Baron - Mr Red
14613
Well...
....the thing is, I am not sure it applies to most assets. In fact, probably 99% of asset types just don't apply. So, I don't think I am saying it always pays to overpay. and I also think that for the vast majority of watches, it also doesn't really apply. Take a straighthand Explorer 2..... would it be worth paying 30% over the top in order to secure a premium condition version? Probably not. On a 5508 or 6536...I am not sure I would want to pay too much of a premium either. Patience and research work far better on watches in that type of price band. I didn't pay a record price for my 5508...yet I haven't seen (m)any that I would argue are finer versions. Maybe one. Would it have been worth paying a premium? Well, to my mind the 5508 isn't a watch that I would classify as a trophy asset....so no. In this sense, the watch band idea sort of argues against the philosophy.
There are so many versions that are premium or thereabouts that it would be silly to overpay. In this sense, I take Bill's argument as more accurate of the vast majority of watches that could form part of a collection. When it comes to that very rarefied part of the asset world where there really are just one or two premium top quality examples, then I think your argument holds water...and only then for certain types of people. But that segment of the watch market is less than 1%....actually way less.
Available on the marketplace
17,436 Rolex listings are live on the eBay market and 1886 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.
Start small then large
I have been hunting for a James Bond Submariner for some time now. Although I wanted a BC I could not find a perfect one. Either the color was not my taste or the watch had a nice color but I was unsure of the originality. Then I stumbled upon a SC submar...
What I see looks pretty good !!
congrats for the great purchase. Fortunately enough, there is a world beside Big Crowns...LOL I really appreciate 6536's and 5508's because they are at the same time sporty and elegant. And they fit underneath the shirt sleeves...;-) Here's my 6536-1 ...
very true
Yes agreed there is a great world beyond the BC. SC are wonderful and as I were a suit very often the smaller size is just wonderful. Congrats on your brown 6536-1 very charming indeed. Have a great weekend Edmond
Congrats, Edmond. These small no crown guards Subs are full of charm.
And the 6536 is a great reference. I alm hunting one of these very nice inserts, which is spectacular, on yours. Bravo. As for the BC, try Tudor and the 7924. Much less expensive than an all original 6538 / 5510 / 6200, but not less appealing! Best, Nicol...
Advice noted
Nicolas thank you. I will take your advice with the Tudor but this brand I know nothing about so I have much homework to do. Bon weekend mon Ami, Edmond
A lot of common things with Rolex, and msot of the time, the 7924 has a military
Provenance... The issue is that it is rare, hence difficult to find a correct one. Best, Nicolas
Some Rolex small crowns..
...also have a military background, like 6536-1's and 5508's used by the French Navy
My 6536-1 plus...
a couple of 5508's with a a "GN / XXXX" engraving on the caseback. I also have a military 1665 in my archives...
Great Small Crowns
Gents: Great small crowns - both of them. To the OP - that red triangle insert is KILLER. What a beautiful example you got, the dial and insert are both exceptional. And Nicolas, great advice on the 7924. As you know from our PMs, I just love those watche...
Patience is a virtue............
Congratulations Edmond on both your perseverance & new vintage piece. :)
Patience
Thank you for your kind words. And yes patience is indeed a good virtue to have. If you have more than others you are already far a head of the game. Have a great weekend E
More pictures
I received the watch and am very pleased. Its very agreeable to wear and the condition seems very strong. Here are some more pictures. Have a great WE! E ...
very nice!
fantastic look with this no minute bezel and red triangle! stunning dial as well! enjoy Matt
By the way...
... I would not consider this watch as a "first step" towards a Big Crown. To me, both models are legendary and equally desirable.
Point taken
Your right in a certain way. For one I like the fact that the 6536-1 is more low profile- perhaps its more of a connoiseurs watch. Everyone is out for a BC -something which makes it less attractive for me. I also like the fact that the 6536-1 is older and...
DR Strong is correct in terms of stepping stones
But one also need to put a perspective on grades of collecting. A collector of a 6536/1 is in a grade of collector i.e. there are bands of valuation. To move up in band means to move up in grades of valuation. So while one grade is very desirable and you ...
Stepping stone...
.....yep, in the same way that a Range Rover is not a stepping stone above a Ferrari. It is in a different grade, but it is not a stepping stone. The 5508 or 6536 were well described by Jeff as being both sporty and elegant. In fact, I think I would go as...
Described with eloquence, Baron. The 5508 has elegance, the BC has power.
Two different fields. Two good reasons to get both. Best, Nicolas
Thank you
For your compliments Baron. I agree it is charming and sporty. And like another member pointed out it fits perfectly under a suit shirt which is nice.
Agreed
I have tried to focus on the best quality within each different grade. That is why I bought this 6536-1 instead of the 6538. I could not find a nice 6538 or 5510 so far. But one day I will-I am very patient. I appreciate the advice you have given me- as y...
Find the best you can afford vs the best example - which one trumps the other.
When you are in a category e.g. 6538 or 5510 "BC" perfection has a price and is very hard to come by so you need to consider the advice you are getting here. When we say get the best you can. The implication is also the best you can afford. This means if ...
Agree but disagree
Bill- you are right for the most part of your mail. But there is one part I donot agree with. Even if you have the money- you cannot buy perfection today any more. Let me explain: For a while now (I would say 3-4 years now), collectors are not selling the...
Single Red Seadweller sold for $ 525,000 - Chrisities 2012
You are sort of mixing up points. If you are looking for what is not available as the watches you listed there will never be more than one of the example you stated and yes I think in you offered 500k you probably could get of of those examples. We are ta...
My view
Bill, Again I am not sure I agree with you completely. In investments (which is my main business) I think it correct to think of valuation bands (in fact to not do so can be very costly). But not when it comes to collecting. You see collecting is a ration...
Another way of saying...
.....you can never really overpay for a trophy asset. I think that type of investment philosophy is one that I adhere to. However, I think it is also true that for that type of philosophy to work, one needs to take a very long term investment horizon and ...
Obvious
Dear Baron, Ah nice. It wonderful to see that we speak the same language. Yes I fully agree- this philosophy is very tricky to adhere and actually is somewhat irrational and takes some time to understand. I learned the hard way. I underpaid for things man...
Well...
....the thing is, I am not sure it applies to most assets. In fact, probably 99% of asset types just don't apply. So, I don't think I am saying it always pays to overpay. and I also think that for the vast majority of watches, it also doesn't really apply...
Yes but
Baron- I do understand your argument and actually I think I also understood Bills point. I think he is right for many watches. Yes to be patient and do your homework often pays dividends perhaps more so than blindly overpaying. But assuming that collector...
vintage rolex
Hi. The photo you have posted is exatly the same as the one i have inherited and only just found in a jewl box in the bottom draw of my wardrobe. I thought a fake but it seems this not so..mine gains a little in the week and wear it on a leather strap as ...