Is this a crazy thought?

Rogerg · Sep 5, 2024

Hi guys I am considering a trade and I was wondering what you more knowledgeable folks think. The trade is my 50's vintage Audemars 18k cal 2003 ultra thin
on strap watch only for a SMP Jaques Mayol Apnea chrono on bracelet with 2 new rubber straps box and booklet. My AP has an inscription and I am in it for under 1.5k. The trade is even across. My collection is Omega based and SMP centric and I have several gold and gold cap pieces already so I figured that the Apnea would get more wrist time.
Like above am I crazy or is it sound reasoning?
Thanks

Dan S · Sep 5, 2024

Very different watches and it would seem that the AP is probably harder to find, but what really matters is current value. Can you post the results of the research you've done on current valuations of both watches, e.g. using auction sales? With that information, you can decide if an even trade is fair, or if cash needs to be added. That's what I would do, and I wouldn't expect someone else to do the research for me.

Dsloan · Sep 5, 2024

All I can say is that I LOVE my Apnea. But, as Dan S said, it's pretty much the opposite side of the watch design spectrum from that AP. I hope you like big, beefy tool watches as much as I do.

If the Apnea is in good shape, $1.5K including the rubber strap is a decent deal.

Rogerg · Sep 5, 2024

Dan S
Very different watches and it would seem that the AP is probably harder to find, but what really matters is current value. Can you post the results of the research you've done on current valuations of both watches, e.g. using auction sales? With that information, you can decide if an even trade is fair, or if cash needs to be added. That's what I would do, and I wouldn't expect someone else to do the research for me.

I've researched and sales for both are few and FAR between AP sales for similar pieces are from $1000 -$2400 over the last 3 years or so with some higher outliers. The Omega seems to be around the same but again very few REAL auction results. Wathcharts states $2400 mkt val for the Omega but as you say the AP is rarer and as such not listed. My reasoning is that the Omega fits my collection as I have several SMP's and am attracted to them and the AP is superfluous as I have 18k dress pieces and I am into that for well below what the Omegas seem to bring. Apparently the "collectability" factor is what I am asking about as monetary factors even out for me in this instance.

Rogerg · Sep 5, 2024

Dsloan
All I can say is that I LOVE my Apnea. But, as Dan S said, it's pretty much the opposite side of the watch design spectrum from that AP. I hope you like big, beefy tool watches as much as I do.

If the Apnea is in good shape, $1.5K including the rubber strap is a decent deal.

I have based my collection on fairly large bracelet watches, and I have loved anything SMP for thirty years. Heare are a couple shots of the bulk of the collection, Things have been tending vintage recently. Missing is my anniversary GMT and a vintage Seamaster 18k.

Dsloan · Sep 5, 2024

Rogerg
I have based my collection on fairly large bracelet watches, and I have loved anything SMP for thirty years. Heare are a couple shots of the bulk of the collection, Things have been tending vintage recently. Missing is my anniversary GMT and a vintage Seamaster 18k.

An Apnea would fit right in then!t It's a really fun piece, if a bit bulky.

I believe mine might be in the same strap as in your picture:

I get the need to think hard before unloading a piece that would be difficult to replace. But I also think life is short and collectability, for me, is less important than having a collection that you really enjoy.

DaveK · Sep 5, 2024

Will a 2 handed watch drive you insane as you wonder if it’s still working?

Rogerg · Sep 5, 2024

DaveK
Will a 2 handed watch drive you insane as you wonder if it’s still working?

It DOES take some getting used to! lol

Dan S · Sep 5, 2024

I don't it matters how much you have into the watch, that's not relevant at all so I don't know why that keeps coming up. The current value is what matters. I have many watches that are worth 2x or 3x what I paid for them. But it sounds to me like you think the values are equal and obviously we're not talking about a lot of money in absolute terms.

If you're unsure, just sell the AP and pay cash for the Omega.

Rogerg · Sep 5, 2024

You're right about the money amount not being of great consequence of course. I guess it comes down to his watch being surplus to his needs and mine not really fitting mine as much as I thought it would a month ago particularly with the subsequent purchase of the gold Seamaster. I feel that the value was pretty much established by the auction hammer price plus premium as it was on at least three platforms. Thanks for helping me think it through and knowing that there wasn't anything brought up that as a relative novice I had missed considering. I have no experience evaluating higher end brands and their lesser recognized models. Omega has always been a "comfort zone" as there are so many more exemplars.

Is this a crazy thought?

Rogerg

Dan S

Dsloan

Rogerg

Rogerg

Dsloan

DaveK

Rogerg

Dan S

Rogerg

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