Gold watch advice

Nick Lawson

Does anyone think this watch would hold it's value http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Limited-ultra-heavy-SOLID-18k-GOLD-KRONOTYPE-mens-watch-rare-swiss-hand-made-/260917491929?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3cbfe4f8d9

I like the watch but would want to get the purchase price back if need be.

bogmanfan

I have never heard of the brand, and google throws up very little. I may be wrong, but I suspect its resale value will be poor, and you may end up selling it for scrap. Therefore, it's literally worth its weight in gold (and therefore whatever the price of gold is when you come to sell). Others may have heard of the brand, and know differently, but I would tread carefully. Also, be aware that you could be liable for customs/VAT charges if shipped from the US.

Nick Lawson

bogmanfan wrote: »

I have never heard of the brand, and google throws up very little. I may be wrong, but I suspect its resale value will be poor, and you may end up selling it for scrap. Therefore, it's literally worth its weight in gold (and therefore whatever the price of gold is when you come to sell). Others may have heard of the brand, and know differently, but I would tread carefully. Also, be aware that you could be liable for customs/VAT charges if shipped from the US.

Thanks for the advice. Do you know where one should go to get advice on jewellery/ antique investment advice and where to buy from?

Wibbs

I agree with bogmanfan on that watch. Never heard of them and even in pics the quality looks well dodgy. The sellers blurb in bad english doesn't inspire confidence. IMHO it's one of these eastern European lashups that that part of the world seems to have a lot of. Indeed I've an inkling I've seen a similar design before.

As for investment in watches... BIG subject. Vintage would probably be your best bet on this if you were looking for a return in the medium to long term. I'd avoid any watches from beyond the EU. As bogmanfan said you will be hit by VAT and Duty on them. They've really cracked down of late.

Like I say this is a big subject and not for the unwary to start throwing money around. The ones who end up making good investments are nearly always watch lovers first and investors second. They research and research and research and gain expertise and buy what they like and are interested in.

What would I personally avoid at the moment? Gold watches. The scrap value of gold is a bubble IMHO and gold watch prices are accordingly very inflated. I'd be looking at high quality brands that aren't so fashionable today in the vintage market. EG for less than the price of the watch you linked you could get a 1940's Longines chrongraph with one of the most important chrono movements in watch making history and one that if it was in a Rolex would be worth 60,000. I'd avoid Military issued watches for the most part. I think their rapid gains in value i the last decade have trailed off. Plus you really need to know what you're on about.

bogmanfan

Watches as investments is a minefield. The basic advice is that they aren't, at least in the traditional sense. There are so many variables and trends which dictate to a large extent which models are sought after and which aren't. Who can explain why a 1960s Rolex Sub is worth 20 or 30 times more than a 1960s Jaeger Le Coultre, for example? They probably cost the same when new, but one has become sought after, and the other hasn't.

For me, I only buy used, and I only buy watches that won't drop substantially in value. Basically, something like a stainless steel Rolex, bought at the right price, should hold its value pretty well. And if it does go up in value slightly, then happy days.

But if you're looking to make money, then you're probably into something like a limited edition Panerai, or Patek. Both of which are way outside my budget anyway There is bound to be a model from one of the big brands available right now which will become hugely sought after in the future. The tricky thing is identifying which one, and buying it.

There are several people on here far more informed than me who will probably be able to give further advice, but good luck with your search.

Wibbs

bogmanfan wrote: »

Who can explain why a 1960s Rolex Sub is worth 20 or 30 times more than a 1960s Jaeger Le Coultre, for example? They probably cost the same when new, but one has become sought after, and the other hasn't.

True. Indeed the Jaeger was probably more expensive. The Rolex while a "luxury" brand was more of a tool watch.

But if you're looking to make money, then you're probably into something like a limited edition Panerai, or Patek. Both of which are way outside my budget anyway There is bound to be a model from one of the big brands available right now which will become hugely sought after in the future. The tricky thing is identifying which one, and buying it.

+1 and beware of modern "limited editions" in the low mid to mid price range. They usually stretch the definition of limited. 5000 aint limited.

Crystal ball time, I'd reckon 70's style watches from the main houses are a possible good bet. Very early electronic and quartz should climb. If you can get your hands on something like an Omega Megaquartz chronometer(around 4000 euro) that will continue to climb in value. I'd reckon double in a decade. Ditto for the early and very high quality quartz movements from Rolex. I can see dress watches from the 40's - 50's climbing too. Currently an IWC military watch is worth 3 or 4 times the same IWC movement in an elegant case and dial.