Just remembered I took these photos of some watches in Burlington Arcade in That London; couldn't believe the prices for watches that don't look much different to some I've seen for less than a tenth of the price in shops in Bath. Really horrid things.
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They are priced according to time and materials.
Well, that's a good part of it, if you look at what an average garage or whatever charges per hour, maybe £75 or so, then look at how long it takes to actually make a proper, hand-made watch, we might be getting somewhere, or even better, find out just how much a good goldsmith or horologist charges per hour..
I'll have to ask my mate, who's a goldsmith, what his work gets charged at per hour.
If my numbers came up I'd have no hesitation on spunking 50k+ on a Richard Mille or Urwerk and I totally get the investment grade vintage Patek or Rolex etc market, some of which can run over six figures... I could give you many reasons for my love of mechanical watches but Mr S summed it up better than I ever could with that A Lange pic above.
As for the intrinsic value some of these watches have, I'll just leave you with a story my father told me in the late 80's about a chap he worked with. Said fella had a good job, no dependents and hence lots of disposable and was by all accounts a bit of a flash t***. Range Rover, Harley Davidson and a Rolex hanging off his wrist etc. My Dad queried him about what was at the time probably a 1k watch and his reasons for spending so much on it. His response was that my dad's Rotary was probably worth a fraction of what he paid for it, yet his Rolex was appreciating in value. So with that in mind, which one cost more when all is said and done?
Or to put it another way, you go out tomorrow and sign up for a new 6k Santa Cruz over 4 years on 0%. After the 4 years you own maybe a 2k bike and it still hasn't stopped depreciating. Borrow the same amount to buy a new Rolex Submariner and by the time its paid off you'll probably be in profit.
Nice pic MrSmith - a Lange Sohne platinum datograph. I have the Lange Sohne 1815 Chronograph which has the same movement. Truly stunning engineering and craftmanship.
I do actually own a Patek - a pretty basic one compared to what is normally associated with the brand.[img] 
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I have a bunch of others - it's just a hobby in the end. There are many reasons to buy a particular watch - history, brand, rarity, workmanship. The prices are high but in the end it's just like collecting any other widget.
Well, that's a good part of it, if you look at what an average garage or whatever charges per hour, maybe £75 or so, then look at how long it takes to actually make a proper, hand-made watch, we might be getting somewhere, or even better, find out just how much a good goldsmith or horologist charges per hour..
I'll have to ask my mate, who's a goldsmith, what his work gets charged at per hour.
I think you may be missing the point. You can't compare what the guy who designs the Lamborghini gets paid vs the guy who builds the engine vs the guy who changes the oil and filters come service time.
As for what a "proper handmade watch" costs as opposed to those from A Lange and Patek etc who employ a great deal of cnc in their manufacture - [url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/11307795/Meet-Britains-most-exclusive-watchmaker-whose-exquisite-timepieces-sell-for-up-to-250000.html ]link[/url]
I once bought myself what seemed at the time like quite an expensive watch. I was about 22, and it was probably, like, $50 or something pathetic. But it wasn't made of plastic and it didn't come from Argos.
It took me 3 days to put a massive scratch on the face. 🙁
I'm not tempted to invest the price of a second-hand yacht in something that I have a proven track-record of carelessly ruining...
🙂
If I had a ton of money and I had to spend it on a watch, it would definitely be one from this guy:
http://www.salonqp.com/updates/buying/selling-now-an-ultra-rare-roger-smith-series-2/
Perceived value is one element, social conscience is another.
I'll quite happily spend more on a scarf made by Mme Molgrips who is a part of her local economy, is not corrupt, does not have a Swiss bank account AFAIK, pays her taxes in the UK and uses natural materials.
I used to have a preference for:
Adidas shoes and clothes that had made in Germany and made in France labels - they are now made somewhere in Asia.
Eider and Millet, but since they've delocalised I'm quite happy with Schöffel and North Face.
Look, Renault, Veneto, Dawes and locally hand-made bike frames, but the latest ones are Lapierre and Giant. I could still buy Time and Cyfac but don't.
Rab.
I still buy some things and feel good about it:
British made loud speakers especially up-market Celestion.
Dynastar, Atomic and Rossignol skis that are made in Europe.
Scarpa footware
Quicksilver and DC despite most of it being made in Africa/Asia.
Locally made furniture, locally grown wood, European made stuff for the house - even a Made in France induction hob recently.
Italian and Spanish cycle clothing
Pyrenex down gear
And some stuff with a resigned sigh:
Decathlon trash, on the basis that if I'm going to buy stuff made in sweat shops I'd rather pay as little as possible for it and hope Decathlon's ethics are what they claim.
I see people wearing these types of watch and just think....
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then look at how long it takes to actually make a proper, hand-made watch, we might be getting somewhere, or even better, find out just how much a good goldsmith or horologist charges per hour..
But you're paying for time and materials that are expensive for no real reason.
[quote=Fudd ]Or to put it another way, you go out tomorrow and sign up for a new 6k Santa Cruz over 4 years on 0%. After the 4 years you own maybe a 2k bike [s]and it still hasn't stopped depreciating.[/s] which you're still having fun riding. Borrow the same amount to buy a new Rolex Submariner and [s]by the time its paid off you'll probably be in profit.[/s] you know what time it is just as well as if you'd spent £10 on a Casio.
Actually, now much would it cost to hire someone(s) to tell you the time, whenever you asked?
I like watches, some of you don't. That's perfectly ok, I get it. I don't judge anyone by the watch they wear, some of you haters clearly do.....it's just a watch, take a chill pill.
Happy new year.
You never actually own one...
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apparently so
[url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-35241644 ] you merely knick it for the next generation[/url]
