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Value of BNIB on a modern watch?

Sa Calobra
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After seeing some interesting posts on the forum, I'd be interested to know what people think about the 'value' or 'premium' you should pay for a BNIB, compared to a lightly worn watch. Especially on modern watches that are unpolished and just have a few scratches from normal wear, I'd have an issue paying a huge premium to get the same watch in BNIB state. So assuming both options would have box, papers, etc, it would be 10-15% max for me.
But perhaps I'm missing the point completely 😀
 
dstfno
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There is no point to be missed, each person makes up their own mind.

Personally, the only worn watches I buy are those that are not being produced anymore. Other than that I happily pay a premium to walk out of an official dealer or boutique with an unworn watch.
 
Sa Calobra
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In this case I'm also speaking about BNIB from a non dealer - so your warranty would have already been counting
 
Stripey
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I turned down a very nice 14270 Explorer because the premium was ridiculous, and how BNIB was such an old watch anyway?
 
7enderbender
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I bought an unworn complete set of the 1861 Speedy while it was still available at around retail price. I don’t like the new model so I finally bought the watch I’d been wanting for a while. Missed the boat on buying it new from an OB.
 
STANDY
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So Three watches

One worn for a month or a few
One BNIB

One still in the store

Don’t think there is that much or any difference between the first two watches…

But what watch are we talking ?
 
Sa Calobra
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Speaking about the first two situations that you mention. I saw it with a Speedmaster Trilogy and a Tintin, both limited editions, but given that they are so new, all the worn models are typically in very good shape. Everyone's free to set their price, but I was just surprised by the price differentials
 
cvalue13
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Sa Calobra Sa Calobra
Speaking about the first two situations that you mention. I saw it with a Speedmaster Trilogy and a Tintin, both limited editions, but given that they are so new, all the worn models are typically in very good shape. Everyone's free to set their price, but I was just surprised by the price differentials

There’s little financial reason to buy most cars brand new, given the instant depreciation that occurs when it drives off the lot. Finding a gently “used” model is, financially, the reasonable choice 99% of the time.

But separate from financial reason, there’s the emotional (let’s call it?) desire to have the “new car smell,” to know that the car is yours and only been yours, etc.

Isn’t asking how much is the latter “worth” is sort of ignoring that it’s largely an emotional not financial question?
 
Scooterino36
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cvalue13 cvalue13
There’s little financial reason to buy most cars brand new, given the instant depreciation that occurs when it drives off the lot. Finding a gently “used” model is, financially, the reasonable choice 99% of the time.

But separate from financial reason, there’s the emotional (let’s call it?) desire to have the “new car smell,” to know that the car is yours and only been yours, etc.

Isn’t asking how much is the latter “worth” is sort of ignoring that it’s largely an emotional not financial question?

You beat me to the car example.

The emotional aspect for me swings in the other direction, scoring a good deal on a pre-owned model vs. the bnib price is the thrill. Financially motivated, but purely emotional.
 
Sa Calobra
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cvalue13 cvalue13
There’s little financial reason to buy most cars brand new, given the instant depreciation that occurs when it drives off the lot. Finding a gently “used” model is, financially, the reasonable choice 99% of the time.

But separate from financial reason, there’s the emotional (let’s call it?) desire to have the “new car smell,” to know that the car is yours and only been yours, etc.

Isn’t asking how much is the latter “worth” is sort of ignoring that it’s largely an emotional not financial question?

Agree that it's an emotional question. I was mainly curious about the perspectives that people have on it. Great analogy on the car indeed. The only situation you don't really have there, is where the car has been sitting 'unused' for a few years, and is sold to you directly by another private individual. Part of the fun buying the car new, straight from the dealer is the free check ups, the afterservice, etc.
 
cvalue13
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Sa Calobra Sa Calobra
The only situation you don't really have there, is where the car has been sitting 'unused' for a few years, and is sold to you directly by another private individual. Part of the fun buying the car new, straight from the dealer is the free check ups, the afterservice, etc.

yes well, I’m afraid the car analogy starts to break down. with cars, as I’ve heard it from sales people 😵‍💫, cars sitting on the lot too long starts to create problems with the cars.

with watches, a BNIB watch “sitting too long” only raises the prospect of needing a lubricant service, or the manufacturer’s warranty expiring - which are also true of any “slightly used” version.
 
Omega-Q
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cvalue13 cvalue13
yes well, I’m afraid the car analogy starts to break down. with cars, as I’ve heard it from sales people 😵‍💫, cars sitting on the lot too long starts to create problems with the cars.

with watches, a BNIB watch “sitting too long” only raises the prospect of needing a lubricant service, or the manufacturer’s warranty expiring - which are also true of any “slightly used” version.
Very good points! It's really a personal opinion of value. If both options are available, I'd just buy BNIB. I value an unworn piece as opposed to one that has already been worn.
 
MtV
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Sa Calobra Sa Calobra
Speaking about the first two situations that you mention. I saw it with a Speedmaster Trilogy and a Tintin, both limited editions, but given that they are so new, all the worn models are typically in very good shape. Everyone's free to set their price, but I was just surprised by the price differentials

Note there’s also a difference between an asking price and a price a watch actually sells for.

Would I pay a premium of let’s say 5000€ for a BNIB Tintin compared to one that’s been worn but hardly shows at all and still comes with the paraphernalia? Hell, no.

(And even 10%, so about 1500€ or so at this price point, would still be a hard no in my book).
 
L
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Watch my Whisky Watch my Whisky
Rolex gets away with a hundred percent because people are dolts.


LOL. Rolex doesn’t get away with anything. They sell their watches for MSRP, and then the market takes care of the rest. The value of any luxury good is largely based on perception right? The market currently perceives the value of my Daytona to be approx 3x what I paid for it and the value of my SM300 at 60% what I paid for it. Watches should never be bought as investments. Buy what you like. I have lost money on Rolexes and made money on Omegas over the years. Was the person who bought my spectre a dolt for paying 50% more than msrp?
 
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