The exquisite, sophisticated, and somewhat mysterious world of watch collecting is a tempting siren. However, if you are just beginning your journey into the world of Haute Horology, there are some things you may want to consider before you raise the auction paddle or give over your credit card. Knowing the inner machinations of what collectors think and enjoy, which pieces are sought after, as well as listening to your own inner compass can all help to guide you towards a collection that you are not only proud of but one that may also grant a great return on investment years down the road.
- Avoid the “Frankenwatch”
- Retain packaging, papers, and receipts
- Don’t fixate on the future value
- Allow the vintage to shine naturally
Many watch collectors, whether you are new to the game or are a seasoned horologist, have a tale to tell that involves unknowingly purchasing a watch that has been cobbled together by a variety of sources. When a watch is repaired with parts that are not original, or from a different manufacturer, this will undoubtedly detrimentally affect the value of the timepiece going forward. To avoid this, buy new from an authorized dealer, or if buying preowned ensure you are purchasing from someone you can trust with a robust return policy.
Much like collectors of baseball cards or comic books, luxury watch collectors like to retain the packaging and papers that originally accompanied the timepiece. Not only does the packaging help to keep the watch safe from damage when not being worn, but the resale value is also improved when the piece comes with its original information. This will help to ensure the watch’s providence as well as provide the sought-after information that offers the details of the timepiece.
Often, those who start collecting will have their sights set on obtaining a piece that is sure to have an exceptional future value and return on investment as the years go by. Luxury timepieces are a work of art and should be treated as such. Invest in the piece that brings you joy to look at, that delights you every time you wear it. Demand changes over the years, pieces once thought undesirable are now offering extremely high ROI, whereas popular pieces may bring less as they exist in more abundance. The best luxury timepiece investors are not always looking for the next “great deal”, they buy what they like.
If you are purchasing a vintage timepiece, avoid investing in one that appears overly shiny and highly polished. Overzealous buffing can impact the overall shape and look of the timepiece, not to mention an overly polished case or dial can be detrimental to the value of the watch. A vintage timepiece shows the life it has lived, as it should. Vintage timepieces should appear like a distinguished gentleman, not someone who is desperately chasing their youth through smoke and mirrors (or in this case, heavy buffing, and excessive polishing).
You don’t know, what you don’t know- and we are here to help! We live in the world of luxury timepieces, and we love it! As you get ready to begin or grow your collection, we are in your corner! Visit our Facebook page or give us a call at 561.368.1454 to see all that we have to offer you!
