Watches as Investments: Omega, Newson, De Bethune

bernard cheong · 2013-05-20T23:22:58Z

Bernard Cheong explores watches as investments, focusing on intangible gains and the future of 3D printing for restoration, featuring Omega, Marc Newson, and De Bethune.

bernard cheong

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

16 replies3266 views16 photos

Bernard Cheong provocatively discusses watches not merely as financial investments, but as sources of intangible gains like friendships and broadened perspectives. He contrasts the enduring value of design and personal enjoyment with the fluctuating monetary value, using his Omega Seamaster 1988, Marc Newson watches, and a De Bethune DB28 2011 as examples.

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Watches can be a good investment--but not for everybody.

BUT, normally lose value over time and are not good investments unless you really know a lot about the specific item.

Selling of watches is at a financial loss. Owners, they enjoy it, the watch.

Only some of the truly rare and special collectibles gain value over time, you have to judge the value of a watch by what intangibles you gain.

For me, my asylum, it is a 100% gain.

Friends, time well spent, perspectives....and because I started so early, even money.

Today, everyone is equal, and you will be better off than I was when I began...because the markets, the world, and space occupying assets versus intellectual assets are beginning once again to change.

Look at how, for example, titanium from 1988 has changed...porosity I suspect, and alloys, have changed.

Surface treatment has changed.

3D printing to repair and restore WILL change.

Omega from 1988, one single owner...intentionally punished and used ROUGH.

Versus a soft 18k gold brushed design item from Marc Newson 2011 and a De Betune DB28 2011 in polished titanium.

Enjoy...

Now, in 2011, we see the DB28 which will never be punished to this level.

The Marc Newson SEASLUG alarm which is from 1990 or so

punished, used rough, but in steel.

Note how the ilum has changed.

Note too that by 2020...3D prints will restore, I predict, all of these watches.

By then, I would have had a life time of enjoying the minds and ideas of these forums, the creators of the watches, met them, and became a better person.

I see my own investments that way.

If I had made money from the market with other work or goods, the results could well be the same.

Or worse.

BUT first, the Marc Newson Horizon in soft warm 18k gold.

Brushed and delicate it seems...but no longer in production.

STRANGELY...design holds GREAT value.

My seaslug alarm is well over what I paid,I mean, people call me up for it..it is inexpensive....but just so "nice" or beautiful in its thickness and weight.

I hardly find any of the thousand plus made. EVER.

I have seen it about 12 times online, in various countries...in or before 2008.

Oh...I can't play golf.

If I had, my money would have gone into that...and to me, it would have brought me returns too.

In other ways.

This message has been edited by bernard cheong on 2013-05-20 23:30:19

About the De Bethune DB28 Ref. DB28

De Bethune DB28 Reference DB28

The DB28 represents De Bethune's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie, featuring the brand's distinctive floating lug design within a 42.6mm case format. This reference showcases the manufacture's technical capabilities through its extended power reserve specification and proprietary movement caliber.

The 42.6mm titanium case houses the manual-winding caliber DB2115, delivering a 120-hour power reserve. The silver dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while the characteristic floating lugs define the case architecture. Water resistance extends to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on independent Swiss manufacture capabilities and contemporary case design. The DB28 represents De Bethune's technical approach to manual-winding movements, particularly notable for collectors interested in extended power reserve complications. Production commenced in 2010, positioning this reference within the brand's modern catalog offerings.

Specifications

Caliber: DB2115

Case: Titanium

Diameter: 42.6 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

3D printing technology is advancing to the point where watch cases can be scanned and recreated in various metals, potentially allowing for restoration by building layers on scratched cases without material loss.
The primary value of watches for many collectors lies in instant gratification and personal pleasure, rather than future investment returns.
Older watches, like the 1988 Omega Seamaster, were built to last and endure rough use, often without regular servicing, highlighting their robust construction.
The De Bethune DB28's balance system, with its larger size and double shock suspension, is of particular interest for potential 3D printing experiments, despite challenges in replicating the original finish.
For watches intended for heavy use, a strategy of buying a second case and crystals, then swapping them for servicing and refinishing, could preserve the watch's appearance.
The 'punished' appearance of a well-used watch like the Omega Seamaster can add character, while designer pieces like Marc Newson's retain value through their unique style.

The Discussion

Nicko16

May 21, 2013

The macro shots really bring out the details.

Even though the Omega has been banged up, still adds character to the watch. The DeBethune will always be special and the Newsons have their own style. Always enjoy reading your posts :)

bernard cheong

May 21, 2013

Thanks Nic..here is a really macro macro shot of the Omega

I did not service it..yikes. Swam in sea with it in the years of 1990s.. These watches were made to last. I think it was about 3 years BEFORE the world even began to look at watches, and NO adverts were found, or rarely found, in magazines..and only 3 or 4 websites.

Ares501 - Mr Green

May 21, 2013

Don't tell me..

you'lll not strap DB 28 to rim :) Great shots Best Damjan

bernard cheong

May 21, 2013

OH..well..not yet. Seriously...I think it can take it.

But because it is sooo expensive, I will ask DB first, and then if OK, I will. This part here..is of concern, but with a readily replaced part, and a trial run on a computer..we will see. The silicium wheel seems to be really hardy, and it is also DOUBLE shock suspended by the unique bridge and the usual shock arrangements. I may be wrong.

moc

May 21, 2013

Hi Bernard...

great food for thoughts......but for me I am still a believer and sit firmly in the corner of the ones who buy watches for instant gratification without thinking much of future increase or decrease of value....who knows?In the meantime they give me pleasure so thats the most valuable aspect for me. PS can you explain your answer to Ares question? What are you going to ask De Bethune first? Mo

bernard cheong

May 21, 2013

I agree, I have not much spare time, so...

I use almost every minute I have that is away from work to maximize my "enjoyment" of life...or to learn something. The watch? It helps me to broaden any ideas or thoughts I have on my business...the solution of the bridge, the Freak's wheel within a wheel, etc. For the DB28, I am thinking of making a device to mount the watch into a golf ball, and get a friend to drive it hard from the first hole. The shock may hurt the spring/wheel as it may crash the spring into the silicium wheel. I will nee