GP Tri-Compax - Sold for 4500 USD

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Dear forum members

This is my first post. Let me briefly introduce myself: I live in Biel/Bienne in Switzerland. I was born and raised in the city that is home to Omega, Swatch, and the founding place of Rolex, among others. So I definitely have a deep connection to Swiss watches.

I would like to draw your attention to the sale of a GP Tri-Compax with Calibre 481 from UG. A very beautiful watch, in my opinion. I was outbid...

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/girard-perregaux-14k-yellow-gold-case-wristwatch-1614e55869
 
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I like the date estimate ("20th century"). Helpful.

More to the point, if that was the hammer price without buyer's premium it is probably at or getting to a market price. Hard to tell much from those pix.
 
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Stunning … GP examples have never carried the UG cachet or price. Nice to see this one had some bidding love. Definitely a safe queen.
 
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lovely piece, nice conditions. i think i should start monitor GP tri-compax on the market also
 
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I have seen one other GP with a UG movement in gold. Regarding the price of this watch: with buyer's premium, shipping costs, import duty, service, and a new watch strap, I would have ended up paying around $8,000. That's probably not excessive, but it's not a very good deal either. You should set clear limits in advance when bidding at auctions. That's what I did.
 
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Yeah, the tariffs really kill a deal like this. There are going to be some really good deals for anyone in Europe right now, as many US buyers are taken out of commission.
 
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Yep, tell me about it. Importing a watch to/from the EU means that you pay an extra 22%. So on a £2000 vintage, you would be liable to an extra £500 approx (purchase price, insurance, shipping and admin charge). Tariffs (in some countries as high as 50%), have shaken up the vintage market. In most cases, when prices are north of 5K, you may as well take a flight, buy and fly back and still be quids in, especially in the EU !
Edited:
 
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Yep, tell me about it. Importing a watch to/from the EU means that you pay an extra 22%. So on a £2000 vintage, you would be liable to an extra £500 approx (purchase price, insurance, shipping and admin charge). Tariffs (in some countries as high as 50%), have shaken up the vintage market. In most cases, when prices are north of 5K, you may as well take a flight, buy and fly back and still be quids in, especially in the EU !
Travel for watch buying. Fun but the wife will not approve!
 
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Travel for watch buying. Fun but the wife will not approve!
A funny thing for me is that on my last two trips to Japan, I've ended up buying two watches in Ginza, despite visiting many watch stores in each city, including Nakano Broadway. Now my wife says Ginza is off-limits for me 🤣🤣
 
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A funny thing for me is that on my last two trips to Japan, I've ended up buying two watches in Ginza, despite visiting many watch stores in each city, including Nakano Broadway. Now my wife says Ginza is off-limits for me 🤣🤣
I’ve been hankering for a return to Paris. The wife’s response ….”That's because all you want to do is go watch shopping! “
 
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I’ve been hankering for a return to Paris. The wife’s response ….”That's because all you want to do is go watch shopping! “
I regularly go to france and Italy on my expeditions. i would use the "work" excuse. I can't do that any more as I have retired ... there are advantages in having a regular job.
 
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I regularly go to france and Italy on my expeditions. i would use the "work" excuse. I can't do that any more as I have retired ... there are advantages in having a regular job.
Neither can I … No more overseas work trips. Honestly I was so sick of living out of a suitcase and attendant health issues. I don’t miss it. Retirement rocks!
 
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I’ve been hankering for a return to Paris. The wife’s response ….”That's because all you want to do is go watch shopping! “

I guess she nailed it! 😀
 
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I’ve been hankering for a return to Paris. The wife’s response ….”That's because all you want to do is go watch shopping! “
Try Tokio 😎