thread to me. Not a collector but have a few.

1969 Logines Ultra-Chron
2005 Rolex Submariner
2008 Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono

 

[laua]

I was very much a watch fan since childhood before I started wearing (and now can’t part with) my Apple Watch. I have a requisite Rolex and Tudor but my favorites are probably pretty blasphemous to most folks here. I just included two rather unique ones, a Seagull “1963” flyback chronograph and a Beijing dress watch. Forget the name of the exact model but it is powered by a gorgeous thin b18 hand wound movement. My crappy photo does not do it justice as it’s really gorgeous and well machined in person (for the price).

My grail is to get an AP15202, but I can’t justify that spend for a watch I probably won’t wear more than five times in my life time.

 

[MarkR]

I was very much a watch fan since childhood before I started wearing (and now can’t part with) my Apple Watch. I have a requisite Rolex and Tudor but my favorites are probably pretty blasphemous to most folks here. I just included two rather unique ones, a Seagull “1963” flyback chronograph and a Beijing dress watch. Forget the name of the exact model but it is powered by a gorgeous thin b18 hand wound movement. My crappy photo does not do it justice as it’s really gorgeous and well machined in person (for the price).

My grail is to get an AP15202, but I can’t justify that spend for a watch I probably won’t wear more than five times in my life time.

I am really tempted with a Seagull 1963. I think the movement is pretty special, and feel like it would be nice to have an everyday Chronograph, that is a bit of a talking point. Where did you get yours from, and are you happy with it? I am thinking of ordering one from Seagull1963.com and importing it from Belgium, as i believe they regulate it before shipping. I like the 38mm swan neck with an acrylic crystal.

 

[laua]

I am really tempted with a Seagull 1963. I think the movement is pretty special, and feel like it would be nice to have an everyday Chronograph, that is a bit of a talking point. Where did you get yours from, and are you happy with it? I am thinking of ordering one from Seagull1963.com and importing it from Belgium, as i believe they regulate it before shipping. I like the 38mm swan neck with an acrylic crystal.

I loved my 1963; iirc I got it around 2008 or 2009 from a china-based westerner (German? Memory fails me). I recall he partnered with an HK’er with connections to the mainland watch industry to commission a run of the original homage version. Subsequently multiple versions were made by others, all mostly looking the same with Seagull also making an “official” but slightly different variation. Unfortunately neither gentlemen seem to be actively selling watches anymore (from what I see) but the site I got the Beijing watch from (good-stuffs.com) also has the 1963.

Can’t believe it’s been 15 years already but good news is the watch still runs well! Wore it the other day for an afternoon and still accurate from what I can tell.

 

[MarkR]

I loved my 1963; iirc I got it around 2008 or 2009 from a china-based westerner (German? Memory fails me). I recall he partnered with an HK’er with connections to the mainland watch industry to commission a run of the original homage version. Subsequently multiple versions were made by others, all mostly looking the same with Seagull also making an “official” but slightly different variation. Unfortunately neither gentlemen seem to be actively selling watches anymore (from what I see) but the site I got the Beijing watch from (good-stuffs.com) also has the 1963.

Can’t believe it’s been 15 years already but good news is the watch still runs well! Wore it the other day for an afternoon and still accurate from what I can tell.

Thanks for your feedback @laua. ? glad you still enjoy the watch.

 

[Kayone73]

First new (preowned) purchase of 2025:

Found a 2020 production year JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon for sale from a Grey market dealer in HK, excellent condition, complete in box. Paid $7k all in, including taxes + shipping for a piece that currently retails for $12k new and that is before sales taxes.

 

[Watchesandburgers]

Attended an event with Jack Mason watches to see the release of their new Pursuit Pilot 10th Anniversary Edition. Grade 2 titanium and a cool new movement for the brand. If you don’t know Jack Mason, they’re based in Dallas and sell online at jackmasonbrand.com. Reasonably priced and solidly built.

More pics from the event on IG at https://www.instagram.com/share/BACbgBGq2T.

 

[Kryptos]

My latest addition: Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days. 5.95mm thickness in titanium. Far and away the lightest most comfortable thing I’ve ever had on my wrist.

There is a trivial automotive link to the watch. The designer, Fabrizio Stigliani, is a car nut, specifically old school Italian sport coupes. The “eight days” on the dial is decidedly Pininfarini-esque.

 

[Kayone73]

Attended an event with Jack Mason watches to see the release of their new Pursuit Pilot 10th Anniversary Edition. Grade 2 titanium and a cool new movement for the brand. If you don’t know Jack Mason, they’re based in Dallas and sell online at jackmasonbrand.com. Reasonably priced and solidly built.

More pics from the event on IG at https://www.instagram.com/share/BACbgBGq2T.

Jack Mason makes some great stuff, especially the new Canton that was released.

 

[Kayone73]

Did a pretty major reduction of my watch collection, including a couple Grand Seikos, my Omega Speedmaster 57 and a few microbrands:

In their place are two new additions that I hope will stay in the collection for a while:

Tag Heuer Carrera Glassbox chrono purple dial:

Omega Speedmaster FOIS

 

[Watchesandburgers]

Did a pretty major reduction of my watch collection, including a couple Grand Seikos, my Omega Speedmaster 57 and a few microbrands:

In their place are two new additions that I hope will stay in the collection for a while:

Omega Speedmaster FOIS

Well done with the Omega. That dial is killer!

 

[tigerbalm]

I've been wanting to pick up the Chronograph 1 for a while and with the recent move to a 911 Targa, now felt like the right time.

In a world of ever increasing chronograph watch sizes, it is nice that this still has a tidy 40mm case diameter.

Picked up this version new with a significant discount from retail prices.

 

[PT Addiction]

Did a pretty major reduction of my watch collection, including a couple Grand Seikos, my Omega Speedmaster 57 and a few microbrands:

In their place are two new additions that I hope will stay in the collection for a while:

Tag Heuer Carrera Glassbox chrono purple dial:

Omega Speedmaster FOIS

Sweet! Big fan of Tag Heuer. I got the Formula 1. I'll put it up when I get a chance.

Sponsored