I think the issue of resale value comes into play because some of us can get bored with our watches over time. So we sell them to finance another purchase and some become unhappy with the hit the watch takes upon selling and realizing the low 2nd hand value. It's just natural that we eventually gets bored with things. I am guilty of this myself though I have yet to flip my IWC watches. Now, I have a large collection that I rotates regularly so that I don't get bored easily with any particularly watch/watches with frequent wearing.
It's always an issue for watch collectors, ie buying what you like vs buying what keeps hold of value. I try nowadays to buy watches that fits both criteria.
I have never bought a watch that I do not love. I just happen to love a lot of different pieces from different brands. Only reason I ever trade them is to finance another watch. My rolex sub will be with me until I pass it down but some pieces are only for a year or so. Value does matter at least to me.
The reason or reasons why one likes, loves, of lusts after his/her watches, or why one keeps, flips or sells his/her watches is very interesting indeed but, imho, should be the subject of another discussion. The "500 pound gorilla in the room" is that many (not all) of the watches of the recent IWC collections lose a large amount of their value once they leave the shop. If you do not care, more power to you, but those who do, and who believed IWC's narrative, and thought they had bought a "value" product, may eventually feel they bought instead an expensive "dream" when they wake up and realize they have experienced none of the exhilarating sensations of flying of high performace jet just because because they bought a Top Gun.
I spent good, hard earned money on this. I am under no illusion that I am going to wake up tomorrow and be an F1 driver. I love this watch. It is currently the watch I wear most. It's brilliant. End of story, for me. 500 pound gorilla? He must be hiding behind the curtains, I can't see him. :-)
First, this is a fantastic watch, once you have seen it on your wrist it is difficult to put down. Only priorities elsewhere prevented me buying one. But fantasizing about it when seeing your pictures of it helps, about the only kind of dream that keeps me awake.
Second, I never fell for the fairy tales that are part of the marketing effort. They don't disturb me, they only make for beautiful pictures of the watches. I take these stories for what they are, they are even human sometimes, as the truth makes a stroll around the garden now and again: even that doesn't disturb me.
The simple truth for me is, I am interested in beautiful watches with a certain built-in quality. As far as watches are concerned, that is it. I fully understand that some people want or need to sell watches; that the market may not like them enough to pay a lot of money for them is unfortunate, but this is the case for so many things one buys. Should I buy a Patek Philippe or Rolex, solely because of the possible resale value, while I don't really like most of their watches? Now that would be silly. So, about the whole resale thing I would say: be a man, stop whining.
I also agree with you, Jarrod. That´s what I tried to say with "collectors love" and the question of values in general. But I also understand the attitude for resale intentions, because there are collectors who can´t afford to keep all watches on their way to their "grail-watch". So it can be advantageous when they own pieces with a good resale value. And at this point there are differences - regarding all brands. I personally cannot imagine to resell watches I had adored for a long time and then finally made my dreams come true. But I admit that I like the fact to know that the value of my watch has rised up in the last few years … Best, -christian
If this refers to me, Clepsydra then I have to ask you: were was a personal attack? If anybody understood it like this then I have to say it never was my intention - also not to "win" a discussion. I'm really far away from that point, sorry. This must be a big missunderstandig then. I just wanted to show understanding for both sides.
Hmm, now that you mention it, it is quite possible that you mean me: why then not saying it right away? I attacked one of your points of view a while ago, there is no way around it. It was not personal, I don't even know you personally. In the discussion here, I did not attack you, not personally, nor necessarily your point of view. Do you think the "stop whining" refers to you personally? Wow, that is revealing indeed.
Dear IWC Collectors I am quite new to the watch universe and have now finally decided to buy an IWC. To be precise the IW500705. Now I have seen two offers which I am interested in online but cant really tell whether it is a good deal or not.
Watch Nr. 1 is in perfect condition (visually) and was bought in 2008 (Big Service 2013)Sold in Switzerland CHF 7400.-
Watch Nr. 2 is also in perfect condition (visually) and was bought in May 2013. CHF 6800.- Sold in NY by a Jewelry Store (Not authorized but with Papers and Box)
Now do you guys think the depreciation is adequate comparing the age of the watches?
The 5007 is only available since last year, i.e. couldn't have bought in 2008 or 2013. I recommend to visit an authorized IWC Dealer or Boutique. More fun and less risk.
Hello Thierry, welcome to the forum. In general, we can't have price discussions here on the forum, but you can email me and I am happy to help you out.
Since acquiring my 1958 Iwc Ref 464 with Cal.89, I have come to the realization that owning an IWC watch is not about trendiness or value retention, or resale value--it is about appreciating a classy, high quality watch owned by few, and appreciated for what it is--a beautifully made thing I love to look at and wear. It says "I don't need to wear the most popular watch--I go my own way."
