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WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Horological Meandering

I appreciate the question and don't think it's in poor taste at all...

 

We're all going to die, with certainty, and Mr. Dufour certainly knows (and hopefully delights in the fact) that many of his timepieces will outlive all of us, including himself. They are designed to be enduring masterpieces. I think many of us considered this same question when we're about to take our first plunge into the world of independents. I remember thinking a lot about this when I first looked into FP Journe watches about a decade ago, though of course FPJ's quasi-independent brand is more conducive to being bought and run by a conglomerate. Presently, I wonder, to what extent is the premium for a Simplicity based on a (well-deserved) but impermanent fondness or affinity for the man himself? To what extent is the market driven by PuristsPro and, more recently, Hodinkee (I've always wondered about market composition and especially what percentage of Simplicity owners are regulars here -- posters or lurkers)? I mention these just rhetorically, to demonstrate that I'm curious too. I don't have thoughtful answers. Maybe it's time to consult with my Magic 8 Ball when I get back to the office tomorrow morning!

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35 Comments view entire thread 

Another Dufour Simplicity selling for a QM.

 
By: Mostel : February 19th, 2017-15:21
Just letting the community know. Astounding. This seems to be the new normal. Now at least two examples ( that I know of) have produced these numbers, and NOT AT AUCTION , which is even more astounding. This example is a 37mm RG lacquer dial. So one has t... 

Amazing.

 
By: willski : February 19th, 2017-15:29
Out of curiosity, do you know the last prices of the Duality or Sonnerie?

Thanks.

 
By: willski : February 20th, 2017-08:48
I can only imagine how crazy the numbers would be.

Madness!

 
By: Bounce781 : February 19th, 2017-15:46
I wonder if it\'s bit of an artificial bubble Brought on by the recent spate of high profile auctions. Can\'t imagine it would be sustainable. PS imagine what these things will fetch once Mr D finally passed on (hopefully many many many years from now)

Bounce

 
By: Mostel : February 19th, 2017-15:57
The two examples I am aware of were many months, maybe even close to a year apart, I don't know if 'the recent spate of auctions' had any influence, or relevance.

Do you mean the PT 37mm with lacquer?

 
By: brandon1 : February 19th, 2017-15:54
A PT 37 guilloche (my favourite) sold last year (very possibly one of the two to which you refer). I agree these results are impressive...but if I could I still would Cheers, Brandon

It's a tough call

 
By: Esharp : February 19th, 2017-17:27
I think I\'d need lots and lots of time with the 34 and the 37 to decide which one I prefer! Hehe. Shame it\'ll probably never happen. But the guilloche dial...yeah, that\'s a winner. What a glorious thing and while the lacquer dial is lovely, the guilloc... 

Hey Steve!

 
By: Mostel : February 19th, 2017-16:01
Certainly just the opposite reaction would be expected. Hold on to your precious Simplicities.

Crazy to who...

 
By: Mostel : February 22nd, 2017-10:07
Vintage Pateks and such that were bought for 5-25K going for over a million... all relative.

I wonder how Dufour feels...

 
By: skyeriding : February 20th, 2017-01:31
And how would he charge special clients now who are ordering the "post-200" Simplicities Regards, skyeriding

Agree Aikiro.

 
By: Mostel : February 22nd, 2017-10:11
History means so much to him. He worries these traditional techniques will vanish if so few employ them. He lamented that there is no book, or video to teach these techniques.

I had the special good fortune to spend time with Dufour

 
By: Mostel : February 22nd, 2017-10:10
And my view is that he is deeply gratified, yet also is sobered by his own personal realities that are separate from the market for his work. He can not make another Philippe Dufour.

A few collectors I know are trying to...

 
By: CL : February 21st, 2017-07:09
join the selling wagon too. SteveH is correct to pint that out. Many are concerned that this bubble won't last. I think in the minimum, these can go for half of the reported sale. Simplicity no longer that simple

What bubble...

 
By: Mostel : February 22nd, 2017-10:20
See my comment on Vintage Patek... Since we are making prognostications... I predict another doubling, and more again. This sort of thing doesn't happen to just any watch, car, or wine. This is a watch that is regarded as having no equal in the 3 hand rea... 

I appreciate the question and don't think it's in poor taste at all...

 
By: CR : February 22nd, 2017-21:13
We're all going to die, with certainty, and Mr. Dufour certainly knows (and hopefully delights in the fact) that many of his timepieces will outlive all of us, including himself. They are designed to be enduring masterpieces. I think many of us considered... 

If you figure out which way the market is going please let me know.

 
By: TheMadDruid : February 23rd, 2017-17:15
I just have this feeling that the whole thing is going to come crashing down. The numbers are not sustainable-Patek, Rolex, Dufour, anyone. I only buy what I want to wear, and I hope for a long time. Doesn't always go that way, but that's the intention. I... 

Padj

 
By: Mostel : February 27th, 2017-10:04
I appreciate your comments, but don't see it that way. However, I do agree you should buy what you love. I sold a couple watches in the last 5-10 years that have skyrocketed in value and in my opinion, are crazily over-valued. One being a mint Heuer Carre...