Bruno.M1
4145
+ 100K for a 5711/1A .... Around 100K for a Journe CB .... over 50K for the Journe Elegante
May 30, 2021,14:39 PM
I know not everyone likes to talk about prices on this website so let's respect this a bit. On the other hand we're not stupid and we can't deny these trends.
If you would have asked anyone in 2010 if a 5711 steel would be more expensive than a gold perpetual calendar chronograph from the same brand (5270)... nobody would have answered 'YES'
But we have to accept that somehow a group of (new ??) collectors came to the market and they do have a different point of view. For them it's not about complications or finishing. They want some iconic designs and a shape / form they like. ( which is about the only reason I can think of to justify the 50K for a quartz Journe Elegante).
And believe me, not all of them are speculators or people that know nothing about watches. I know 2 guys that did pay way over retail for a 5711 and Elegante. The one that bought the 5711 had some really nice other watches but could never get a 5711 from an AD. He wanted it badly and did pay the street price. The one that bought the Elegante is a guy with less knowledge about watches but loves design furniture.
So maybe ... are we getting old ?
Seems we still want grande complications if we talk about 6 figures or if it's not a grande complication, at least if must be out the hands of Voutilainen, Dufour, Smith, ...
I tried to compare it with art.
This is a Rubens made around 1600
Do I like it ?
Not at all, I appreciate the craftsmanship and do realize it's a master piece ... But it can not make me happy.
This is a rather recent Rothko
Do I like that one ?
Well I have to admit I would prefer this on my wall than the Rubens.
But on the other hand I have the impression I can make something similar in a couple of hours ... even my 12 year old nephew could give it a try
Now the fact is that both were sold for an insane 75.000.000.
And somehow I think the Rubens is a grande complication with super finishing and the Rothko is an entry 3 hands simple watch.
So without trying to discuss prices I am trying to explain that we might be wrong saying :
" you paid that much for watch XX, you know you could have bought watch 'YY' for the same amount and 'YY' is much more complicated and much better finished "