I was just reading @jordn 105.003 private sale thread and he has a dilemma.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/14-000-usd-omega-ed-white-speedmaster-105-003-65-serviced.73771/

Whether, in order to complete his sale, he breakup his fine 105.003-65 from the correct 1035/506 (1968) bracelet. I’ve thought about this issue as well and I’ll throw it out to the multitude.

To me, unless the watch and bracelet are CONFIMED original issue, I can certainly understand why breaking up these items can be preferable. Many vintage bracelets and end links are needed by collectors. Many watch buyers prefer straps or already own a useful bracelet to use with a new purchase. Perhaps a wouldbe buyer only has the funds today for the watch head only.

From a seller’s standpoint, breaking up the combo can lead to both an easier sale and for a higher combined price.

I can hear the grumbling out there in OF land. Why not just breakup the watch into parts as some only need the bezel or dial. I believe the bracelet is different. I personally don’t consider the bracelet and/or end links (especially if they have been sourced separately by me) to be an distinct part of the watch.

Opinions??

 

If I know or strongly suspect it to be original, it's usually staying with the watch.

If I paired up a correct ref bracelet or if it's highly unlikely to be original I'll happily split them if it's easier.

 

I would always be open to separating bracelet and ends from head, though I would also (as Jordan has) try selling together first. Nothing beats the whole package imho. Further, I would be welcome a head only sale at the potential buyers request over a request for just the bracelet. The buyer of the head should have right of first refusal I guess you could say.

 

Good point OB 1.

 

Pretty much impossible to confirm something like that beyond a reasonable doubt, unless you were the original owner, and have been with the watch every day for the past 20, 30, 40, or 50 years since you left the store with it...

 

From a buyers perspective I personally prefer to buy vintage watches with the bracelet it came with (even though I might change to a strap sometimes). It just makes the watch more complete with the steel bracelet - and I like steel bracelets. If you buy head only it can be a Long and pricey search for the correct bracelet and end links.

From a sellers perspective I can, however, understand that there are situations why you are splitting it up. Either you want to keep the bracelet for other occasions (bearing in mind that spare bracelets are difficult to find) or you might find it easier to sell. Nothing wrong about such thoughts or Actions from my view.

Market will determine whether buyer and seller positions will match

 

If one wants to buy a watch, and the cost of the bracelet is what stands between them and a zero balance in their checking account, perhaps buying another watch is not something they should be doing... (Just my 2 cents...)

 

When I sell my Ed White it will be with JB Champion braclet. But would have no issue separating it for a sale, but reality is you buy an Ed White you will want multiple bracelets. Nice leather, distressed, JB, 1035, etc.

 

Funds = Budget
Or how much can the buyer reasonably spend before his significant other changes the door locks.

 

When a 7912/6 goes for >$3000, it's actually not unrealistic to balk at the full package. You could buy another watch for that.

 

Some of us allocate a budget to watches, so I wouldn't think that many people would go under because of a bracelet. You might be shocked though, but 2-3k can make a difference to some people.

 

If one is planing on buying the 15-50K watch that this bracelet is attached to, $3,000 is not going to be the deal breaker (or one should not be buying that watch).

P.S.
Where can I get a 7912 bracelet with a pair of #6 end links for $3,000? I'm interested in buying coupla dozen...

 

I know that 2-3K can make a big difference for some people. But if one's looking at buying the $X,XXX - $XX,XXX watch this bracelet is attached to and the rest of their life is hanging on said 2-3K, they might want to re-evaluate their financial decisions...

 

It's a 14k watch including a 4k bracelet. Which means that the bracelet is worth 40% of the head of the watch. How can someone say the value of the bracelet is not relevant, I cannot fathom

 

It's a 1035/506. Not up to date with pricing but not a 4k bracelet, no?

 

Maybe you misunderstood. I never said the value of the bracelet is not relevant. What I'm saying is that if you can't spend 14K, you shouldn't be spending 10K....

 

Of course the buyer can always purchase the set and then sell off the bracelet and end links.

 

Says who? If someone would prefer to spend 10k rather than 14k, it doesn't mean they're gong to be on the breadline with the extra 4k. Rather they may be on a budget and realise that saving 4k here and there, on bracelets they may not wear will clearly add up to another watch in a matter of months.

 

Just my opinion. But if someone's "On a budget", buying vintage watches might not be for them...

 

#ThreadDrift