[QRhnNSg9]

I have long coveted an expensive Swiss watch and have intended to purchase one, some day, when the finances allow. There is something appealing about a finely fabricated mechanical movement with the imprimatur of the craftsman and the esteemed imprint of the manufacturer - a piece which would undoubtedly increase in value over time. I had in mind a Tag Heuer or Breitling, about $4-5K worth, which I would regard as an investment and an heirloom. I had imagined these timepieces to be fabricated as individual items by a team of craftsmen, milling and assembling in a small workshop.

I have been disillusioned to learn that the movements for the majority of prestige Swiss watches are not made in-house, but are instead mass produced by a company called ETA, a subsidiary of Swatch. They are manufactured to 4 different standards, the highest being "chronograph" standard, and endorsed as being of excellence by COSC, the Swiss watchmaker credentialling organisation. Undoubtedly a high level of excellence, but by no means unique, or even rare.

The prestige manufacturers add their degree of uniqueness through design of case, watch face, bracelet, etc.

Does this detract from the value /desirability of these timepieces? I can't help feeling it does. Are they a worthwhile investment, or just a whim and folly? I would be interested to hear the opinions / experiences of others.

[chuecaloversvvp]

Roughbarked is a watchmaker and will be able to tell you all you need to know. I have a couple of watches with ETA movements and I like them for the same reasons you do. Little mechanical things made with amazing precision are fascinating to me.

You can get an ETA driven watch from boutique makers for less than $500.

I think ( roughy will know for sure) that Omega and Oris are not under the Swatch banner and make their own movements , however I think they make a copy of the ETA which is now out of patent.



Edit: Omega are owned by ETA, Rolex aren't.

IMHO if you wear a Rolex either you're an estate agent or you bought a knock off in Hong Kong

[Old-old-Ivy]

We have another watch enthusiast as I recall. Can't remember who it was though. Captain Spalding, perhaps?

[EnvellFen]

You get get quite a few watches with glass backs so you can see the bits moving.
here's a nice one from a German maker

http://www.botta-design.de/en/argos-automatik-1.html

[Qvqnubpj]

Rather than rattle on for hours, try this.. http://www.mactalk.com.au/23/32989-m...-lovefest.html

I'd be interested if non-forum members can read the link.

I think that you'll learn a lot about timepieces by the end of the thread.

[Yarikoff]

You get get quite a few watches with glass backs so you can see the bits moving.
here's a nice one from a German maker

http://www.botta-design.de/en/argos-automatik-1.html

My Seiko is like that.

[Keyclenef]

is watch which says made in Germany, with a Swiss ETA movement.

[24MurinivaMak]

The sale of movements (ebauches) by ETA to the major watch makers is being restricted to force the manufacturers to make their own and provide more diversity to the Swiss watch industry.

As a result companies like Tag Heuer and Brietling now have in-house movements.

While these watches are nice and very well made ( I own 2 Tags) the cost of servicing the movement after 5 years ( often $500 or more) actually exceeds the cost of manufacturing the entire watch.

I've known people who buy fake watches with Asian movements. These can be flung in the bin when they need servicing thus saving a lot of money.

The resale value of many of these watches is not that great that they could be seen as a good investment. Rolex are seen as holding their value but they cost over $1k to service.

[tomspoumn]

Tag Heuer and Brietling now have in-house movements.
hmm
Mostly all Swiss watchmakers buy parts and assemble. The better quality Swiss watchmakers refine and improve on these parts as they assemble them.

The costs involved in servicing do depend upon the type of watch and case. A Tag Heuer winding crown (with the tag brand) will cost me $195 @ wholesale price. I can buy the exact same crown in Australia with a different branding for $30.

[glagoliska]

The Tag Heuer 1887 movement has copped some flac as it is based on a Seiko movement. The major parts are made in-house.

Some info:
http://www.calibre11.com/tag-heuer-m...strategy-2012/

[exettybele]

We have another watch enthusiast as I recall. Can't remember who it was though. Captain Spalding, perhaps?

Yeah, i like a nice watch. I carry a Longines hunter, made in 1913.

My advice - save your money up, shop around on e-Bay, and buy yourself a nice old watch. There's lots to be found on there.

[smirnoffdear]

Yeah, i like a nice watch. I carry a Longines hunter, made in 1913.

My advice - save your money up, shop around on e-Bay, and buy yourself a nice old watch. There's lots to be found on there.

I can sell some nice old watches.. I should put together a list.

[Cajlwdvx]

I can sell some nice old watches.. I should put together a list.

Can i have first pick?

[ethigSmimbine]

Can i have first pick?

If they are to your liking.. why not?
What would you pay for a Jaeger Le-Coultre?

[LoisCampon]

I wouldnt mind buying a decent watch but wouldnt know enough to get one off ebay that I didnt trust wasnt a ringer. Not hard to buy fakes even in person let alone on line.

[DfrtYhyu]

I wouldnt mind buying a decent watch but wouldnt know enough to get one off ebay that I didnt trust wasnt a ringer. Not hard to buy fakes even in person let alone on line.

You could always ask a watchmaker for an appraisal.. There are some good sellers and some dodgy ones.

By the way, no one has told me that they've been able to read the thread I linked to; mechanical watch lovefest.. yes I know it is at a Mac forum but then it won't make your mother turn over in your grave to look.

[gogona]

What would you pay for a Jaeger Le-Coultre?

How long is a piece of string?

JL-C is always going to get one's attention, but, like anything else you might buy, so much depends on age, running condition, style, external wear, etc. etc.

[Rinkeliacasse]

You could always ask a watchmaker for an appraisal.. There are some good sellers and some dodgy ones.

By the way, no one has told me that they've been able to read the thread I linked to; mechanical watch lovefest.. yes I know it is at a Mac forum but then it won't make your mother turn over in your grave to look.

I can see the forum

[68AttendGem]

How long is a piece of string?

JL-C is always going to get one's attention, but, like anything else you might buy, so much depends on age, running condition, style, external wear, etc. etc.

Yep.. The movement quality and running condition are perfect but I think I'll keep that one for a while yet.

[ManituIKOL]

I wouldnt mind buying a decent watch but wouldnt know enough to get one off ebay...

Look at the seller's history - a lot of them have been around for a long time.

Look at the 'buy it now' items, and save yourself a lot of angst which the 'auction' listings can cause you. And most of the established sellers sell via 'buy it now'. Auctions are fine, and some established sellers like them, but you have to be in there at the death, and ready to bid right to the last second. Bidding can really soar in the last 15 mins or so,even in the last minute.

You can find some nice old watches in running order on 'buy it now' from about $180.00 and up. You might find something for less than that, but it wouldn't happen often.

Read the descriptions (such as they are) carefully, especially for lower priced watches, as many of them aren't running, and need repairs. That said, some dealers offer warranties - even with antique watches!