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Jay (Eire)'s original post delves into the significant auction result of a Rexhep Rexhepi RRCC01, which fetched nearly a million US dollars. This discussion is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of independent watchmaking and market valuation. Jay invites the community to interpret whether this record-breaking sale signifies a broader market trend or an isolated triumph for the acclaimed independent watchmaker.
I realize we don’t talk about prices here, but from time to time we do discuss auction results (a lesser evil than used/gray prices).
This one merits some exposure and discussion I think.
Earlier today in HK this RRCC01 from Rexhep Rexhepi brought US$ 922,000 (rounded down to the nearest dollar).
The watch is one of 25 produced, and has a gran feu enamel dial.
It was the first CC to come to auction.
I know there are many Rexhep owners and supporters here. I’ve met him once, earlier on, and he was gracious and nice. He was very appreciative of the F.P. Vagabondage I was wearing when I met him (a watch he told me he is a big fan of, and obviously has some familiarity with given his history with Journe).
So what do people think of this result?
Is it the announcement of the new generation?
A final nail in the coffin of the “older generation” indies?
Is it a single swallow that will not make a summer?
The F.P. Journe Vagabondage I represents the inaugural reference in the Vagabondage series, introduced in 2004. This reference establishes the foundation for F.P. Journe's exploration of unconventional time display concepts within a compact case format.
The 36.5mm platinum case houses the manual-winding caliber 1509 movement, delivering 40 hours of power reserve. The silver dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while a fixed bezel maintains clean lines. Water resistance extends to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking F.P. Journe's approach to alternative time displays in a more intimate case size. The platinum construction and manual movement align with the brand's commitment to traditional materials and hand-winding mechanisms. As the first Vagabondage reference, it occupies a specific position for collectors interested in F.P. Journe's horological concepts beyond conventional displays.
but I must say that this result has set the standard since a Rexhep Rexhepi Chronometre Contemporain has succeeded in achieving a higher price than a Dufour Simplicity and a RW Smith Series 1, comparable time only watches but not so comparable when it comes to auction results. Well done to the seller, to the auction house and to Rexhep. I can't bring myself to congratulate the buyer as I think we will agree that this is quite over the top for any time only watch. I personally think that this mig
And it seems that is how you are viewing the result. My other suggestion was did this set the standard in terms of the new generation taking over the old? So not a specific comment / observation re price but more so a changing of the guard.
Well to me it is quite strange that there should be a change of the guard as Dufour's watches are generally acknowledged to have the best Swiss finishing followed by possibly Kari so for me, to see Rexhep leap frogging them both in terms of auction results is quite baffling. Of course one might argue that movement finishing is not the only consideration which is totally understandable but surely then a Rexhep dial being preferred over a magnificent Kari dial would raise quite a few eyebrows. At
Many other great buys to be had for much less.
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