1680s (white) taken a huge hit?

[aj_tucker]

Hi all,

I bought a 1680 white sub last year for $14,800 -- I've heard they've taken a hit, but any idea how much? I got quoted a certain number from a reputable dealer, but I wanted to sanity check it here. Trust the source - just a bit surprised at the results. Here's a pic:

[rootbeer7]

We don't discuss prices here. Also, a dealer will offer a trade price if he's got any sense!!

[aj_tucker]

more images of the case

[stmoore]

The dealer is likely to offer you less than you paid. It’s business.
It seems you have a very nice watch... please enjoy it. While expensive, these aren’t investment stocks - they are luxury items.

Unless you have to sell, why even think about it?

[aj_tucker]

Originally Posted by stmoore

The dealer is likely to offer you less than you paid. It’s business.
It seems you have a very nice watch... please enjoy it. While expensive, these aren’t investment stocks - they are luxury items.

Unless you have to sell, why even think about it?

Big fan of you on Instagram!

I would only sell this piece to fund a nice 5513. I am of course OK on taking some loss - and I do not look at this as an investment, just a toy. However, the dealer quoted me at $10k, which seems quite low. It's possible the market has changed given the circumstances, but that is quite a swing from just a year.

If indeed the market has moved that dramatically, I will gladly hold this watch and continue to enjoy it. And say goodbye to my dreams of a 5513 for now!

[roh123]

Mostly the cost of doing business as stmoore is saying.

[stmoore]

Thank you.

I am seeing a very strong market right now, especially for amazing matte dial stuff.
Maybe try to sell to another collector instead?

Conversely, let’s say the market is down - then so is the price of your future 5513?!

[Kingface66]

Here's one that HQ is selling for $12,950. A nice dial, but it's got a later bracelet and service insert, both bringing the overall price down. I don't know what they paid for it, but they need to make a profit. In the end, I don't see 1680s having taken a hit at all. And I look at a lot of them!

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...ner-1680-A3463

[dhknola]

You can do better online posting, but more work for you.
I think it's just the spread, dealers assume the re-sale 'risk' (yes there was a day where vintage watches did not appreciate like tulip bulbs) so they need to be at a comfortable price to buy and know they will profit.
Two guesses: a) you could probably squeeze a few hundred more bucks out of the dealer and b) think of how many times dealers are approached with watches like yours, my guess is often. The only time you will get a dealer to really shell out is for something truly remarkable they know they will not see again for sale from a non-dealer.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by aj_tucker

Big fan of you on Instagram!

I would only sell this piece to fund a nice 5513. I am of course OK on taking some loss - and I do not look at this as an investment, just a toy. However, the dealer quoted me at $10k, which seems quite low. It's possible the market has changed given the circumstances, but that is quite a swing from just a year.

If indeed the market has moved that dramatically, I will gladly hold this watch and continue to enjoy it. And say goodbye to my dreams of a 5513 for now!

Sorry, that watch is worth a lot more than $10K, and I haven't seen prices for white 1680s dropping recently. If anything they're still going up, from what I can see, pandemic issues notwithstanding.

Some dealers are great, but they ALL offer low-balls on trades. Just don't do it. Sell it yourself. Sometimes trades can work out, and some dealers are more fair than others, so shop around. But in general, it's virtually always a bad financial move to trade with a dealer.

Nice watch, btw. I'd keep it.

[Wahlberg]

Watches, cars, ... literally anything dealers need to make some money. So a trade in is never worth it. Sell it yourself and get the money you desire.

When selling to a dealer you're leaving an easy 2k on the table. Then again you know who you are dealing with and you get your money.

[aj_tucker]

Great advice. If I decide to sell, I would probably try on this forum. I have bought / sold many through HQ Milton and Jacek now at Tropical Watch, so that is an option as well. If all else fails, I'm sure they would be willing to provide a reference.

Jacek, in my experience, has been the most reliable honest for a sell. His cut is fair, considering he handles payments, shipping, insurance, 'pending' periods, etc.

I've never sold on this forum but maybe that is worth a shot.

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by stmoore

unless you have to sell, why even think about it?

x2

[btinl]

You have a nice example. There is always a spread in value for watch models depending on condition and patina.

As others said, if you're keeping it, don't worry about the perceived value.

[1665fan]

Dealers are there to make money, some make a lot...ive heard crazy low ball prices from a lot of them for trade values and sale.....and I have are desireable SS pieces...most of the times I just laugh....

[beachboy17]

Just enjoy the watch, its a beautiful piece :)

[colpol]

As others have said - great looking watch
So what if it loses a few £$€ in 2020

[springer]

Find a more reputable dealer. He's low balling you. He's in la la land if he thinks he's going to make 40 or 50% profit on every vintage watch these days. Most buyers aren't going to take that kind of hit to line the pockets of some dealer.

[aj_tucker]

Wasn't planning on selling for no reason - honestly, it may be my favorite piece. However, I've always wanted the sub-no date, 5513 or 5512. An opportunity came up, so I wanted to see the sale value of my 1680.

A great example, sandy markers, Maxi MK1 (attached). But the piece has been laser welded / refinished. I thought that would have more of an adverse affect on price, but maybe not. The piece is an absolute stunner otherwise, you may have seen it on Instagram :)

[Vincent65]

I wouldn't trade in yours for that re-done case job.

Sell privately, or just enjoy it with full awareness of the date.

[swaini3]

You have a nice example. Im sure you would get more for that. the offered price is too low.

[BigBlue1]

Taken a hit?
maybe he’s taken a hit and trying to recover.
First I heard of that.
That is a very attractive example. Like rest have said “ keep it”.

[interestedwatcher]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Watches, cars, ... literally anything dealers need to make some money. So a trade in is never worth it. Sell it yourself and get the money you desire.

When selling to a dealer you're leaving an easy 2k on the table. Then again you know who you are dealing with and you get your money.

100 percent - a dealer has overheads, and also takes on all of the risk of the sale going forward. The amount of threads on here where sales go bad (people run off with the watch, recall deposits etc), should give a clue that selling expensive items is not risk free.

[F15GorDe]

You have a very nice piece, enjoy it.

[Dan S]

The bottom line is that the OP needs to do his own pricing research. He obviously can't rely on a dealer to do it for him.

[Dr.Smellody]

I'd keep that 1680.