Dear Esteemed Members

I am refocusing my watch collection and to achieve certain objectives I am considering trading 3 of my limited edition Speedmasters (Apollo 13 25th Anniversary LE of 999 UNWORN, Apollo 13 45th Anniversary Silver Snoopy LE of 1970 BNIB and Apollo 11 40th Anniversary LE of 7969 MINT) for a JLC Tribute to Polaris LE of 165 in Platinum.

It has taken a lot of time searching, begging, convincing my wife, money, etc. to build up my Speedmaster collection - I will still be left with 5 Speedmasters and awaiting my ST and 60th Anniversary. Doing the maths I believe it is a fair trade, but am I doing the right thing?

Your advise will be appreciated. I do love all 3 Speedmasters but I would also like to add the JLC to my collection.

My refocus is based on 4 categories:

1. Pilot watches
2. Mechanical alarm watches
3. Speedmasters pre-moon
4. Divers watches

Just purchased the Glashütte Original Senator Diary as well therefore I have to start trading to buy another.

 

You didn't provide a picture of the candidate, just those you are planing to ditch.

 

The JLC that I am looking at purchasing. The asking price is US$26 500

 

Imo, those three Omega LEs look a lot better than the JLC pictured. Just an honest opinion. That said, no to the trade.

 

I guess I get it...it's gotta feel awesome to wear a $30k watch, but how can you let that Silver Snoopy go?!? It's like pure happiness on a bracelet. I could live without the others, but not that one!

 

Thanks @OhMegaMan. It's a tough one.

 

Personally I would not do that trade. But your opinion is the one that matters. I never liked JLC and I love Speedmasters. Also I'm not a collector - I buy 'em and wear 'em.

If one of your focuses is pilot watches, do you have a Rolex GMT Pepsi? That watch was designed by Rolex in cooperation with the pilots of Pan Am in the mid-1950's. The pilots flying international routes wanted something they could easily adjust while traveling through multiple time zones.

 

Err, I don't think it's a great trade. A quick search finds these JLC listed for 21-22k usd asking price, I believe you could sell your speedies for more than that

 

Won't comment on the economics of the trade, but I would take the JLC over all of those three Speedmasters in a heartbeat...

 

The hardest would be to let Snoopy go...

 

Hard to let Snoopy go. But I love the Polaris, and I would probably make the trade...

 

That jlc is awesome, not sure about a straight trade, maybe with some cash incoming? I definitely prefer the jlc to the three speedmasters.

 

@mikechi22 I have never been bothered or influenced by the price of a watch, as long as I can afford to buy it and it appeals to me. I prefer understatement accompanied by high degree of technology (why I drive an Audi). Would for instance never buy a Hublot although the technology is good it is too flashy/bling IMHO. My most expensive watch purchase was actually for my wife, being a Rolex.

 

@ras47 I currently have 2 Pilot Watches: IWC original Big Pilot and Zenith Pilot Doublematic. I am in discussion about the Rolex Batman 116710 BLNR with asking price US$9 500. Is that a reasonable price? Only problem is that I am also still waiting for the ST and not knowing when it will arrive I am keeping what I have in my Watch Fund to pay for the ST.

 

@Archer, I respect your opinion as it is clear from reading your posts that you have a wealth of knowledge. Whereas 5 minutes ago (reading the other feedback) I was convinced to keep my Speedies, you have raised some doubt in my mind.

 

Well, there you go! I loved my Audi too. I think you know what you need to do then. Enjoy those new watches!

 

I 100% think you should get the JLC, if that's what your heart desires. I just don't think you are getting a good deal.

 

Have to agree with @OhMegaMan, this JLC doesn't work for me. Platinum watches are nice though with their additional heft. If you go ahead, I would keep the Snoopy and Apollo XIII, those will be hard to replace. The 40th isn't that special imho and around a lot at decent prices.

 

That's a little high for the Batman GMT2. Here's one for $9,000 and probably negotiable: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=559890
And one listed for $8500: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=559890
Several $thousand less if you go for the all black bezel insert.

 

A limited JLC is well worth it. I say damn the torpedoes and gonfor it!