“Private Watch Sales” recent trends and observations

Search “Watch Season.”

We are out of season at the moment. 2 months to next watch season 😗

Yeah, I agree. I think that many newcomers are definitely willing to pay more for a given watch. On OF we see it most often with entry level vintage Seamasters, etc. But I also see it with Rolex newbies and sometimes they have a huge budget and are ready to jump right into the deep end.

Part of this willingness is that they really don't have a deep understanding of the market, and have mainly just looked at C24 and maybe some dealer websites, but I've had a lot of PMs from newbies who are just very impatient and don't want to wait, which is understandable. Those of us with many watches in our collections don't feel that same urgency. And they are often willing to pay even more to a dealer because they think that gives them an extra level of security, and on average they're probably right.

I think there’s also an element of surprise for people new to the hobby around just how affordable some vintage watches are.
When I first started around ten years ago I was shocked that nice 60’s Speedmasters were the same price or cheaper than new ones. Obviously times have changed and that’s no longer the case, but even in the UK it’s still possible to get a nice Seamaster for a few hundred quid and I think this surprises newbies.

I think that’s an accurate assessment. When you are buying your first watch for a couple thousand or more and you are not well studied in watches although the dealers (online) have what can be a shocking markup they come serviced (allegedly) and with a guarantee. You can negotiate a little but they probably include that in the price so they can knock off a couple hundred make someone feel a little better. It also takes a while to build a trustworthy network let alone become knowledgeable on watches so I understand where people are coming from as I’ve been there.

I have noticed as I'm new to the vintage watch side that I was pleasantly surprised at what I could get for my money. Most of the sellers here have been willing to knock off a couple bucks, make a package deal, or hold stuff for a time period. It helps when you see long term members have liked the post and given a stamp so to speak. Would I have normally bought that Mido Multifort? Meh maybe not, but it seemed like it deserved a new home in a new collection. Hell, we'll rescue an animal, why not a watch?

Granted, my wife is ready to kill me about now but they have value nonetheless, so not a total waste! Right?

That’s what I keep telling my wife.