Watch collectors - let's talk watches here!

[paulsantiago]

I’ve always found watches fascinating, especially when finding that perfect balance between design and function. They capture that classic, timeless vibe without the crazy price tag. If you’re into luxury pieces but don’t want to break the bank, Calatrava Replica Watches might be a solid choice. I think the appeal lies in the attention to detail – they look and feel pretty close to the real deal. It’s not just about the brand but the craftsmanship. The way they sit on your wrist and the weight – it's all part of the experience. Some folks might prefer the originals, but replicas can be excellent if you're on a budget or want a piece that gets the look right.

 

[Patrick303]

Got the call from the AD (finally) that a Wimbledon DateJust was available for my wife, just in time for our 10 year anniversary!

 

[Vercingetorix]

@f1eng
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/291...-dial-ref-145012-purchased-2nd-december-1969/

 

[f1eng]

@f1eng
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/291...-dial-ref-145012-purchased-2nd-december-1969/

Mine is the same watch but I changed the tacky weak bracelet to a better one - so worth about £1000 or so less.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Mine is the same watch but I changed the tacky weak bracelet to a better one - so worth about £1000 or so less.

It is a rare one for sure. My wife found a Speedmaster in a pawnshop and thought it was a fake because of a chintzy bracelet. I assured her was legit, and still have the watch with the bracelet.

 

[f1eng]

It is a rare one for sure. My wife found a Speedmaster in a pawnshop and thought it was a fake because of a chintzy bracelet. I assured her was legit, and still have the watch with the bracelet.

The original bracelet is very thin material and all the ones I have seen are bent and twisted. Mine was my every day watch from 1971 for at least 10 years and the little leaf springs in the sprung links had broken and it kept falling apart so I got the next generation fitted when I had a service at Omega (mainly because of a big scuff on the crystal).
It lives in a safe now, I do have a triple date Speedmaster which I like the size and look of best, and a grey side of the moon Speedmaster which annoys me because the minute hand doesn't jump each minute just runs smoothly, so not a proper stopwatch in my book. It does look nice though with its meteorite dial but is a bit bigger than I really like.

 

[Vercingetorix]

The original bracelet is very thin material and all the ones I have seen are bent and twisted. Mine was my every day watch from 1971 for at least 10 years and the little leaf springs in the sprung links had broken and it kept falling apart so I got the next generation fitted when I had a service at Omega (mainly because of a big scuff on the crystal).
It lives in a safe now, I do have a triple date Speedmaster which I like the size and look of best, and a grey side of the moon Speedmaster which annoys me because the minute hand doesn't jump each minute just runs smoothly, so not a proper stopwatch in my book. It does look nice though with its meteorite dial but is a bit bigger than I really like.

Michael Young in Hong Kong repairs those older stretch link bracelets.

 

[f1eng]

Michael Young in Hong Kong repairs those older stretch link bracelets.

I didn't keep the old gash bracelet, Omega probably binned it 40 years ago!

I am not really a collector, I just like watches and this one will go to my son. It was a 21st birthday gift from my Dad who had a heart attack 2 years later and died so its value to me is very much more than money.

 

[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!

 

[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.