What is the difference between the markets. Volume? More collectors?

 

That’s a wonderful question. I believe it has much to do with VAT and other import taxes in luxury goods. Perhaps one of our UK members can chime in on why watches are so damn expensive for you all to import and why domestic prices always seem way higher.

 

@adrian scott @JwRosenthal

Wonderful indeed! Set me thinking and my hypothesis would be supply and demand.

UK historic population relatively low with a ‘throw away’ culture meaning relatively few domestic watches available?

Increased interest in mechanical watches over the recent past? e.g. I saw a good Schumacher Reduced at an auction 5 years ago went unsold at £800 now you can’t find any reduced under about £1.5k.

Whilst in Europe larger ‘pool’ = cheaper prices (particularly Eastern Europe) as no taxes to pay filling and fuelling interest? No longer!

As we now have to pay an extra 20% to buy from our neighbours our domestic watches suffer further from supply/demand?

I will be interested to hear what others think.

 

But the UK is so old! Plus an aging population hobbying in sheds. Tinkering a national pastime.
Renovating old cars, bikes, pushbikes! A tradition of invention, making do with little to make extraordinary things.
A land of historical houses full of antiques. Old watches aren't part of this? Maybe not?

https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/t...w-1968-Omega-speech-watch-valuation-BBC-video
https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/t...-rolex-comex-divers-watch-valuation-bbc-video

 

Another Hamilton. https://www.ebay.com/itm/174651647552Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

I wonder if they have ever considered joining the EU?

 

Texas has proven how well it works when you cut yourself off from your neighbors...until you need them.

 

Welcome to Boris's Britain

 

What a silly idea, what would we gain other than lower tax, easy access to a huge market, massive profits from the financial sector, additional workers to pay the pensions of our ageing population and freedom to travel?

We have sunlit uplands instead!
Oh, and 360 million non existent pounds to fund our health service.

 

....oh, and rotting fish on our docks.

 

.....of course I am not bitter.

 

I may have derailed the thread

 

Back on track-

Stainless Elgin Sportsman with black textured dial- almost looks like leather! Lume pips are missing but not a big deal, either live without them or get them reapplied. $50, seller says running fine.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/203288310241Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Diamond in the rough-

Eternamatic Kontiki. Case looks sharp, medallion is excellent, comes with factory bracelet- this should clean up beautifully.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/333901140539Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Cronel Super 400 diver with bakelite bezel for $55 shipped:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cronel-400...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network



I doubt this is a stainless case, but it may be as I don't spot the wearthrough that there is on the crown. It's a really cheap one jewel movement though, so I tend to doubt it.

 

Everybody loves the whale.

Stainless Bulova cushion case with cross-hair whale dial. The case has seen a light polish on the sides but brushing is still there on top (could be touched up). Non original crown but factory crowns are pretty abundant. Best part is the factory Kenstenmade USA mesh bracelet.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/154345690432Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Finally serviced and on a better strap:

 

Looks like a corporate award gift that went back in the box shortly after getting it.

Gold filled Hamilton Thin-o-matic. Crystal can use a polish but looks very nice. Second hand is moving in the pics so signs of life- has make offer



https://www.ebay.com/itm/402713686689Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Stunning 60’s Seiko on BOR. it’s a biggie at 38mm- this is a very nice watch for little money.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/284195294822Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Absolutely stunning stainless Eterna tank. We don’t often see tanks in all stainless so this is a bit unique. 27mm which is a great unisex size for a tank, and the lug profile on this is spectacular. Not sure what pricing is on these but I would think £240 for a sizable stainless tank, from one of the greats, would be a fair deal- and has make offer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203289649834Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network