Speedmaster 1861 at MSRP worth it?

64Wing

Appreciation is relative when you factor in acquisition cost.

I bought an 1861 005 (hesalite) Speedy brand new from an AD at the end of 2018. Got it around 30% under list. No idea how.

Anyway, the watch has technically appreciated since it's worth more than I paid. But is it worth as much as list? That could be debated.

Best thing to do is see what people are actually able to sell their 1861 speedys for right now. You know, the folks that just gotta have that tapered bracelet

Rado63

The 311.30.42.30.01.005 has slowly increased in price on the secondary market. The price today is probably at its highest trending between the $4200 - $ 4800 range. I would call other AD's and see who wants to give you the price you want for that new unused piece. At 20% discount from $5350 retail, that gives it a price of $4280. Today, that's about low end pre owned pricing. Calling around could get you something of a discount from an AD but to be real it's doubtful the AD is going to want to discount since they see the secondary market prices rising a bit on these as well. Usually once a piece gets discontinued prices go up a bit. Used 3750.50 have some priced similar to to the 311.30.42.30.01.005. Maybe retail is your best shot at this time for complete set and unworn.

cjoedaniel

So I called my AD today and they have a few left both in hesalite and sapphire. They told me that because the watches are discontinued they are not offering any discounts. This wasn't an issue when the new Seamaster came out, they were able to offer a 15% discount on the outgoing model.
Here's my question, based on past trends do discontinued Speedmasters typically appreciate in value, justifying paying sticker price? I was ambivalent before with this watch and now with all of this hype I am regretting not purchasing it earlier at a decent discount. Obviously not looking at this as an investment, etc., just can't stand paying MSRP. I am wondering if there is still a lot of inventory out there at international airports, etc due to the lack of traveling this past year.
Seems like the 3861 will probably be discounted in a year or so, albeit the price point will still be higher than the outgoing models.

jb.44

Definitely depends on how long you are planning on holding onto the watch. I will guess that by the end of this year the prices on the old speedmaster models will have gone down dramatically, they are only inflated right now due to the recent discontinuation. The newer models(imo) look much cleaner and have movement upgrades that will lead to them being more popular, I am not exactly sure on the availability of them right now.

T toolr

Are you buying the watch to resell? If so, you'll likely lose money. If you're buying the watch because you want to keep it, get it while it's still available.

B Bruinjuly

Is it worth the

B Bruinjuly

Is it worth the MSRP? I think it’s valued correctly and represents one of the fairer priced watches in this ridiculous hobby we have.

If you are looking at it as an investment then I’d suggest putting money elsewhere. I bought my Hesalite speedy to mark the birth of my son. He’s now 4. I wear it and haven’t thought about the price I paid for it since the day I bought it.

At this point it’s priceless.

So I suggest looking at these with that lens. Buy, enjoy, and know that you aren’t getting ripped off if you pay retail.

cjoedaniel

Good points. I’m beginning to wonder if I should hold out and wait for the 3861s to be readily available and discounted. A decent 10% discount would put the watch pretty close to the 1861 at MSRP.