Category Archive: Mens Watches

Which Watch Brands Might Increase In Value?

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Many watch collectors think of their watches as an investment, and they are. But which watch brands are most likely to increase in value? A recent article in WatchTime by Robert-Jan Broer says the short answer is simple: Rolex and Patek Philippe. There are, however, many variables. Exclusivity, availability and demand along with the style, age and heritage of each watch all can influence the long-term value of any watch.

There are many factors to think about when selecting your fine watch:

  • Do you have a favorite brand(s)?
  • Are you planning to wear your watch frequently? Some watches may be more resistant to daily wear and tear than others.
  • What is your personal style? Select watches that work well with your lifestyle and wardrobe.
  • Will you keep the watch for the long-term or interested in trading in frequently?

Whether you are just beginning your collection or adding to a well-established watch collection, I am happy to work with you to find the luxury watch that meets your expectations!

New or Pre-owned, Which Is Better?

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There is no right or wrong answer.  While new offers the “never worn by anyone else” appeal,  and a new Rolex or other luxury watch can be a very sound investment. Pre-owned, however, allows you to select exactly the style you want at a lower price point.

Just like purchasing a used car, do your homework. Determine the model you prefer including metal and color, type of watch band and the price range you are looking for. Then contact a reputable dealer, like me, to discuss options.

My business has been successful for over 25 years because I offer my customers great customer service! That means extensive knowledge of all luxury watches and fair prices. Often I can source watches that have never been worn. And because I deal in all brands fine watches, I can find just what you want.

If you are interested in buying or selling a luxury watch, contact me. I’ll share all the information you will need to make a sound decision.

 

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Bouchet Complication One Blue

A recent article in Watchuseek featured the Emmanuel Bouchet Complication One Blue.

Emmanuel Bouchet? Who’s he? Only one of the most respected watchmakers working in the industry today. Having spent several years producing timepieces for some of the world’s most prestigious brands, he is now turning his creativity to his own brand, challenging watch making’s tradition bound codes by creating timepieces that are at once classic and revolutionary.

In just over a year, the brand’s activities from Las Vegas to London have gained the recognition of collectors and critics alike, earning Emmanuel Bouchet a nomination for the top six in the GPHG’s Mechanical Exception category in Geneva. Baselworld 2016 saw the debut of Emmanuel Bouchet’s latest creation: Complication One Blue.

Complication One Blue is more than a mere mechanism for measuring time. The case is as groundbreaking as the complication itself, showcasing white gold with blue PVD coating.

This new option joins the core range which includes rose gold, white gold and titanium ADLC. Each case version is available with either a black onyx or chalcedony dial.

Read the article here.

Caring For Your Watch

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Owning a fine watch is a true pleasure. It reflects your personality and style, and makes a statement about who you are. Luxury watches are also an investment, and as such, owners need to take a bit of extra care with them. It takes only minutes to protect your watch and your investment. Here are my tips for caring for your luxury watch.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is putting your timepiece on or taking it off in the bathroom. Dropping the piece on tile or any hard surface can damage the watch face. Plus water damage can occur if the watch slips into the sink.

Create a specific spot where your watch can be removed, placed on a soft fabric or foam surface, and covered to protect from dust and dirt. A watch storage case is a great investment.

If your watch is waterproof, you can actually clean it as needed. A toothbrush with soft bristles and a drop or two of liquid detergent is all you need. Then rinse with clear water and allow to air dry. NOTE: Before cleaning a Rolex make sure to screw down all the crowns first.

Did you know the average watch has about 500 parts? Regular servicing by a trained professional can keep your fine watch running perfectly. Document the service record to support the watch’s value in case you want to sell.

Have questions about your watch? Call me at 614.371.7111.

For Sale: Pre-0wned Steel Rolex GMT II

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This is a very nice little worn Steel Rolex GMT II with the new style Cerachrome blue/black “Batman” bezel. This little used GMT comes with the original box instructions and warranty card. A very nice watch. Current replacement at retail is $8,950.00.

Our price on this difficult to obtain watch is $8,650.00.

Note: Photo is for illustration purposes only. Please contact [email protected] to get photos and details for this specific watch.

For Sale: Pre-Owned Rolex Steel Submariner Date

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A very nice unworn Rolex Steel Submariner Date with the original box, instructions and warranty card that is dated towards the end of 2015. As most subs are this one has a black bezel and dial. A hard to find watch. Current replacement at retail is $8550.00

Being offered at $7,950.00

Note: Photo is for illustration purposes only. Please contact [email protected] to get photos and details for this specific watch.

Technical Perspective to Calendar Watches

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Interesting article from Monochrome that offers a technical perspective on the types of calendar watches. From the simple display of just the date that is used by many luxury watch makers to the secular perpetual calendar from Patek and others.

Among the amazing timepieces featured in this article is the Frank Muller Aeternitas Mega 4. It has 36 different complications geared by 1483 parts. The watch’s calendar mechanism is calibrated to reproduce leap years on 4 years, no leap years on 100 years, leap years on 400 years cycles. Quite remarkable!

 

Buyer Beware

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Counterfeit watches confiscated by Swiss authorities

As with many luxury goods, counterfeit luxury watches are available everywhere. Don’t be fooled by amazing prices from street vendors in NYC or on the internet.  If the price for a Rolex, Hublot or Cartier seems to good to be true, it probably is.

Even knowledgeable watch collectors are being fooled by counterfeits.  Nearly every Swiss watch maker has stories about watches that appear to be real but are not, and are being sold to collectors for $10,000 and up. At first glance, these watches look like the real deal. On closer examination, there are signs they are fake.

With over 30 years experience in buying and selling luxury timepieces, I am able to help protect my customers from counterfeits.  My business and reputation are on the line, and I take that very seriously.

 

Start Your Watch Collection With A World-class Timepiece

I’m often asked which watch should be the first luxury watch to buy. Personal style matter, of course budget counts, too.  But there are watches that stand out as sound investments and classics that will always be valued for their style and function.

Here are three of my picks:

Rolex Submariner – Released in 1954, the Submariner wasn’t designed to be a luxury watch. It was created for professional divers, and really launched the sport watch industry. Things haven’t been the same since.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak –  The quartz revolution in the early ’70s nearly shut down many luxury watch houses, and it would take a counter-revolution to keep them open. The Royal Oak, a steel luxury sport wathc, kept Audemars Piguet in the game.

Cartier Santos – This classic style goes back to 1906 when a pilot friend of Louis Cartier asked for a watch that would allow him to keep both hands on the controls. The result was a wrist watch for men (rare). The style has been updated but continues to be produced.

There are many more classic watches to learn about, and I am happy to spend time helping you find the best watches for your style. Let’s talk…contact me.

 

 

When Are New Luxury Watches Available?

Swiss luxury watch manufactures have traditional presented their new timepieces to the world at Baselworld, held in March, and at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), in January. In the past, most the latest watches were not available for purchase for at least months, often even a year. It took that long for them to be crafted and come to market.

In a world of see it today, buy it now, that does not resonate with many watch collectors. This year, several watch companies are changing the delivery of their newest watches.

Breitling will start shipping their Avenger Hurricane, a self-winding, water-resistant chronograph in the next couple of weeks. Two watches from Ulysse Nardin that were unveiled at Baselworld, the Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar and the Grand Deck Marine Chronometer Tourbillon, will be released for delivery in April 2016.

While many traditional watch makers are maintaining their extended delivery schedules, some are moving faster to get watches to market. That is good news for collectors everywhere.

Rolex introduced their new Oyster and Cellini collections at Baselworld – see them here. Esquire magazines 8 Beautiful Watches from Baselworld 2016 for a few ideas.  To learn more about how you can purchase these and all luxury watches, contact me. I want to help you find your dream watches!