KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
BRAND HISTORY: what is the brand known for or what do they stand for? Focus on watchmakers that are well-known for specific innovations or craftsmanship, the likes of Rolex, Patek Phillippe or Cartier. Rolex, for example, carved a reputation for tool watches; watches engineered and designed for professionals, such as divers( Submariner), pilots( GMT) and adventurers( Explorer I).
Some contemporary watchmakers present an interesting prospect for collectors as well, but it is difficult to assess their appreciation, so you are taking a risk investing in them. Take Richard Mille: the brand is known for the use of super lightweight materials and advanced engineering, but also its collaborations with world renowned athletes, as a means to emphasize on precision, reliability and high performance.
RARITY: the rarer a particular model, the more valuable it is. Patek Philippe’ s stainless steel models from 1940s and 1950s make good investments because they were not popular at the time and the company released small editions. For contemporary pieces, look out for limited editions.
PROVENANCE: if a watch is linked to a popular figure or has been worn by a famous person, the value of the piece increases tremendously. For example, in 2008 Albert Einstein’ s wristwatch- a simple gold rectangular Longines dating back to 1929- fetched $ 596,000 at Antiquorum’ s New York auction. Eric Clapton – a well-known watch collector – had a Patek Philippe auctioned by Christies for $ 3.6m.
When looking to buy a vintage watch, pay attention to its authenticity and its condition. If possible get the original documentation and certificate. Ensure that the watch has been well maintained, is working well and that the original parts are still intact.
While gaining knowledge and understanding will polish your investment skills( and whet your appetite), working with a seasoned collector can help you hone your skills faster, gain confidence in your taste and ultimately make better investments.
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