If the gist of this thread is lamenting that collecting is ruined because certain watches are being viewed as wealth concentration vehicles, or investments, then I disagree.
We can Buy, collect and wear all manner of different watches. I can’t afford a Ferrari but i still get huge pleasure from owning an inexpensive classic car. (More actually - I can use it).
If it is about the experience of ownership and not what the item is worth, then what the top end is doing should have no more than a passing interest to those not involved - like me watching rare Ferraris sell for millions.
If however one buys with the idea that it is cheap, or could be flipped for a quick profit, then that is exactly the same ethos as the top end, albeit on a small scale - so if I am doing that, I cannot judge the top end either.
If I seek to buy a watch because the watch gives pleasure of ownership, then there plenty of watches to find without going into the shark infested waters of the high end auctions and their associated pilot fish dealers.
Do I think the top end of the watch pool is full of shit, both people and watches? Absolutely. So swim in the other end if it doesn't suit. I do occasionally. but I really have to hold my breath.
That end of the pool has always been full of shit. It’s just that some Omegas have now been drawn into it.
For me I enjoy my odd brands like Prim. I know many others have off beat tastes. These too may get sucked in, but not for too long I suspect.
So my view is that the money in watch collecting has not "ruined" it. It simply means that I can collect other watches for less money if all I am interested in is having an interesting, inexpensive vintage watch to wear that will give me, and occasionally those around me, pleasure.
Try a PRIM:
