Wristenthusiast
486
Box and papers question..
First my question:
When did keeping box and papers become the trend? Because I am shocked out how many people don’t keep them.
Now background to my question:
I only started collecting watches since around 2005. Due to my engineering brain 🧠 and a little OCD, I kept everything, box, papers emails, service papers, emails about service papers.
I get that back in the 50s and 60s people might only buy 1 watch with the intent to wear it forever. Also, back then you might not have bought the watch thinking “ man in 30 years this will be worth a lot, but even more if I keep the paperwork “.
But I am still always surprised at how many authentic Pateks and even more Rolex that are not that old are sold with no paperwork or box. Old boxes fall apart. But paperwork.
So when did it really become a trend to keep all the stuff? I figure there are older and wiser collectors in the forum that might have seen things change over time. Thanks, sorry for rambling ( I did say I’m an engineer).
Roger
Collection
Explore the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, a 1970s icon. Collectors discuss its design, wearability, and enduring appeal in white gold and blue dial variants.
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Box and papers question..
First my question: When did keeping box and papers become the trend? Because I am shocked out how many people don’t keep them. Now background to my question: I only started collecting watches since around 2005. Due to my engineering brain 🧠 and a little O...
Simple answer Roger...
Simple answer Roger. Different minds have different thoughts. Yes, some of those people who threw out their box and papers probably now regret it. Just allocate a percentage of people who would keep it, another percentage who wouldn't keep it, another per...
I'm not qualified to speak on this at all and just speculating...
But I imagine the trend would have increased with the development of the online secondary market. My guess is that after this, it would be easier for the average buyer to realize that holding box+papers increases value. Also, I think that as watches have ...
As a mathematician (and they can be a lot more "unusual" than engineers if you like categories! :-), I try not to worry much about these things, even if alas, we know they have value..
I can't tell you when keeping "full sets" became so critical (and I'm not sure there's a date for it), but I also started collecting watches in 2005 -- even though I have *always* bought new from ADs so far. Hence, at least implicitly, the importance of k...
That perfectly captures my own journey.
At present, many empty boxes, with the papers in a bank safe. My Excel spreadsheet contains all relevant details (model/serial/reference #, purchase date/price/seller, etc.) and also includes (a) the identities of anyone who might've said, "If you ever wa...
Hi Roger,
I started to collect watches in 1986. My first really good watch was a Rolex GMT in steel. Even back then, I was aware that it was important to “ keep everything together”. The Rolex AD that sold me the watch told me that. Since that first purchase , my m...
I don't think it has ever become a trend
it bores down more to each individual. My dad is 85 and he has kept everything in order for over 70 years. Some people are just not very organised or do not have the space at home to keep the large watch boxes. I keep everything even the paper bag that th...
Roger, I think this trend is quite recent ( late 90's early 2000's ) for a good reason...
If you look at the vintage boxes, most of them are not very exciting. Small, in cardboard or in plastic, well... Now they are big, so called luxurious, in wood... The brands are working on their packaging, so the buyer doesn't want to throw it. I for one ...
I always try to find a complete watch . I collect watches for 30 years and still own the first watches I bought back then (full set)
Maybe like you its my OCD but i love to have everything complete and i store my boxes always careful so if i want or need to sell a watch at some point it will be a full set.
Perhaps the growth of counterfeiters had something to do with it.
With so many fakes out there being able to trace and confirm authenticity with the manufacturer might have played a role although papers can also be counterfeit.
As an engineer, isn't provenance and evidence better than the watch alone?
Got it from my Grandpa Got it from my grandpa Please buy my Patek, I got it from my grandpa and I don't want my ex getting half its value. For you today, such a deal $3000... "Check out my Tudor. I was a famous Navy Seal once, now I'm a grandpa" Rigghhtt!...
I think it depends if the prior owner(s) were actually watch collectors/enthusiast vs. just normal people...
Collectors save this stuff. Many, many other people toss everything without thinking twice, especially after the warranty period expires (or if they move, clean their house, etc.). Think about it: You're a normal person (not a WIS) who buys a new Omega. Y...
Thank you everyone.
I appreciate all the responses. It’s nice to read all the view points on our shared hobby. A friend of mine bought his 1967 mustang new and has owned it his entire life. He has all original manuals and shwag that came with it. He does all the maintenance ...