Silly LE question

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mjb

·Jan 14, 2020

It appears that the 2020 Japan Olympics special limited edition (2020 of each of the two models) Omega AT and PO Seamasters are still available. I did a search on the PO (since I prefer it over the AT) via the model number 522.33.40.20.04.001 and found many for sale, new, for less than MSRP. Ditto the AT 522.12.41.21.03.001 although at a smaller discount.

So it appears that the demand is not outpacing supply. Time will tell if the same happens to the Ed White Speedmaster 321.

I usually refer to Omega LE watches as "limited to how many they can sell" and it seems that the Snoopy is the rare exception to the rule that these editions don't typically perform well as investments. Natch, no mechanical jewelry is really an investment, but coming from the world of Rolex, I guess I got spoiled.

But dang, wouldn't it be nice for once to be able to buy a new Omega and have a reasonable expectation that the value would, if not increase, at least hold steady?

 

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Omega-Q

·Jan 14, 2020

The only way that would really happen if Omega changes their strategy an becomes like Rolex. Constrain supply so demand goes up. The Olympics watches are beautiful pieces though. Unfortunately for me, I'm not in the market for a watch at the moment.

 

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Pilot85

·Jan 14, 2020

I think they might achieve that with the new 321.

But with LE of 7000+ Units... I don't think so. Apollo 11 50th Still would say holds it's value over retail price and I think it will. same for ST1/2 and a few others. But those are smaller number LE so makes more sense.

 

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tyrantlizardrex

·Jan 14, 2020

mjb

So it appears that the demand is not outpacing supply.

This is the story of every Omega Olympic watch ever produced...

 

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Linzer

·Jan 14, 2020

The Tokyo 2020 Speedmasters were announced in 2018 just in time for the Olympic games 😁. Should we expect a few new Olympic watches sometime soon for the 2024 games? 😗

 

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BlackTalon

·Jan 14, 2020·This Space for Rent

mjb

But dang, wouldn't it be nice for once to be able to buy a new Omega and have a reasonable expectation that the value would, if not increase, at least hold steady?

Best way for Omega to achieve that is to sell the LEs at their wholesale pricing. Any mark-ups associated with covering the costs of boutiques and the ADs covering their costs are basically immediate depreciation, just like when you drive a new car off the dealership lot. There are always exceptions, and it may take longer for the price in the secondary to drop (a couple months? a year?), but it will likely happen.

 

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bama2141

·Jan 14, 2020

I find it sad when a hobby needs to be monetized.

 

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BradleyJ.

·Jan 14, 2020

bama2141

I find it sad when a hobby needs to be monetized.

True, but in this situation a watch is considered a luxury item.

 

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mjb

·Jan 14, 2020

I'm not trying to monetize a hobby... well, maybe I am. I don't collect antiques or vintage, I like shiny and new and when I get bored I like to sell/trade/flip for something shinier and new. So minimizing the loss is always desirable.

 

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Dan S

·Jan 14, 2020

mjb

So it appears that the demand is not outpacing supply. Time will tell if the same happens to the Ed White Speedmaster 321.

Is the Ed White 321 an LE? Sorry, I haven't been reading all the threads about it, but I thought it was just a regular release.

 

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YY77

·Jan 14, 2020

Dan S

Is the Ed White 321 an LE? Sorry, I haven't been reading all the threads about it, but I thought it was just a regular release.

It's regular release but limited to the production output per year, max 2000 movements.

 

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Evitzee

·Jan 14, 2020

Dan S

Is the Ed White 321 an LE? Sorry, I haven't been reading all the threads about it, but I thought it was just a regular release.

In the classic Seinfeld definition, it's limited, limited to the number they can sell. The 2000 per year limit is a self imposed limit (for now), there is no reason production couldn't be ramped up if there was a huge, pent up demand for the 321. There isn't. As discussed previously there is nothing magical about this column wheel movement, the idea that only 2000 of them can be made within the entire Swatch Group universe is silly. It's marketing, and seems to be working......for Swatch Group.

Edited: Jan 14, 2020

 

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OmegaOwner2019

·Jan 14, 2020

Are they... are they attempting to generate a Daytona kind of situation?

 

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Larry S

·Jan 15, 2020·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Honestly ... Rolex Sport is Rolex Sport. Most people know a Sub or GMT and perhaps Daytona, screams status symbol. It’s embedded in their brains by friends who might own one, the media, even the fake sellers on the street. That’s why Rolex can get away with their BS. The speedy is just not as recognizable. The SS 321 will sell for over list if just 2000 are made because of collectors. They are risking canniblization of their other models, and losing the price point if they make more.

 

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Pilot85

·Jan 15, 2020

Larry S

Honestly ... Rolex Sport is Rolex Sport. Most people know a Sub or GMT and perhaps Daytona, screams status symbol. It’s embedded in their brains by friends who might own one, the media, even the fake sellers on the street. That’s why Rolex can get away with their BS. The speedy is just not as recognizable. The SS 321 will sell for over list if just 2000 are made because of collectors. They are risking canniblization of their other models, and losing the price point if they make more.

If they are smart they will not make more than 2000 per year even if they can...

 

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vacheroyale

·Jan 15, 2020

Larry S

Honestly ... Rolex Sport is Rolex Sport. Most people know a Sub or GMT and perhaps Daytona, screams status symbol. It’s embedded in their brains by friends who might own one, the media, even the fake sellers on the street. That’s why Rolex can get away with their BS. The speedy is just not as recognizable. The SS 321 will sell for over list if just 2000 are made because of collectors. They are risking canniblization of their other models, and losing the price point if they make more.

SO WELL SAID !!! it's true!