Market Show Report January to March 2010

March 29, 2010

I attended the following watch and antique shows since January 1, 2010:

• WWT Watch Show Kissimmee

• NAWCC Watch Show Pasadena

• IWJG Watch Show Miami

• Miami Beach Antique Show

• IWJG Watch Show Orlando

• Parma Antique Show

• IWJG Show Las Vegas
  

It's been an exhausting schedule, but I've acquired some good insight on current market conditions for both vintage and modern timepieces. There remains a strong demand for vintage watches in excellent to mint condition. The problem is that its hard to find nice examples today. The Rolex sports model market is still the number one selling vintage watch with the highest demand. The basic Rolex Submariner 5513 and 5512 is very popular right now especially in Asia. Rolex Daytonas are also in strong demand particularly in Europe.

Pre-owned modern watches of any brand are rapidly selling. Clean watches with original boxes and papers are the number seller in today’s market. The brand new watches are a little slow, because the watch buyers are trying to save money in this current weak global economy. The best selling watch brands at all these shows have been Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Vacheron Constantin and Cartier. With manufacturers reducing production, I see this trend continuing. Pre-owned modern watches will also stay strong for the next few years.