Raymond (Clueless_Collector) shares a personal reflection on his collecting journey, prompted by a Chopard L.U.C XPS Fairmined in rose gold. He explores the complex interplay of passion, value retention, and market dynamics in high-end watch collecting, questioning his own motivations and the industry's strategies. This post delves into the emotional and financial considerations that shape a collector's decisions.
Upon transiting “HEL” with one L, to US, I saw this LUC XPS Fairmined RG again...
Again? Yes, last time I tried it on was in Nov 2015 at the boutique inside Burj-Al-Arab.
At that time, I was quite tempted after studying the background of Fairmined gold and this movement with very nice decorated 22K micro-rotor etc.
However, my heart ultimately went to the ALS 1815 200th anniversary HG.
This time, the AD has given a generous price accommodation and with tax refund, it is quite a good proposition.
The dial is very nicely done and it seems to draw you into it. The seconds markers are also very subtle and you might think it’s a 2-hand watch without noticing it.
I thought this was a boutique only piece, limited to 250pcs but the fact it’s available in an AD after almost 3 years left me ponder.
Why the other brand with micro-rotor (hope you know which) can release pieces (even stainless steel) with much higher number and still cannot cater for the thirst of collectors? What’s with the strategy or demand of this watch or this brand or Skill set? How can Chopard watches be one day like that brand? How can brands protect their loyal customers collection value?
I’m quite upset because recently my boss had made comments about me buying too many watches (yah, I admit it’s a little more, 9 last year 😬) so she challenged me to try selling some of my earlier ones which I seldom wear nowadays, including 1 Corum, 2 Maurice Lacroixs, 2 GPS, 1 MB, 1 Tag Heuer and 1 Rolex Cellini Prince.
Guessed what? I have never done trades or sell before so I sent pictures to a few dealers and all but one kindly passed and one gave me an offer that I cried 😭🤣. I decided to keep all 8 watches for now for my son.
Therefore, I decided not to buy watches that are not selling or discounted. If I own a successful beer company or large brewery (hehe, admiration to a not-so-mysterious now new member who shocked the forum with one of the most impressive collection seen here) probably I will buy it but I’m just a commoner with limited income and mouths to feed.
If I hadn’t committed to others this year, this will be a great addition, very strong contender to the ALS Saxonia Thin 37mm, below $15K USD.
With that being said, am I now a “speculative” collector even though I never sell or flip my watches? Or I’ve become a very selective and experienced collector who can pick the good ones? I’m not a collector with redundant watches that look similar for sure.
I understand when price/value is added to a view, it will be skewed but this is not that purpose to judge this watch. This watch just needs the right owner and it is a better opportunity to own it now.
Well, if you ever travel through “HEL”, check it out. I think it’s an elegant, very high quality, nice dress watch with a good cause.
Rgds
Raymond
