Baron - Mr Red
14613
Tic-Toc, Tempus...
I actually don't agree with you. As much as i am a proponent of the free market, I am not a proponent of market fixing or artificial prices. If there is a monopoly supplier (as in the case of Patek) and this monopoly supplier restricts supply, and that supply is then artificially absorbed by buyers who's aim it is to drive prices upwards so that "flipping" becomes a way of making a quick buck, then its not a free market in the true sense. If that happened in the capital markets, the regulatory bodies would prosecute for price fixing and manipulation. I am not saying that Patek flippers are identical to market manipulators, but it sure as hell smells a lot like it. Guys who's aim it is to secure multiples of "hot" watches when supply is very restricted are, de facto, manipulating prices. Patek does not make watches for them to be flipped, hence they have attempted to be very careful (and quite often screen a buyer) before a hot watch has been allocated to a buyer. Free markets are great. I love them. But unregulated free markets create a smell.
OK, i can say this another way. Guys who never aim to open the seal, who buy hot watches in multiples to flip on, who get no real pleasure from wearing a watch - but insttead pleasure from making a profit from one..... then these guys are not collectors. They are businessmen. I can respect them as businessmen. But i have no respect for them as watch collectors.
5970P
very annoying
I undertsand the frustration most collectors have, but....
After all is said, i still dont understand the whole point ?
Very well said!
Agree with you all: the real price is what you are ready to pay for something
Tic-Toc, Tempus...