Flipping Motivation

[locutus49]

As I get older, the more I think brains are hardwired differently in things like hunting versus collecting versus nurturing. People have different tendencies and it is hard to explain why. But it makes life interesting.

[srtown]

I can see myself getting into flipping. I am the type of person that likes getting new things. That said my current collection is mostly pieces that won't fetch much so no real sense in getting rid of them. Also, for whatever reason, my taste draws me to the fastest depreciating, least desirable models. So really I am an N+1 collector.

I was an N+1 collector with bicycles as well until I sold a couple last year to buy a new cyclocross bike. So maybe I am a flipper?

[Star Ferry]

I think serial flippers are chasing the rush of buying, unboxing and wearing a new watch. Like most material items, watches make us happiest in the beginning, but then we adjust over time.

[aced75]

It also depends, some enjoy the hunt more than the ownership and some enjoy making money more than the permanent ownership. Some of these flippers make some serious cash flipping watches.

[jcd]

It's all part of the hobby for me. It's fun to flip, but it's fun to keep some as well. At the moment I have 4 I intend to keep and 4 I intend to flip at one time or another.

For me, I'm not wealthy, so I buy a couple, enjoy them, then flip them and spend the money on one that was a bit more expensive. I enjoy every aspect, the hunt, the buy, the ownership, the sale, the friends I make along the way. I have yet to make any money on a flip, and frankly I'm ok with that. It's a hobby to me, a fun one, I don't expect to make money. Kudos to those who do.

Regardless, there's room for all watch lovers in this hobby, however they participate. Whether you or I get why they enjoy it they way they do doesn't really matter to me.

[Hodog16]

I guess to some people taking stickers off new Rolexes is like sniffing glue.

In all seriousness I only flip to upgrade, not because I get bored.

[Afghanvet]

Originally Posted by Eagle dunes 75

Well said. I hate to admit it but I think I am in that category

x2

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by AK797

I'm not an intentional flipper and I do research and delay until I find the best deal, esp on PMs, but even then I have flipped 3 PM AP/Rolexes now which I never thought I ever would have at time of purchase. With SS Rolexes, as the resale is so strong there is not much to lose if you buy right so I am more cavalier with those and can see them getting flipped one day esp while Basel is allowed to continue.

As long as there is Basel, there will be inspiration to flip

[HeartRolex]

It's always interesting to read the threads about flipping and the frequency thereof. I can't help but wonder whether the serial flippers would flip wives and girlfriends if it was as easy as flipping watches and if the secret to finding a committed partner means finding a guy who'll be happy with one watch for 10+ years. :-)

[havingagoodtime]

Haha that's an interesting perspective and could very likely have some correlation.

[japenney]

I'm a simple man. I buy what I like and sell what I like less.

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by japenney

I'm a simple man. I buy what I like and sell what I like less.

I understand Josh and meant no harm. Enjoy the ride!

[Investr]

Thrill of the hunt I suppose. I've had 20-25 in the last 5 years! My collection sits at 3, and I won't let it go past 3.....

[Bigsykedaddy]

When you guys flip them how do you sell them? My friend is trying to sell a watch on Craigslist but is having a hell of time moving it. Do you just trade them into an AD or a trusted seller? Do you consign them? Thank you in advance.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by Bigsykedaddy

When you guys flip them how do you sell them? My friend is trying to sell a watch on Craigslist but is having a hell of time moving it. Do you just trade them into an AD or a trusted seller? Do you consign them? Thank you in advance.

Swap with my AD generally. Have sold a couple on here and WUS and a few on eBay.

I buy a watch I like. If it gets no wrist time, I flip it. Generally give it about a year. Getting ready to flip my Advisor that I rarely wear. For probably a BB Bronze and a Ranger.


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[Bigsykedaddy]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Swap with my AD generally. Have sold a couple on here and WUS and a few on eBay.

I buy a watch I like. If it gets no wrist time, I flip it. Generally give it about a year. Getting ready to flip my Advisor that I rarely wear. For probably a BB Bronze and a Ranger.


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Oh cool, I always wondered if people traded in their watches to an AD towards the purchase of a new one. Do you get bent over pretty badly going that route? (since they can just order a new one directly from Rolex if it's not a hard to find watch IE DaytonaC)

Thanks for the response I was really curious about that.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by Bigsykedaddy

Oh cool, I always wondered if people traded in their watches to an AD towards the purchase of a new one. Do you get bent over pretty badly going that route? (since they can just order a new one directly from Rolex if it's not a hard to find watch IE DaytonaC)



Thanks for the response I was really curious about that.

Not really that bad. The nice thing about Rolex/Tudor is that the discounts on new (if any) are small. So if a new one can be sold for 15% off let's say, they can be fair on a trade, sell a new piece or two and keep the turns up. I don't know that I have ever seen the numbers where they were going to cost (42% back of MSRP) and deducting from there.

I may take a little more of a bath on the Advisor as it is harder to move, but I got a great deal and the MSRP is pretty high for a Tudor.


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[Bigsykedaddy]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Not really that bad. The nice thing about Rolex/Tudor is that the discounts on new (if any) are small. So if a new one can be sold for 15% off let's say, they can be fair on a trade, sell a new piece or two and keep the turns up. I don't know that I have ever seen the numbers where they were going to cost (42% back of MSRP) and deducting from there.

I may take a little more of a bath on the Advisor as it is harder to move, but I got a great deal and the MSRP is pretty high for a Tudor.


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Ah, very cool thank you for the insight.

[Nairn1980]

I'm a bit if a flipper.

Started with a 16234 DJ brand new, flipped for a SD, and over the years flipped in turn for :
LV, LVC, Daytona SS, SubC, (Omega planet Ocean in the middle), another DJ, now I've got BLNR and AK as current collection.

I enjoy having experience and personal knowledge of the different models, I enjoy the shopping and bargain hunting, thrill of the chase etc.

For me it's a hobby that I really enjoy.

[ratty]

I find it very interesting to read this thread.

It's great that people can get so much pleasure out of this hobby in different ways.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by ratty

I find it very interesting to read this thread.

It's great that people can get so much pleasure out of this hobby in different ways.

Agreed and I love this group as my watch hobby isn't "weird" in here lol

[regnant]

I flip the watches but not for sake of doing it. If I want to buy something I let some watches go off my hands to make funds just like I did in my last purchase. I buy to sell when needed

[slowturbo]

I think I always flipped watches because I couldn't afford what I really wanted. As such, I was always looking to find something else in my budget to keep me from getting bored again. Now that I finally got my Exp 2 that I've wanted since it came out, I have no plans to flip it (at least not for a while :))

[Watchgeek5000]

It's all about the hunt! Catch and release

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I enjoy reading the posts in this forum and have learned a lot.

The one thing that still mystified me is flipping watches.

The Rolex I wore yesterday has been mine for over 25 years.

Somehow, buying an expensive watch with the expectation that I will be selling it shortly at a loss just doesn't compute in my mind.

I'm not putting down the practice, I just don't understand the motivation.

I'm not really a flipper either, but the opposite thought to yours is that life is short and many people want to experience as much as they can. For some, that includes getting the opportunity to own many different watches. It really isn't that hard to understand....
Some people are hunters and some are farmers

[Bigsykedaddy]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Not really that bad. The nice thing about Rolex/Tudor is that the discounts on new (if any) are small. So if a new one can be sold for 15% off let's say, they can be fair on a trade, sell a new piece or two and keep the turns up. I don't know that I have ever seen the numbers where they were going to cost (42% back of MSRP) and deducting from there.

I may take a little more of a bath on the Advisor as it is harder to move, but I got a great deal and the MSRP is pretty high for a Tudor.


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Well it didn't go so great for me today at the AD lol. I tried trading in my month old Submariner ND and they would only give me $4,000 for it. Pass...

Good news is I am meeting someone tomorrow locally that is going to give me close to what I paid for it (if authenticity checks out which it will.)

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by Bigsykedaddy

Well it didn't go so great for me today at the AD lol. I tried trading in my month old Submariner ND and they would only give me $4,000 for it. Pass...



Good news is I am meeting someone tomorrow locally that is going to give me close to what I paid for it (if authenticity checks out which it will.)

Glad it will work out in the end. Just be cautious and meet in a very public place like an AD and don't let that watch out of your sight.

Since I was recently offered a ND ceramic sub in the mid/high 5k's I don't doubt $4k but I would have passed as well.


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[Bigsykedaddy]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Glad it will work out in the end. Just be cautious and meet in a very public place like an AD and don't let that watch out of your sight.

Since I was recently offered a ND ceramic sub in the mid/high 5k's I don't doubt $4k but I would have passed as well.


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Yeah thanks man. We are meeting at an AD to have it authenticated and if he tries to rob me he can have it I'm not fighting him because the watch is insured. It would still suck and be a massive headache but I think he would be stupid to do it in front of all those cameras and witnesses.

Do you think my watch only being worn around the house a handful of times in the last month warrants a higher price than the high 5's? That was my rational and I had it listed for $6,650 and after talking with him I told him my bottom price would be $6,300 and he agreed. We'll see how it goes I'm not counting my chickens.

Thanks again.

[cferrel]

im probably odd but I keep mine forever.