Art deco- watches and beyond

Bernhard J · Nov 20, 2023

Last Saturday I won this one in a classic auction, Hamilton Coronado. One of the most beautiful gents watch ever, and having a magnificient movement in addition.

JC75 · Nov 20, 2023

What about this lovely Gubelin

Waltesefalcon · Nov 20, 2023

Bernhard J
Last Saturday I won this one in a classic auction, Hamilton Coronado. One of the most beautiful gents watch ever, and having a magnificient movement in addition.

Congratulations Bernhard! I love the Coronado but have not had the opportunity to add one to the collection. My two Piping Rocks share the excellent 979f movement that your Coronado has.

Bernhard J · Nov 20, 2023

I also adore the Piping Rock! Two Piping Rocks is one too much ... 😉

It is quite funny, the Piping Rock and Coronado do not seem to be really appreciated here in Europe. I was the only bidder.

HamDoctor · Nov 20, 2023

Bernhard J
I also adore the Piping Rock! Two Piping Rocks is one too much ... 😉

It is quite funny, the Piping Rock and Coronado do not seem to be really appreciated here in Europe. I was the only bidder.

That Coronado was actually for sale here in Europe? That's ... rare. I only ever see them in auctions in the U.S.

You made a great buy there. The Coronado and Piping Rock designs are among the most timeless watch designs, ever, in my eyes. Hamilton was right to call them "ultra-modern" in the 1920s... Here's an original advert for it:

Bernhard J · Nov 21, 2023

HamDoctor
That Coronado was actually for sale here in Europe? That's ... rare. I only ever see them in auctions in the U.S.

Yes, at Dr. Crott auctions last Saturday. And that is why I was happy to take this rare chance (and avoid the 25% customs + VAT for EU import) 😀.

Bernhard J · Nov 21, 2023

Just looked up what the purchase power of the 125 USD in 1930 corresponds to in 2023. The result is about 2300 USD. This means that a Piping Rock or Coronado has conserved the invested 125 USD well over almost 100 years.

gatorcpa · Nov 21, 2023

Bernhard J
Just looked up what the purchase power of the 125 USD in 1930 corresponds to in 2023.

I think you are way too low here.

Think about what a solid gold dress watch of similar quality would sell in today’s market. About $5,000 seems more reasonable to me.

If you compared this to a Swiss watch from that era, it took over 5 Swiss Francs to buy $1 in 1930. Today, a Franc is worth more than $1. Based on that ratio, you’re looking at almost $14,000 in current value. Even that might be very low.

https://www.patek.com/en/collection/calatrava/6119R-001

Inflation measurement in one country only tells part of the story.
gatorcpa

Bernhard J · Nov 21, 2023

One nice side aspect is that todays Hamilton brand did not present a modern "remake" of the Coronado, in contrast to the Piping Rock. The Piping Rock remake is nevertheless quite interesting imo, if design considerations are the only personal motivation. I suppose owners of "the real thing" were not too happy about the modern remake.

P.S.: I just noted that the Spur was also subject of a remake in the 90s ...

Waltesefalcon · Nov 21, 2023

Bernhard J
One nice side aspect is that todays Hamilton brand did not present a modern "remake" of the Coronado, in contrast to the Piping Rock. The Piping Rock remake is nevertheless quite interesting imo, if design considerations are the only personal motivation. I suppose owners of "the real thing" were not too happy about the modern remake.

P.S.: I just noted that the Spur was also subject of a remake in the 90s ...

I personally don't mind the Hamilton reissue Piping Rocks. They are decent looking watches and are a fairly affordable alternative to the real deal. I personally wouldn't buy one, but if someone else wanted to pick one up I wouldn't rain on their parade, unless they told me theirs was the same as mine. Then I'd explain how this: