Not so sure...

If I was viewing a watch purely as an investment and saw its rarity as something that would be a key feature of its future investment potential, then yes, I would buy that watch even if i thought it was ugly and had no intention of ever wearing it. As an investment, it has to be dispassionate. But if it is a watch I intend to wear, then there has to be some passion for it. Can rarity fire passion? I don't see why not.

If people buy watches for investment purposes, I see nothing wrong with buying a watch that is ugly. I own Diageo as a an equity investment yet I don't drink spirits or beer. I couldn't care what their products taste like so long as the investment performance does well. There must be a similar dispassionate view on watches for investment too, no? I am not saying that watches should or should not be investment material. For me, they are not. You are clearly in that camp too. Yet, why is it so wrong to appreciate rarity as part of a watch's attraction?

best of nautilus!?

By: ming_arta : June 10th, 2009-09:26

I'm recently interested in nautilus, i'm planning to purchase it. My choice is down to 5980 and 5712R. Which one is better / more collectible, any suggestions guys? Thanks a lot

Your wrist will tell you

By: amanico : June 10th, 2009-10:54

You'll have the answer, and the only one which counts, when you see them both. As for collectible watches, forget this concept. Would you jump on an ugly watch just because it is collectible? Best, Nicolas

Collectible watches and rarity

By: Baron - Mr Red : June 10th, 2009-11:38

Hey Nicolas, how are you doing? The issue of rarity is a difficult subject. I would tend to disagree with you about it. Would I buy a watch solely because it was rare and expected it to appreciate in value? 100% yes. I would so the same in any asset actua...

I think we agree on one point, Joe R

By: amanico : June 10th, 2009-11:53

You won't buy a watch only because it is rare. Do you see yourself buynig a rare watch even if it is ...Ugly, just because it is rare? Don't think so. What I wanted to enhance was that watches are not investments, but, I think, and this is my personal poi...

Not so sure...

By: Baron - Mr Red : June 10th, 2009-13:51

Very intrigueing point Joe.

By: William C : June 10th, 2009-19:49

Frankly, when I read a question on "rarity" and investment regarding certain abundant models I cringe. Generally, when watches do fetch investment grade prices, they are watches that might have had 300 models made over 20 years, so the thought that someon...

I personally like the 5712R

By: tourbillon001 : June 10th, 2009-14:48

better. I am just not a bracelet guy . As far as which is more collectable they are both desired watches but neither are all that rare or hard to get so I would not let that influence your decision.

I agree wit Nicolas....

By: MiniCooper : June 10th, 2009-16:56

Your wrist and your eyes are your best advisors (as well as your wallet lol) I posted a similar question about three months ago and was given a similar answer. It is true, you cannot possible predict which watch will became collectible- many factors come ...

As everybody probably knows...

By: sadris : June 11th, 2009-01:00

I LOVE THE NAUTILUS!!! i own the 5980 and 5712/1A both fabulous watches...i could go on and on but won't..in brief the 5980 is a bit bulky but has beautiful presence on your wrist and looks absolutely amazing when it's sunny and one is casually dressed (w...

i think 3700 is considered rare....

By: Ba Ba : June 11th, 2009-06:01

...and nothing else. As you can see, I am saving my LAST spot for 3700....

Given a choice of which Nautilus to consider ....

By: tic-toc : June 11th, 2009-07:21

.... in terms of rarity, my choice might possibily be Patek ref. 3711wg. Seeing the time of production, the case metal plus a Nautilus wg bracelet, I would put this ref. number to be on the top in this series. As for my own collection, ref. 3800/1A still ...

WOW!

By: Mostel : June 11th, 2009-09:06

I have NEVER seen either one of those Nautiluses! Are they mechanicals? Or quartz? Very purty.

here is a image of the 5980

By: mr30 : June 12th, 2009-04:47

I love this watch. It is comfortable and rare. It would depend on your collection but, I think the 5980 is more wearable than 5712R...

5711G for me !

By: webvan : June 12th, 2009-10:55

5712R is nice but not necessarily very easy to wear, very "flashy". I was going to get a 5711/1A last year but decided for the 5711G instead, for that kind of price I wanted gold and the the White Gold color is beautiful !

Buy the one that "speaks" to you when you try it on!

By: masterspiece : June 13th, 2009-03:24

If you're buying it to put it in a safe, then you're on the wrong forum. If you're buying it because you love to wear it, then this is THE place for you. Before the economic burst, the 5980 was going for twice its price. Now, you can get it just about at ...

I totally understand you

By: mat_wong2022 : June 15th, 2009-04:29

. I have had the same question. IMHO, 5712R is dressy watch. Looks great if you wear it out to night time social events (party). 5980 is very sporty watch and will not be appropriate to wear in a more formal occasion. I first had a 5712ss, then got anothe...