Good practical examples which illustrate my point, better than I did. There is a economic, practical tipping point when it's arguably not worth servicing a cheaper watch of any kind unless there is emotional attachment.
Good. Then there are more watches for those of us who self service our own watches
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Could get interesting when these bioceramic watches start getting tossed. I have noticed that nice unrepairable watches still seem to hold some value. Possibly as parts watches. New technologies may come along what makes these more repairable. iFixit had an editorial rant on parts serialization and pairing. Something that mechanical watches are not likely to fall victim to. Electronic watches do have this risk if they use a cpu or any sort of electronic chip. Ironically Farm Tractors and high performance cars are causing people to consider regulating this practice.
It is hard to predict what the next generation will value. 30 to 50 years ago dial repainting was a normal part of service. So was buffing the cases to shiny. Labor practices that were acceptable in the 14th century were considered abhorrent in the 20th century. There is nothing that guarantees future generations will not think the 14th century was the bees knees when it comes to how people could commune with the world and the natural order of reality.
I actually target watches that sell for under 65 or so. Ideally watches under 35. Occasionally I will look at something around 120. At the moment I do not have cash flow to do much more than that. Curiously this is the same as what I did 1990s. Could have acquired fewer better watches back then for the same amount as I sometimes spent on boxed lots. The no brand low end watches though have not changed all that much in price over the last 30 years.
Never had much luck selling watches. The stars never really align for that. Most of what I want to sell, I have no further use for. So it takes a long time for it to move. Or I have to sell it for next to nothing. This does not mean I do not sell watches I have probably sold some for a profit. I do like to think I have broken even over the decades.
Parts can be more of a challenge. I have had to go for as much as 200 to get a part or tool I need. Hindsight says I should have acquired complete watches 25 to 30 years ago. The temptation for something cheap was too great.
Watches are in a lot of ways emotion. The feel of a watch is what drives my desire. Would be nice If I could get more stuff in the 120 to 350 range. I have more projects than I can do as it is so that is a rather moot point.
If it was not for the liability issues, I probably would hang out a shingle and do repair for others. There simply are too many out there looking for the quick flip which does temper the desire. There will always be the sort of person who is looking for that edge.
Still I like to encourage others to learn how to self service and maintain their own watches. The trick is to find someone who can mentor and show some of the basics that the books may be deficient in.
