Swiss watches as a tangible investment.

[Hitch]

I've been researching watches as a way to preserve value for when the dollar goes kaput. It seems some high end watches actually appreciate in value. Plus, being a useful tangible item, seems like a good idea.

After doing some research, I pulled the plug and bought a vintage Omega watch. It's 60 years old, mechanical movement, and I am very impressed with it. I haven't worn a watch in over 15 years, but I like this one. I didn't get a great price on it, but a fair one, and got exactly what I ordered. It's 60 years old, but keeps really good time and I like how the second hand sweeps across the dial, something I've never seen since having only had quartz movement watches in the past.

Anyway, it got me thinking of perhaps every year buying a good quality watch as way to diversify alongside with PM's. Just another way to prepare and save value.

Any watch collectors here with any insight? Any particular watches you'd recommend to look out for?

[Glass]

It sounds like you scored there.

I guess you need to ensure the watch is a "matching numbers" or movement watch. So the internals are what is expected for that model. Obviously that the externals are also what you would expect.

Even though I don't collect them they do seem to accumulate around me. I have a few reasonably good quality high end and a bunch of knock abouts and copy watches. The copy watches just keep running despite only being a $20 rolex or what ever. I don't know that my premium watches will gain much in value. Not specialist or vintage pieces but expensive fashion pieces.

I guess the thing most collectors do is keep an eye on whats in demand and be on the look out for those with an aim to adding value and desirability to your collection and also flipping doubles or ones that you are ok to let go and others want to buy. Then spending the proceeds on something you do want.

What about building a collection focusing on a theme. Nautical comes to mind for you. Various time pieces and navigation pieces.

[palani]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/eddd/

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR74bLRHwLMn7Ne7TNpYpxERtVnHTHFR y-7zzT57oz_C86RcyPQ

Useful in a bar fight as well (tattoo's optional)

[Glass]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/eddd/

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR74bLRHwLMn7Ne7TNpYpxERtVnHTHFR y-7zzT57oz_C86RcyPQ

Useful in a bar fight as well (tattoo's optional)

Very Steam Punk

[Hitch]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/eddd/

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR74bLRHwLMn7Ne7TNpYpxERtVnHTHFR y-7zzT57oz_C86RcyPQ

Useful in a bar fight as well (tattoo's optional)

I think it's cool. I like it, but could you actually wear it? If it is solid brass, it has some weight to it. Also, the price does not suggest it to be solid brass. The price should be at least 2x what they offer it as. I bet it is plated, which means it will not survive the test of time and will be in a junk pile within a few years.

[Santa]

Are you sure you have an Omega? How do you know?
DUE DILIGENCE. Study study study. Collectibles are fickle. None of these things go up in value for ever. You need to KNOW when an item is a good deal before you buy.
Study ebay sold listings, or LiveAuctions.com. Study makes, types, dates, history and condition. Don't buy anything on impulse. Know all about fakes. The collectible market is rife with fakes. If you aren't prepared you will get fleeced. It's not something you can enter into casually and expect a good investment in. Don't ever buy retail. You have to get in front of the legion of pickers, hustlers and collectors.
I'm not specifically referring to watches. That's just one small area of the collectible world. It takes a lot of time and patience to get good at finding the enduring value vintage stuff.

It's great fun though.

[steyr_m]

I think they are cool, but not sure about investments... The market has to be there, and ultimately someone will have to spend more money than you did. Will it pay off better than PMs? dunno. At the same time, I'm not into putting all of my eggs in one basket. I think the 2-3 cases of 7.62x39 mm ammo I'm buying next month will pay off well.

[woodman]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/eddd/

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR74bLRHwLMn7Ne7TNpYpxERtVnHTHFR y-7zzT57oz_C86RcyPQ

Useful in a bar fight as well (tattoo's optional)

Looks like a compass. Pretty nice though. I think Santa's advice is very good. I don't know how well watches appreciate. My guns and ammunition have done better than anything else lately.

[palani]

Looks like a compass.
To work a sundial needs to be pointed north and needs sunlight.

[Hitch]

Are you sure you have an Omega? How do you know?

Pretty sure, but I'm told the only way to know for 100% sure is to take this watch to a watchmaker, or Omega dealer, to verify. I have done some research though, so I think I'm good. Number one, is quality...of the movement, to everything on the dial and hands screams of precision. Upon initial inspection, I got the wow factor, at what folks talk about regarding to swiss watch quality. But, that's gut reaction, not only initial reaction, but continues to grow the more I wear and admire this watch. Second, the movement. The serial number matches up, the age/look of the movement suggests it's original. The stamping on parts is impressive. Basically, I did some research online on how to spot fakes, and this one passes with flying colors. I'll admit, I'm in the early learning stages in this 'great fun'. If it's a fake, it would be a definite shocker, but it could be. I plan on taking it to a local watchmaker to verify just in case.

[Santa]

Pretty sure, but I'm told the only way to know for 100% sure is to take this watch to a watchmaker, or Omega dealer, to verify. I have done some research though, so I think I'm good. Number one, is quality...of the movement, to everything on the dial and hands screams of precision. Upon initial inspection, I got the wow factor, at what folks talk about regarding to swiss watch quality. But, that's gut reaction, not only initial reaction, but continues to grow the more I wear and admire this watch. Second, the movement. The serial number matches up, the age/look of the movement suggests it's original. The stamping on parts is impressive. Basically, I did some research online on how to spot fakes, and this one passes with flying colors. I'll admit, I'm in the early learning stages in this 'great fun'. If it's a fake, it would be a definite shocker, but it could be. I plan on taking it to a local watchmaker to verify just in case.

It probably is real. At least I hope it is. I'm just saying as far as buying these things for investment purposes, make sure you know the market, or you might wind up buying high and selling low.
After saying that, I admit to having a love for techno-antiques. I'm not a collector, though I do make a fair amount of money finding, refurbishing and flipping antique cameras. Which are similar to watches, in that they both use clockwork timing mechanisms.

[zap]

I have alot of different watches from rolex to omega , since he collected them ... dont doubt your self............... Hitch , watches always have some value... If I found myself in a bad situation I could take the watch or my ring and say this is worth 500 bucks, here... and I would be Solid. the thieves would take them/ it and run.



I wish It was easy to post a picture. :)

[woodman]

I have alot of different watches from rolex to omega , since he collected them ... dont doubt your self............... Hitch , watches always have some value... If I found myself in a bad situation I could take the watch or my ring and say this is worth 500 bucks, here... and I would be Solid. the thieves would take them/ it and run.


I wish It was easy to post a picture. :)

Zap, you are not alone. I cannot post a picture on this forum. I have a file of pictures I'd like to post of my work and I cannot put them in a post.

[crimethink]

I personally would never consider high-end watches to be "investments." They're collectables, and resale value is totally dependent on someone else wanting what is essentially a superfluous item. Do they keep time meaningfully better than a $50 watch? No.

They fall into the same class as mint state, graded coins. Will you be able to sell it for what you paid? Maybe, but probably not.

[crimethink]

Zap, you are not alone. I cannot post a picture on this forum. I have a file of pictures I'd like to post of my work and I cannot put them in a post.

Are you using a Flash blocker? What browser?

A work-around is to go to imageshack.us, upload the photo(s) there, and then post the image links here, using tags.

[Glass]

yep imageshack or photobucket and I think you can even link direct from dropbox.

[Hitch]

If I found myself in a bad situation I could take the watch or my ring and say this is worth 500 bucks, here... and I would be Solid. the thieves would take them/ it and run.

This is why I don't like watches.

[mick silver]

this is the box my wife got for me few year ago the cost has went up I did see that but a watch winder box . there nothing better then a fine auto watch . I have over a dozen now . here the box I use for my nicer watchs ... http://ewatchbox.com/steinhausen-quad-automatic-watch-winder-with-dual-motor-burlwood/ you can look around an find cheaper ones but that what you get

[mick silver]

p s they are the watch I look for now . http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Antique+Pocket+Watches&FORM=RESTAB I have pick up a few at sales an estate sales

[Sparky]

...make sure you know the market, or you might wind up buying high and selling low.


Ha. You said "wind up" in an analog watch thread.

I'm with CT on this. Though I can appreciate it as a beautiful collectible that may maintain its value, I wouldn't put it in the tangible investment category.