Prices of Rolex during a "real" depression.. (for you OG'S)

[sea-dweller]

I recall seeing Sub Dates and LV's being sold on the pre-owned market at great prices, in 2007-2009. I thought the world was ending, so too scared to buy.

[Fleetlord]

During the 2007 - 2009 recession SS Daytonas were under $8k.....

That was the watch I used a barometer....the prices on those just fell quickly to mid $7k's.

They clearly recovered....

But overall, I think the watch market now is in worse shape...except for SS Rolex..modern and vintage, vintage Tudor and Patek. Grand Seiko seems to be a good mover after depreciation...oddly enough.

Many brands are absolutely in the toilet in terms of resale and liquidity.

Most Breitlings, IWC and Panerai are a "meh" market is pillowy soft, extreme low ball offer...

Some references in those brands will be 100% HARD PASS on purchasing for CASH. Just look at the Pam 372.

Some of the fringe brands like Bremont, Graham and the such are essentially worthless on the secondary.

I have put a HARD STOP on purchasing other brands except for Rolex and Vintage Tudor at the moment. I don't even think it's a buyers market on other brands...I think it's pretty much over due to an overall waning interest in watch collecting. Too many brands out there and this is a culling event without recovery. This happens in other segments of collectibles and it's happening to watches right now.

Try selling a 2005 Breitling Chronomat today...LOL How about a Hublot? Eww...

So the tie in to Rolex is that they will dip in price during an actual economic depression, but during a collector exodus, they are the strongest!