Czapek Antarctique

[seastu]

Just wondering if any one else had had the same experience with Grey Market brick and mortar dealers. Wanted to trade my Antarctique towards a F.P or a AP.
Dealers are are not interested. Any thoughts on why?

[magicman]

Not interested at all, or not at a good price? I imagine it's harder to sell than someone trading in an FPJ, AP, Patek, etc.

[enjoythemusic]

Hmmm, in Boston... I assume it was Albert or Joshua. Right now the market itself seems to 'getting weird' in some ways. Perhaps try here on TRF FS section.

[ChetBaker]

I have several dealers recently turning down trades, even with significant cash-up. And I was offering Rolex steel sports. Many of them are sitting on huge inventory and need cash. At the same time - I will buy on my terms or I don’t.

[break]

Originally Posted by ChetBaker

I have several dealers recently turning down trades, even with significant cash-up. And I was offering Rolex steel sports. Many of them are sitting on huge inventory and need cash. At the same time - I will buy on my terms or I don’t.

This is my experience too. The market is slowing down, regardless of brand.

Czapek is in a unique place - they make lovely watches, but C24 and other places list healthy supply at MSRP prices that isn't moving. If I were a dealer I personally wouldn't take one into inventory as trade, but it's a great market for Antarctique buyers.

[subtona]

my Impression is that as the economy shifts and the watch prices are creeping down, dealers are focusing more on the top 3 or 4 brands and staying away from the more specialized offerings.

you are likely better off finding a buyer on your own then try to work the whole exchange in with your dealer for a fee to mitigate some of the risk of a private sale.

[GB-man]

If you had to sell it today figure 12-13k. That’s the reality. This is a very niche brand that is almost unknown outside watch nerds.

I saw a Tonda PF micro go for like 13k recently. I don’t think the czapek would draw much more.

Doesn’t mean it’s not an awesome watch just that the crazy market is long long gone.

[Jmaster]

I think you’re right about $12-13K for any dealer to take stock. I see the Antarctique listed as low as 30% below current MSRP so a dealer who thinks he has to a while to sell it would need a cost at 50% below MSRP, IMHO.

[seastu]

Very good points. Thought I would test the waters. It's an awesome watch and will remain in the collection. It's a buyers market, so a great time to find exceptional pieces at realistic prices.

Thanks for the input!

[Michael1968]

Originally Posted by Jmaster

I think you’re right about $12-13K for any dealer to take stock. I see the Antarctique listed as low as 30% below current MSRP so a dealer who thinks he has to a while to sell it would need a cost at 50% below MSRP, IMHO.

Agree with this. Nothing to add

[vman]

And if you're honest with you, $12-15K is probably the right MSRP for this model.

Czapek lucked out by entering the market when the market was hot. However, I won't bet on the brand until it goes through several market cycles.

[FrugalGreubel]

As others have said it’s a weird time in the watch market. A great time for buying but selling can brutal cause of all the factors mentioned above. I’m very curious what the next year will bring.

[uscmatt99]

Yes it seems like we are finally re-entering the "normal" watch market that existed prior to the most recent run-up in prices. Thank goodness. Even though my Antarctique would now fetch way less than I paid for it at MSRP, I can finally pursue some other pieces I've had on my list. It's brutal if you frequently flip, but a great time if you buy to keep.

[MichelleP]

If you interested in consignment, reach out to Topper Jewelers in Burlingame, CA. The sell Czapek and would probably sell on consignment.

[dchang81]

It's easier for me to enjoy wearing the watch without worrying with prices softening.

[enjoythemusic]

This is where getting what you love and are passionate about has benefits. Always remember, these are (in a sense) 'toys', things you enjoy. Markets ebb and flow, seen three horology financial downturns since the 1990s. Makes no matter to me, pop on a different color rubber strap, or the bracelet, and she's like having another timepiece to enjoy.

imho Rolex and others are really missing the boat here!

And that movement, c'mon, use 10x loop and enjoy

[Gebbeth]

Every time I look at grey market prices, I see a price adjustment downward. This is even on "hot" Rolex watches like BLROs. I think I saw a VC Overseas Chrono Panda at below retail (relatively new too).

In this kind of market, trades for niche brands are iffy propositions, so I'm not surprised at all about this response to Czapek.

Fortunately for me, every watch I've bought thus far is because I love the look of the watch. I plan on keeping my watches (unless, god forbid, I run into some kind of financial emergency, and if then, I won't necessarily care about the selling price as I would desperately need the cash).