Watch Market: Second Hand Value & Ownership Impact

Lankysudanese · 2021-06-03T12:30:04Z

Explore how the secondary market value of the Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman' impacts ownership. Lankysudanese and the community discuss sentiment vs. investment.

Lankysudanese's personal reflection on the Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman' transcends a mere watch review, delving into the profound impact of market value on the ownership experience. His candid account, sparked by a Hodinkee article, explores the emotional and financial considerations when a sentimental timepiece appreciates significantly. This discussion highlights how collectors grapple with the evolving landscape of luxury watch values, prompting a re-evaluation of their cherished possessions.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-batman-to-sell-or-not-to-sell

This one hit particularly close to home, Bc I bought the same watch at around the same time and paid for it with many a sleepless night on a second job. And it’s the watch that was with me as I welcomed my first born to the world (

(photo from 2017)

Say what you will, but the “market value” of these possessions does factor into the ownership experience

Thoughts?

Key Points from the Discussion

The appreciation of a sentimental 'beater' watch, like the Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman,' can lead collectors to consider trading it for grail pieces, especially when finite finances are a factor.
For many, the decision to buy a watch is driven by enjoyment, not investment, making the appreciation or depreciation of its value a secondary concern, though significant depreciation can still be unwelcome.
The 'hype' market for certain desirable pieces has inadvertently made overlooked brands and models, often with superior horological value, more accessible and affordable for discerning collectors.
Some collectors find greater satisfaction in owning watches that will remain in their possession for a lifetime, transcending market price, and use price trends only to identify undervalued pieces elsewhere.
Rising market values for popular watches can lead to increased insurance premiums and prompt owners to be more cautious about when and where they wear certain pieces, even contemplating sales of watches they originally intended to keep.
The sentimentality of a watch can be deeply tied to personal milestones and family history, serving as a reminder of hard work and sacrifices, which can complicate decisions about selling or trading.
The current market makes it challenging to find 'fun' mid-level watches in the $2,000-$4,000 range, with many brands becoming overpriced or lacking the unique appeal of past entry-level options.

The Discussion

Blansky

Jun 3, 2021

Congratulations on both the watch and the beautiful child.

Lankysudanese

Jun 3, 2021

Thanks. The watch (and baby) are now 4 years old.

Should explained that (better)

FabR

Jun 3, 2021

Sincere congrats on both — an incredibly cute baby and his first Rolex!😉🥂

Lankysudanese

Jun 3, 2021

You are too kind, but neither the watch nor the child are new (anymore).

😂😂

BigAppleBill

Jun 3, 2021

Great photo! I read the Hodinkee story. Interesting to read how the rising value of a watch has potentially affected the collecting experience.

The comments section was particularly interesting. I’ve had to grapple with it in terms of rising insurance premiums and being more deliberate about what to wear on certain days and in certain situations. The rising values issue has also led me to occasionally contemplate selling some pieces that I originally purchased with no intention to sell (and still haven’t sold), but I think such thoughts are completely natural ones to have.

Rosneathian

Jun 3, 2021

The gains and losses associated with my watches are implied and unrealised, because I don't sell.

So while current market price a marker of an overheated market (in some cases), I derive more satisfaction from knowing that my watches will never see the market again during my lifetime. In fact, a significant part of my enjoyment comes from the feeling that my watches have, for me, transcended anything as vulgar as a price tag. The only time I'll use price trend as a tool is as a prompt to look elsewhere for value. It works: far from the madding crowd one can occasionally find fine and sometim

Watch Market: Second Hand Value & Ownership Impact

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation