Cursed Artifact Watches: Real or Myth?

Cookies · 2022-07-29T03:21:08Z

Explore the intriguing debate on 'cursed' watches. WatchProSite members discuss buying pre-owned Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Movado watches, sharing personal anecdotes and ethical considerations.

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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Cookies, a respected member of the WatchProSite community, delves into the intriguing and often superstitious world of pre-owned watches. He explores the concept of 'cursed artifacts' in horology, prompting readers to consider the unseen histories and potential energies watches might carry. His post challenges collectors to reflect on their comfort levels with watches of unknown provenance, particularly those with potentially dark pasts.

Many of my watch collecting friends will never purchase a used watch unless they know the history of the watch.

Some even go as far to believe it is a risky thing to purchase a dead person’s watch. Well, we hear stories of people purchasing houses, art, and even dolls, to find strange occurances happening.

I have a friend who likes buying used watches. He has over a hundred pieces. He doesn’t believe in this superstition, and continues to wear all sorts of Rolex/Pateks etc of unknown history. We traced the history of one of his Tiffany Pateks to Argentina once, and I asked if he was concerned if it had a violent history and he laughed it off.

Here is 2 articles about a man’s cursed acquisition:

https://www.antique-watch.com/man-sells-cursed-rolex-after-trio-of-unfortunate-events/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/dcb77m/rolex_grandfathers_cursed_rolex/

I have other friends who like to attend auctions for confiscated items of crime. They say it is cheaper to buy from these auctions. Sometimes rare fine horology watches turn up.

Do you believe this is true? Do you have any stories of “haunted” wristwatches? Would you dare to wear a dead man’s watch?

Credit: Daily Mail

The Rolex Murder Watch. They found this Rolex on a deceased man’s wrist and it was used as a clue to the crime. Credit: Devonlive

Would you wear General McArthur’s JLC? Credit: Tatler Asia

Saddam Hussein’s Rolex Credit: Montredo

Key Points from the Discussion

Many collectors happily acquire used watches from auctions, often finding cherished pieces with interesting provenances, such as a Movado from a Dutch Baron's estate.
Some collectors, while not believing in curses, would avoid watches associated with deplorable historical figures like Hitler or Hussein, viewing such items as morally undesirable rather than supernaturally 'cursed.'
The history of a watch can significantly alter its perceived value and emotional weight; a Jaeger-LeCoultre, for example, takes on complex, mixed feelings if it's revealed to have belonged to Adolf Hitler.
The author shares personal anecdotes of unexplained occurrences in his home and his step-father's childhood, suggesting that unseen presences or energies can indeed attach to places, if not objects.
Some collectors advocate exclusively for buying new watches to ensure a clean history, believing it's simpler and more satisfying to start a watch's story with oneself.
Despite the 'cursed' watch discussion, the author expresses a strong desire for specific vintage pieces like a 'dirty dozen' military watch or a vintage Panerai, appreciating their historical context and beauty.

The Discussion

mrds

Jul 29, 2022

it seems plenty people are quite happy to live in dead man‘s homes. I don’t see any issue with a dead man‘s watch. I have no idea of the health of the original owner of my 1948 VC Chronograph, and that’s ok. Although I would never bid on, say, Hitler‘s watch, even if it sold for a low price. (Then again, I wouldn’t bid on Kardashian‘s watch either.) Best, Daniel

christianch

Jul 29, 2022

repeat with me, NEVER buy a used watch, NEVER buy a used watch. Simple rule that always made me happy. I once bought a used IWC Platinum at an auction (Sotheby's) but managed to get exchange it and get a new watch. Could have not been happier. The history of a watch is difficult to trace, why bother ? Just buy new. Nicer and starts its history with you.

Ruffian

Jul 29, 2022

The ones where no one knows the name engraved. Not the ones that say, 'DRIVE CAREFULLY ME' ;-)

andrea~

Jul 29, 2022

Curses are quite obviously bs.

Jul 29, 2022

Comparison to Old Victorian houses is a good one.

Jul 29, 2022

I seldom if ever buy used watches. I kinda believe in hexes and don’t wanna find myself caught in one.

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