blancpain fifty fathoms vintage milspec watch with provenance accessories

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The 2026 Vintage Watch Market Outlook: What Serious Collectors Should Expect

The vintage watch market enters 2026 with a renewed focus on originality, material value, and cultural influence. As gold prices rise and supply of poor examples shrinks, collectors gain clearer signals on quality. At the same time, shifting fashion trends—Piaget’s revival, stone dials, Cartier’s surge—are shaping demand in ways both cyclical and revealing.

I Wish I Had a Time Machine, Part V

In Part V of I Wish I Had a Time Machine, Nicolas Zalles (@auctionlytics) looks back at the rise of F.P. Journe—from cult favorite to auction phenomenon. From Chronomètre Blues that once failed to sell at $20K to brass-movement Resonances now reaching six figures, this is a firsthand account of conviction collecting before the hype.

The Rise of Neo-Vintage: A Generation Finally Meeting Its Watches

Neo-vintage watches from the 1980s–1990s-2000s are finally gaining recognition. With better wearability, reliability, and character, these once-overlooked pieces bridge heritage and modernity, offering collectors both nostalgia and enduring craftsmanship.

Market Report: The Gold Melt Squeeze Is Reshaping the Vintage Watch Market

With gold at $4,000 an ounce, melt value is now setting the floor for many vintage gold watches. Dealers are weighing Piaget, Patek, AP, and Rolex models before negotiating, and some pieces are worth more as bullion than as watches. After 30 years in the business, I’ve never seen anything like this—and it’s transforming the vintage market in real time.

What to Do When You’ve Inherited a Watch: How to Sell It Safely (and Smartly)

Inheriting a watch can be emotional and confusing—how do you honor its legacy while finding its true value? Matthew Bain Inc. shares three expert steps to help you research, document, and sell your inherited watch safely and confidently, ensuring you make the right decision without regret.

I Wish I Had a Time Machine, Part IV

Part IV of the 'I Wish I Had A Time Machine' series by @Auctionlytics. Here Nicolas takes the Time Machine back 15 years to 2008 amidst the worlds shake-up and recovery of the financial crisis. Check out some of the awesome watches that came up at the time!

I Wish I Had a Time Machine, Part III

Part III of the I Wish I Had A Time Machine Series. In this one Nicolas Zalles reviews historical sales and documents The Ones That Got Away

Patek Philippe Ref. 2458, Observatory, J.B. Champion - Image Courtesy of Christie's

From $7,500 to $3.9 Million: The Most Expensive Watch I Ever Sold

Exclusive insiders lore on one of the most coveted watches in existence the Patek Philippe J.B. Champion Observatory Ref. 2458. Matthew Bain shares his knowledge and own experience in the historical trading of one of the worlds most storied timepieces.

Vintage Gold Cartier Cintrée Wrist Watch

Cartier Cintrée: A Century of Elegance

Matthew Bain explores his love for the famed Cartier Cintrée, including 'the one that got away', and a breakdown of their iterations through the years.

I Wish I Had A Time Machine

Nicolas Zalles, aka @AuctionLytics , shares his watch collecting journey from Instagram’s early days. Meeting Matt Bain in 2017, he admired iconic watches like the Rolex Submariner 5512. After a pandemic hiatus, he’s back with a new series, I Wish I Had a Time Machine, exploring historical watch prices and trends. Next week, discover what $100K bought at auction in 2000. If you love watches and nostalgia, join Nicolas for a timely ride!

A. Lange & Söhne Grande Lange 1 in rose gold with a rare black-and-gray dial. e

On The House: Building a Dream Watch Collection with $50K

Imagine $50K to spend at Matthew Bain, Inc.! Our Contributor Michael Fossner crafted a dream collection, checking off all of his boxes while browsing the online store at Mattewbaininc.com