What if Speedmasters are no more than ‘57 Chevys; within one generation they’ll be worthless?

I am haunted by how inexpensive vintage pocket watches have remained. I was just looking at the for sale page of a shop that sells mostly vintage American watchmaking bits. Porcelain dials, originals, are fifteen to forty bucks! Really nice ones. It’s similar all the way through. I can buy a quality hand made, relatively unique watch from the eighteenth century for less than a nice 145.022-69.

I bought twenty railroad grade pocket watches over about a four year period in the 80’s. I am convinced that, in current dollars, I have lost money. These things are gorgeous, as OF members know.

I think a lack of interest is the killer. Because people, with rare exceptions, haven’t worn pocket watches in a few generations, it’s gone as a tradition. Clothing is rarely made for carry pocket watches safely. And kids don’t see anyone carrying them. So, there’s very little demand for the modest supply.

I’ve seen the same thing happen with vintage cars. It’s what you grew up with that you want to collect, in most instances. So, the really great stuff, cars from the teens, twenties and thirties are dirt cheap in comparison to what they went for twenty years ago (relative dollars). A lot of old collectors are passing on and their families are selling for a fraction of the restoration value.

Fifteen plus years ago, the hot thing was ‘57 Chevys. A ton were made and there’s a ton of repo stuff available. But because so many grew up with them, demand went through the roof and they went for crazy money. Most recently, it was sixties muscle cars. In twenty years, how many people will want them?

I am convinced that as wristwatches fall out of fashion, demand will fall through the floor. Maybe, in thirty years, that same nice 145.022-69 will only be worth $500.00 in today dollars.

Might be worth waiting.

What do you think?

Oh, and a photo, cause every thread needs them.

pointless

Will you still be alive in 30 yrs?
Do what makes you happy, now. Let your kids bitch about wasted money, you won't be around to listen.

The best thing to do is sell any (vintage) speedmasters you have to me, and list the rest on eBay.

It doesn’t make a difference to me.

Hell, I collect eye dropper fill fountain pens.

I’m curious what people’s reactions to the notion are.

Well, mechanical watch industry recovered from the quartz crisis, so maybe there's hope. being one of the only types of jewelery that's acceptable on men, they may always hold a place in the wardrobe... but sure, it's a risk that these little mechanical companions become worthless over a generation or two and no more than a curiosity to historians. I dunno.

I think that is exactly what will happen if I am honest. Always be an exception for the really amazing examples but the average version of many is already well overdue for a correction IMHO.

The next bunch of astronauts are going to have wrist computers that connect to the ship's computer. That doesn't detract from Speedie history, but the youngsters dreaming of space won't buy a $10000 Speedie.
If I had to choose a watch that will fall in price in a couple of decades, it would be all the "barn find" speedies that collectors pay ludicrous money for now.
Museums will pay big for a watch actually worn by in space, but not for the others.

Learned well have you, padawan. A Jedi you truly now are.




Are we related? 😕 ( 😜 )


You, me, and the OP aren't the only ones who think the bubble is soon to burst.


Your NASA Underoos!

It’s an interesting hypothesis because often people collect things they coveted when they were young.

Millennials are really the first generation not to wear or care about wristwatches. Gen Xer were at least obsessed with Swatch watches in the 1980s. Watches also aren’t essential jewelry for women any more either.

When a current ten year old turns 35, are they really going to care about astronauts in the 1960s? How many 30 year olds collect WWII militaria? Some I guess.

I guess that means when I'm in my 80's I can rebuy the '71 Pumpkin Orange Challenger Convertible (white top & interior) with a 318 for a song instead of taking a 2nd and 3rd mortgage.

Interesting - especially about 57' Chevy - are they no longer popular?

Wait til it’s illegal to operate internal combustion fossil fuel engines on public roads, or non- self driving vehicles. It’ll be cheap then. Have to tow it to a special track where you rent time to run it.

Cars will take a much bigger hit, percentage wise, than watches.

Pocket watches and classic cars are great. I love them, but they don't really compare.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012 will always be 'The Real Moonwatch'. It took part in the greatest achievement in the history of the Human Race.
That's pretty damn special!

This car has been on eBay for some time. Only $65k. A 1923 Packard.

The people who retrofit classic cars with electric engines and self-diving tech will make a mint.