Watch Collectors & Guns

[flundertaker]

Any one here collect or enjoy a fine timepiece? I generally hate jewelry but a nice watch is both functional and classy. Nice ones also appreciate in value. As much as I like a couple of my safe queens, the fact is they will never got shot and aside from me knowing they are there, they aren't something I risk sharing with other folks. With no kids to pass on to it seems perhaps a bit silly keeping things that I can't enjoy for their intended purpose. So, the question is: would you consider selling / trading semi collectible guns (not just S&W Revolvers) for quality timepieces such as Bell &Ross, Omega, Breitling, Rolex, etc.?

 

[Onomea]

Sure. I'd consider it. Might even do it, too!

 

[opoefc]

I would consider it, but watch collecting for profit is even tougher than gun collecting. You better know your stuff and the learning curve can be steep. I watch the high end watch auctions, mostly for amusement, and I constantly see watches estimated at $20,000 go for much less, yet there is a waiting list at the factories of quality watch makers for watches costing hundred grand. Go figure. Estate auctions can sometime turn up a sleeper. I wear a Patek Phillip, worth maybe $5k, that I bought at an estate auction for $35. Ed.

 

[Ματθιας]

No, not for a second.

 

[flundertaker]

I would consider it, but watch collecting for profit is even tougher than gun collecting. You better know your stuff and the learning curve can be steep. I watch the high end watch auctions, mostly for amusement, and I constantly see watches estimated at $20,000 go for much less, yet there is a waiting list at the factories of quality watch makers for watches costing hundred grand. Go figure. Estate auctions can sometime turn up a sleeper. I wear a Patek Phillip, worth maybe $5k, that I bought at an estate auction for $35. Ed.

absolutely understood. I wouldn't do it for profit just like the safe queens weren't purchased with the intent of profit. they just got that way. few recognize a nice watch in the wild but for the wearer it's a sense of pride and even unrecognized there is still the function side of it. when you run across another watch afficianado it's always a great conversation starter. Guns are much more limited in how they can be displayed and discussed, especially around strangers.

 

[zzzippper]

It depends on where I am in the world and what I'm allowed to have. In Kuwait I collected knives and watches. I ended up with a Rolex (my self-reward after my first deployment), two Breitlings, and two Omegas (one of which I gave to my brother). I would happily trade the Rolex for a nice Smith.

When shopping for the Rolex I went to Bahrain. In the hotel pool we met a couple of Swiss guys. They said that Rolex is the shiny cheap **** that they sell to Americans. When they want a watch they buy Tissot or Omega. I bought the Rolex for about $1500 but it was worth over $2000. When I had it serviced the jeweler said it's replacement cost was $10,000. When I asked about selling it to them they offered less than $2000.

 

[Bro. Dave]

Tough question, but I agree a nice watch is a joy to wear every day. I've only had my Omega recognized once "in the wild" and it was by the service adviser at a car dealership, but I take pleasure in its quality each time I look to see the time of day.

I think it a bit ironic that the present generation has gone back to pocket watches for daily carry, AKA a smart phone. It still seems strange to me to see someone pull out their phone rather than look at their wrist.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I collect both, so it would depend on the value of the deal considering the individual media - watches or firearms.

I have several of each that wouldn't be considered for trade, but there's always exceptions.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I have a Registered Magnum....... but not a Rolex....should have bought one years ago but the marginal value vs cost of a Rolex vs. my Seiko automatic dive watches ( 3 over 25 years / my 1989 watch is still GTG)..... is minimal to my frugal Scottish way of thinking!

My issues on a watch for gun trade........

1) I know how to "check out" a used S&W revolver..... but how would I know what's "inside the watch" case.......having a watch serviced isn't cheap. To my knowledge there are few if any "watchsmiths" left in the "Burgh"

2) There aren't many "knock-off" S&Ws...... how can "I" be sure about the watch being offered?

 

[H Richard]

I appreciate a good watch as a functional reliable timepiece and as a piece of jewelry. I did have a Rolex for 30+ years, that I had paid $200 for and had cleaned once for $25 in that 30+ years. It had problems, the bracelet (Jubilee stainless & 14K) was worn so thin it looked like it would break any day, the seals were leaking, and it was no longer keeping really good time. I priced having it brought up to date, and it was well in excess of $1000. I know the owner of the shop pretty well, and asked about a trade. (His watchmaker could do all the repairs in house except the bracelet). I traded even up for a Tag Heuer valued at $1500. The Tag has kept perfect time since (about 8-9 years ago. It has the same beefy case as the Rolex, with the screw down crown. Has a 18K gold diver bezel, and it certified waterproof to 200 meters. But would I have traded a S&W for one? I'm not sure. I had a Omega Seamaster back in the 60's when I was in the USAF, but it didn't hold up well, (it got some moisture in it and was unreliable afterword). If I get the same 30+ years out of the Tag that would be 60+ years on a $200 investment.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

Am I going to see any of you watch guys at Wilmington, Ohio on Friday?

I probably won't have a table, but look for a guy wearing a black "WatchUSeek" polo shirt. If I have a table, I'll either be walking the floor or parked at it. If I don't have my own table, I'll probably park with the Hansen clan(Fred Sr., Fred Jr., and Dorothy) for at least part of the day.

I doubt I'll have anything to sell, but will try and go to the bank to dig out some interesting stuff for show and tell.

Stop by and say Hi if you are there!

 

[Chuck24]

I have a watch only to tell what time it is. Citizen works just fine.

 

[tompehret]

I recently had a Mod 27 up for sale. I intended to use the funds to purchase a 1960's Omega Constellation with a pie-pan dial and rice bead bracelet (you watch guys will know what those are). After years of acquiring some very nice but common U.S. made vintage watches, I decided the Omega was my "Grail Watch". Couldn't get my asking price for the Mod. 27, so I kept it. Bought the watch too. Win-win for me.
This photo is of an Elgin wrist watch I wear when not at work and a Colt Pocket Hammerless .380. Both work pretty much as when new. The Colt was made in 1933; the Elgin in 1012.

 

[turnerriver]

A young man moved in next door last year. Mid 30's, new baby girl, executive wife. Two killer restored Corvettes in the garage, so far he's showed me a Nazi marked PPK with original holster, a Parker double and an Ames 1832 Artillery sword that he's found at local garage and estate sales. Last week he stopped by to show me some Nazi uniform bits and pieces that came off a high ranking officer's uniform, very rare and very valuable.
What does he do for a living ? Well he buys and sells watches- high end watches like you all are talking about, things I've only been peripherally aware of over the years. While it may be too late to learn about watches I think I'm going to start hitting some garage sales with him.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[da gimp]

heck that one Elgin wrist watch (post above) made in 1012 is still looking good....... I'd like to have your watchmaker work on my stuff.

 

[wheelgunguy]

So, the question is: would you consider selling / trading semi collectible guns (not just S&W Revolvers) for quality timepieces such as Bell &Ross, Omega, Breitling, Rolex, etc.?

Everything I own is available for trade or sale. So sure if it's something you'll enjoy more, make money on, or just simply want. Why not?

 

[50 target]

My kids are amazed that I like time pieces, wrist and pocket. My taste runs to vintage on pocket and style and quality on wrist watches. None are what you would call high end. I buy the wrist watches mostly based on quality but the style has to speak to me. Vintage wrist watches are cool too. I have a Bulova Accutron space view, several other Bulova Accutrons, Seikos, Tags, a 1933 Hamilton, just got a Tissot Touch Titanium. I get almost all of them at pawn shops. The Tissot a couple of weeks ago, with box paperwork, etc. for $120.00 OTD. Sent it to the service dept. in NJ. They said only needed a new battery, partial service and re waterproofing and with another link and shipping, $117.00, so $237.00 for a nice watch. Can't afford the high end stuff and for the most part it is too big and a little on the "look at me" side of style. And yes, I am very much a Smith guy, since I was 18 years old. about 50 years. Wouldn't trade one for the other. It would be a loss either way.