Vintage Watches Are Having A Big Moment In Asia, According To Christie's

Because according to Alexandre Bigler, watch consultant at Christie's, vintage watches are having a moment "When I first arrived in Asia in 2010, introducing vintage watches to the Southeast Asian market, people thought it was weird," Bigler said, recalling comments on how they were too small and not as pretty as current models "But people are becoming more interested in how watches were being made back then, when they were produced one at a time rather than manufactured in series.

While the value of many contemporary watches has sadly taken a hit, vintage watches have gone up." Of the 20 most expensive watches ever sold at auction, only three were made in this decade "I think this is happening because modern watches were overproduced when China became the main market The brands weren't used to having people pouring out of buses saying they want to buy 10 or 20 pieces when previously buyers would go in, say hello, sit down and quietly wait for someone to show them three watches," he explained.

Generally speaking, Bigler has noticed that those who seek contemporary watches are after limited editions with special cases and dials, while those hunting vintage watches look at condition and rarity, particularly ones with "Tropical dials", which are dials that have been discoloured over time by sun exposure "People can be lazy and just request photographs and recommendations from us without doing their homework If I set your target then I control where your collection goes.

And you might see something that I don't Which is why we always recommend our clients come and see the watches in person to avoid disappointment I want them to become independent and strong on their collecting journey". Source