Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Watches: A Good Investment? Part 2

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Since reading Part One, you must be entirely convinced that a watch is a solid investment, right?  Yea, I didn’t think so.  Let’s face it; a luxury purchase is an emotional purchase.  I know many of you reading this article are like me and are currently squandering all their money on frivolous things like food and shelter.  Occasionally everyone, no matter what our financial position, splurge on ourselves now and then and when we do hopefully there are sites like this one to rely on for good advice and helpful suggestions on how to reengage the logic side of our brain in our decision. 

For those with a little extra disposable income you might be like the group Sam Hines, a Christie’s vice-president and head of watches referenced recently, “We had clients tell us, ‘I am not earning any money in the bank, so I’d rather put it into something I can wear, enjoy, and that’s holding its value”.  Imagine if we could have saved up all the money we’ve blown on convenience store-like purchases in our lifetime (soda, gum, chips, soda, fast food, candy…did I mention soda?) we’d all have enough money to get a nice watch or more. Some of us are just plain better at restraining ourselves on immediate ancillary purchases because they have their eye on a more lasting ancillary purchase. 

During my research looking for my first luxury watch I’ve been able to create a top ten list of ways to save money on your purchase to be sure you obtain the most value from your purchase and to avoid any buyer’s remorse.

Top Ten Ways to Obtain the Most Value from your Watch Purchase:
1.    Search within reliable brands (Rolex, Patek Philippe) and stay with classic models and avoid new models within even a reliable brand (See Part One).
2.    Look for buying vintage from a reputable local or online dealer.
3.    If buying vintage or from an online dealer, no matter the price point always try and buy a watch in     mint condition with box and valid papers.
4.    If buying new is important look at reputable online dealers to save money.
5.    When buying from an authorized dealer, check with multiple dealers and ask if they discount their pricing.  In many instances buying from a dealer out of state will save you sales tax.
6.    Research the quality brand to verify it can command high price at auction or during resale.
7.    Look for rare (precious metals or limited editions) and special pieces with a unique history (like     Omega Speedmaster, the first watch on the moon).
8.    Be willing to wait for watches to appreciate over time.
9.    Get a watch from a brand with controlled pricing and distribution
10.Avoid ladies’ watches, fashion, or designer watches.

In the next few posts, as I refine my search for my first luxury watch, I will expand on each of the above ways to save money on your watch purchase to clarify and give some more specific advice to aid in your own search.
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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Watches: A Good Investment?

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I’ve noticed my wife use the phrase, “It’s a good investment” (which is way better than “Look how much I saved you”) when discussing a potential purchase.  She’s not buying gold bars or penny stocks, but she uses the term when a less expensive item is obviously of lesser quality and will require either more maintenance or an additional replacement than the more expensive option.  By her definition, pay a little more, get more value, and lower your risk of additional costs or early replacement during the life of the purchase.  It makes sense.  When it comes to the emotional purchase of a luxury item, however there are very few which retain their value.  Expensive cars and the newest technology depreciate within seconds after the purchase and forget about getting your yacht money back.  Educated purchases in art, jewelry, precious metals, and watches won’t fall quite as far after the purchase, but will likely take many years before they will appreciate enough to qualify as an investment.  The two brands as a whole which are exceptions to this general rule are Rolex and Patek Philippe.  Their consistency over the years, their reputation of quality craftsmanship, strong marketing, and long history of value appreciation, has created a strong aftermarket and vintage following.  After these two, there are many watches from various brands that are solid investments and good watches to collect for example here are the Top 10 most popular brands in 2012 according to search requests from the site Chrono24.com

Top 10 Watch Brands
1.    Rolex                           21.16%
2.    Omega                          7.80%
3.    Breitling                         6.01%
4.    IWC                               4.73%
5.    Patek Philippe                3.69%
6.    Panerai                          3.68%
7.    Audemars Piquet            3.58%
8.    TAG Heuer                     3.34%
9.    Jaeger-LeCoultre             2.98%
10.  Cartier                           2.82%
Total Top Ten Brands          59.79%

 In Part Two of Watches: A Good Investment, we will discuss tips to getting the most value out of your purchase
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