In 2019, some collectors were already shaking their heads in dismay at the availability situation of certain popular watches, or specific models. That was a simpler age, for many reasons, but watchmaking appears to be weathering our shared current difficulties with all its existing aggravations intact. If anything, the situation for collectors has worsened considerably, but there are also positives to note. In this section, we will look at what we have learned about watches, and call out some points that other observers have made. But first, some clarity is required because this introduction is painfully nebulous.
In a few words, this section deals with the value of timepieces, as this relates to both desirability and price. There are certainly other ways to define value, but we are laser-focussed on capital value here. Having said that, this is not meant as a guide to using watches as an asset class, nor is it an introduction to the same. If anything, it is meant to serve as a way around this admittedly captivating mode of thinking.
If you are a regular reader and, presumably, a collector who goes about developing a personal passion, you will certainly know what the preceding paragraph was about. Collecting watches has probably never been more popular, if we do say so ourselves, yet the most desirable timepieces grow ever more unattainable. Yes, whatever is unavailable today is now unavailable for years to come. For some collectors, the situation is even worse because virtually everything from a select few brands are unavailable. Of course, there is really only one brand where everything is unavailable, and it has actually addressed concerns about its production. This is one of the major points this story will look into, but we will preface this with a caveat: we foresee no solutions nor an end to this situation.
MODELLING TIME
Denne historien er fra Spring 2022-utgaven av World of Watches.
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Denne historien er fra Spring 2022-utgaven av World of Watches.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
BRAND ELEVATION
On the sidelines of Geneva Watch Days, Bulgari CEO JeanChristophe Babin talks about the challenges of having one brand identity across all categories, and tells us what he really thinks of watch fairs.
EVEN MORE HANDS
For the third year in a row, the collective WOW team shares the watches we ponied up for. As always, we include a couple of fantasy pieces and more than a few fails.
CONCEPTS AND CONSEQUENCES
What is the legacy of concept watches? What happens when the show is over and it is time to actually manufacture them? How do these ticking research labs translate into actual, wearable timepieces...if they ever do?
THE QUESTION OF SUCCESSION
In the watchmaking industry, a company’s longevity is oftentimes measured not in decades but in centuries. What then happens to a brand beyond its founders? We speak to three CEOs to answer this question.
LEAPS AND BOUNDS
The quest to add one day to a month every four years may seem like a mundane task in the digital age, but achieving this mechanically is anything but.
FLIP SIDE
Omega celebrates the first human flight orbit the moon with a new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon.
SNAPPING BACK
A powerful showcase for a one-of-a-kind constant force mechanism, the Girard Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement is now available for everyone.
GO FOR GOLD
Forty-five years after Piaget released its allgold Polo 79 luxury sports watch to critical acclaim, the maison revisits this iconic collection with a new ultra-thin movement.
CLEAR WINNER
Hublot's fourth collaboration with Takashi Murakami puts the artist's joyful flower motif at the centre of a bold new case design.
HISTORICAL TRIBUTE
Parmigiani Fleurier launches a new version of their Tonda PF Hijri Perpetual Calendar with a vivid green dial.