Interesting watch observations

[Tanukjaju]

I have ebbed and flowed with regards to the hobby over the past few years and here are my perceptions.

1). Watch prices in the used market are generally down.
I have noticed this trend in military watches, homage watches, obviously panerai and mid tier watches. An example was an ennebi I was following on eBay. It sold for $2100 when the used to sell for the high $2K to 3K range all day long.

2). Forum traffic and activity is down. I have noticed this on the 3 watch forums I have visited. (I haven’t been to WUS)

3). Quality collectible pieces seem to be holding their own though. No fire sales here.

My speculation is.... with the saturation with kickstart watches and big companies pumping out high volumes, the market is saturated. I also don’t see younger people appreciating mechanical watches. It’s a good time to buy a watch that has taken a hit imo..... buy it because you like it, buy it because you love it, if you buy a collectible, buy it because it’s a quality piece and not because you see them listed all over for a high price....many watches have unrealistic list prices.

[straps68]

I have also noticed that activity on forums is down. H-F is actually doing better with every month that passes but will probably never be as busy as HF was. A lot to do with social media. I noticed that when someone posts something about my work on one of those I get more visits to my blog. Millenials and younger but also many older folks are on SM all day long counting their likes.

I've read that in general world's consumer markets are over saturated. This goes for everything, cars, condos, televison sets, phones, you name it.

Personally I can't imagine wanting to wear a tracking device on my wrist. I don't even always bring the phone with me when I go outside. But a mechanical watch, especially one I built or modded myself, now that I like

[Mellons]

Agreed on that. Mechanical is an acquired taste, and prices go up and down. However, for limited pieces or homages with choice parts, they may take a little longer to sell but price is still high. Ennebi seem to be back up- there are only a few for sale though

[Tanukjaju]

I've read that in general world's consumer markets are over saturated. This goes for everything, cars, condos, televison sets, phones....

There is truth in that. The last car I got, the sales guy told me to lease (because of the incentives) and that if I wanted to keep it 2-3 years down the road, to buy it over used. He went on to explain how car manufacturers were pushing sales volume at the expected hit in resale 2-4 years down the road.

I’ve lost about $3000+ a year in payments but based on the current market price, I would have taken closer to a $6-8K hit. It’s getting to be a good time to buy a used luxury item if you plan on keeping it.

I suppose it’s the same for watches. It didn’t occur to me about social media. But looking at my kids, it’s true that they don’t take the time to stop and read. Just spend a quick 2-3 seconds per post or pic and move on.

[blueradish]

All valid points. Once the younger generation get tired of whatever fashion trends they're chasing now, they will look to the long forgotten, make watches cool again and they will actually be responsible for pushing the prices up.

I really think the boutique KS watch companies are having an effect more than we realize