3 weeks ago I was about to pull the trigger on a 2541.80 with beautiful patina for $1800. Had to hold off for personal reasons. However, I did notice the price has pretty much doubled year over year.

Fast-forward to today and prices have gone up about $500-$600 since 3 weeks ago.

Any one else notice this? What’s been driving the prices on these over the last couple of months?

 

I think the market is continuing to gobble up the previously 'affordable' vintage and neo-vintage options. I was sort of thinking about picking up a speedy triple date, and prices seem to have rapidly moved from below $2K to almost $3K.

FWIW, chrono24's 5-year chart for the model you're hunting.

 

I think with the pandemic, lots of people stuck at home and have nothing better to do than start new hobbies, and a lot of those people are getting checks in the mail (at least in the USA) for no particular reason and have extra cash to spend. So, as noted, decent models are getting bid up.