Yeah, if you are really worried about value retention, buy Rolex or Patek. Patek is probably one of the few brands that actually has a chance of appreciating but of course these are typically limited to their $50k + pieces.

in the sub $10k range, Rolex probably retains percentage value the best. But think of it this way.

Lets say you have the option of buying a Rolex for $10K or an Omega for $5k. After 5 years, the Rolex is worth $8k and the Omega is worth $3k. Now Rolex has retained much higher percentage of value but obviously if you even stuck the extra $5k leftover from initially buying the Omega in a savings account, you would come out ahead.

Thus, just buy the watch you like and can afford instead of thinking about value retention.

Panerai seems to hold value extremely well....

I think if you like watches but want to be value conscious you just need to stay within the constant demand brands... but first and foremost, you have to like what is on your wrist!

if you're serious about retaining value you shouldn't be buying new.. there is the immediate drop off from new to used as well as sales tax/vat (depending on your area)

that being said, i'd put patek over rolex at this point.. patek seems pretty serious about continually increasing their prices, maintaining reptuation and limiting supply.

i was told there would be another price increase within the US on oct 1st, i have not been stateside to confirm. this would be the THIRD price increase in 2011. as the MSRP goes up, the effective residual value of used pieces increases..

i'm 99% confident i can sell my patek for more than i paid for it and it's not a 50k+ piece..

Thanks for the advice I'll keep that in mind and just buy what i like. I have a couple leather band watches. Should I not be washing my hands with them on? Can watches fade in too much sunlight?

I rarely beg for pics but pics please love Pateks.

you made me realize i've never taken pictures of it except for some quick and dirty pics i took on the (very giddy) day i picked her up..

the flash really brings out the scratches, they arn't nearly that noticeable..

5107 in WG

Wow, I love it, and I'm NOT just saying that. Those top-tier dress watches don't do it for me usually, but applied dots like that, and when the stick markers are beveled, I really like that.

Atypical datewheel is a nice treat, too.

yeah very very sick. Love the dial color, hand lengths, and the purity of the dress watch design with absolutely no lume.

there are like only 2 patek watches that i'd ever want and the calatrava is one of them. nice!

lol

i mean...want to keep. i'd take any of them for re-selling.

lol

I might as well report it here; burglars broke into my house last week and stole - along with other some other **** - this:





It's a Hamilton Jazzmaster Maestro that retails around €1k. Serial: 09575.

i like this

You LIKE that he got robbed???

What do you guys think of this watch?



I have an urge to get a nice (and maybe even a little flashy) blue-colored diver or instrument watch, with the main requirements being a great looking blue dial, not a very big case, and preferably an automatic movement. The one above (Sinn Arktis) is so far an early favourite above some divers from boutique companies (Helson shark diver 42mm being one of them) or more expensive things like Omegas which I cannot afford anyway.

This one is not quite cheap either, though...

I think it's sharp.. Sinn is good quality.. I am not a blue fan, but that's besides the point. I like the aesthetics (maybe the red circle Ar is a little meh) and it is quality make - bracelet looks sharp as well. I don't remember the price point, I think it was 2k ish if I recall, but seems ok... screw down pushers and water resistance? If so, even better...

My comment would be that the flashy blue face with the flashing shining bezel is a bit much. Don't offset each other very well. Not really buying the whole diver aspect either. I guess the bezel and screwdowns are the factors but I'm not particularly versed in the designations. Don't think you can go wrong w Sinn as a brand though.

Here's an Arktis but the bezel looks brushed. Could be camera angle I guess but it looks far more balanced to me.

Am I crazy or is that the same watch?

Thats a nice watch Vuggie, i say go for it if u like the design. Also I'd consider getting a Breitling steelfish, maybe a bit outside your price range

If you had $5-7k to spend on a Rolex, which one would you guys get?

I think the blue Seiko Sumo is a really awesome choice for a blue dialed diver.



That Sinn is nice but you already have your chrono and I've never been a huge fan of chronos on divers.

The steelfish is also nice but pricewise gonna be similar to the Omegas.

vintage GMT Master 1675



AINEC

Assuming new, I would get a Milgauss GV or a Explorer II if I could get it for under $7k, $6k for the Explorer II, but I might prefer an Explorer I or Air King if it comes in under $5k.
But really depends on what you are looking for. I like the more rugged, whimsical Rolexes. Less of a fan of say the more dressy stuff like datejust.

i have yet to see a rolex that i think doesn't look ugly.

the cases are so big. i'm definitely a big fan of watches with big faces and small cases, like the IWC Portuguese for example.