I have been always caught by this since I got the watches fever. Prior to this, I used to consider 200$ is a high price for a watch.
When I digged deeper into the watch world, I found out that most articles speak about 1000$-2000$ as affordable options.
Now yes I gumped to buying 1000$ as I’m getting more deep into the hobby, but what’s next?
In essence, good watches are made of steel (how much is the price 150grams that goes into making a watch?) And good movement, sapphire crystal, nice design.
U understand there are some exceptions, spring drive, thin movements or so.
But generally when we hit a certain price point 🎯, there is nothing a watchmaker can offer or maybe what they offer has a negligible effect like an extra accuracy of 1-2 seconds.
What’s more, given the income of the average person, like if my monthly income is 2300$, I’m not sure where I fit in the income level (graduate with 3 years career)
1000$ is a big portion of my income. And I believe it’s the case for many.
If anyone wears a good copy of Rolex, AP, omega etc, how many people can people can tell the difference from a distance?
And if they do, is there an intrinsic value in this time peice that makes a steel packed movement this expensive?
Thoughts ?
I’m not sure about other countries, but at least in my country people want give a shit whether someone is wearing a Casio or something else.
I mean our country is a bit strange, even celebs when they come no body really cares
Watch collecting are seen into a hobby. Just like a toy can resell for a lot, so does watches - however the nature remains similar as well, it should be sold to community that appreciates it - hence, not every country has market for some watch brands. As it’s a hobby, the biggest value comes from taste - when you like it, the value increases. Hence, my thought about it is that it depends on whether the buyer is able to appreciate sentimental, historical and refinement in the watch, especially in higher price tier.
Same watch, similar performance, but different mechanism - some people can appreciate that, some can’t.
Similar looking watch, different finishing - some people can appreciate that, some can’t.
That kind of thing.
Your perspective is reasonable, I have some obsessions with buying Show-class birds that people deem unworthy or what if “they die tomorrow” but I do defend myself that they have a good pedigree and so!
lol. That means you are already doing good. If you ever visited an exhibition, most of the work are not interesting when displayed alone. Only when they are curated and make a story, then they look more beautiful. I think it’s the same with watches - it depends on its meaning and how it will tell your story.
Yeah, they are super overpriced luxury trinkets. They are jewelry, albeit really cool mechanical jewelry.
There are great options in the sub-$500 range though. Nodus, makes some great looking ones, for example. Citizen, Casio Oceanus, San Martin.
I have a West End, Seiko Alpinist Mystic Forest among others. I don’t want to get deeper although I liked the new colours of the Orient.
The only person who cares which watch you’re wearing is you. At the end of the day, it’s just a piece of jewelry that tells time.
You don’t need to spend thousands to get a nice watch. I prefer the look of my $200 Orient Bambino or my $150 Seikos over some much more expensive options.
Yes people don’t care. However, some people who wear expensive pieces think, or want people to look at them.
And yes I do prefer my 200$ over my 1000$ ones. I prefer quartz over mechanical they are lighter and more accurate.
Check out for Lorier Neptune or Baltic Aquascaphe.
I do have my small collection and I wish I don’t go beyond 😅. Yes most people don’t care but some wearers think people do care and some others buy because they like them, but here I’m questioning what’s the intrinsic value for expensive ones? Quality, material etc, not really different once we reach a certain point.
Don’t buy a fake. Many can tell right away and frankly you will know.
You are better off starting with solid options like Christopher Ward The 12 or Tissot PRX automatic
You can do with your money whatever you like, but if your monthly income is $2300, a $1000 watch seems very out of budget.