I am currently thinking of starting a watch collection. My budget is around (+/-) $1,200 per year. I am looking to buy one watch per year or maybe every two years if the one year budget is not enough. I know i won’t be able to get any high end watches but would like to buy something that keeps its value or even increases (is this even possible with watches in this price category?).

  • what brands should I avoid and what not?
  • any specific models recommended?
  • what is a good place to buy a watch and how can I determine if it is a fair price?
  • at what point should I invest into one of those automatic watch boxes?

Thanks!

  • clm1859BEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    As someone already said. No, they will not increase in price. Price increases happen thru scarcity. But anybody can walk in and just buy a watch in this price range. So there is no reason anyone would pay you more than retail for a used one.

    As for what brands are worth it (as in nice and high quality, not as investments) in this price range here are some:

    • below that price hamilton, tissot, certina, orient
    • around 1k new: mido, some upper tier ones of the above mentioned brands
    • maybe can be found new, but certianly used, for 1-1.5k: oris, longines, rado or (with some luck) nomos or even a tudor 1926.

    I dont think making a plan ahead makes much sense tho. Your tastes will change with experience, your budget with career advance and level of interest in watches and there will be new releases in the watch industry.

    So just buy something you like, wear it for a few months. See what you like about it and what not. Then buy another one and repeat. You’ll build your taste over time.

    Also a good resource: teddy baldassare on youtube or his blog has many overviews of different styles of watches or watches at a certain price point. Watch some of that.