What makes a watch "collectable"?

 

Definition A collectable refers to an item worth significantly more than it was initially sold for because of its rarity or popularity. Are wrist watches collectable? Only a tiny fraction of all watches in circulation are collectable, have collectable potential, and are worth collecting. The vast majority of watches are intended to be simply worn on the wrist for practical reasons (because they tell time!) or as a fashion / jewellery piece.  What makes a watch a 'collectable'? There are a few 'key ingredients'. Rarity (small production run), popularity ('iconic model'), association with a celebrity or historical event, being made by a reputable / famous maker or a brand. What is important? Condition, condition, condition. That relates to all aspects of the physical, mechanical and aesthetical properties of a watch. A watch 'put together' from bits and pieces which may be original, but from a different era would be far less desirable than one which contains parts that started life together on the assembly line. A watch which comes with original box, certificate, instruction manual and guarantee card is regarded as a complete set. Such pieces are highly desirable by collectors. Obviously, a watch has to keep time to be regarded as a watch. What else? A collectable watch is one that is well documented and well researched, down to the most minute detail. Reference books, historical sales records, manufacturer's catalogues, ownership data, provenance - all the 'supporting' information associated with a brand and model - to help us determine why two seemingly identical pieces vary in price, often significantly.  Practical example Here is an example of a watch regarded as a perfect collectable piece in the entry level price range. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, Apollo 17.

The ref. 3574.51.00 is a limited edition of 3000 pieces introduced in 2002. While the dial is the same as the regular 3570.50.00, it features a special caseback commemorating the 1972 Apollo XVII mission and E.A. Cernan being the last man to set foot on the moon. Issue: 3,000 watches, individually numbered. No 0161/3000. Sold new in 2004. Overall condition: very fine, 9.8/10. This rating means that while the watch has been worn, it was worn sporadically, by a careful owner. Very lightly polished, showing no external imperfections. The dial and hands are spotless 10/10. The watch is an excellent timekeeper. The chronograph function: perfect. Water resistant.  Full set. The watch comes with original commemorative box which itself is in exceptional condition, the outer box, the plastic hang tag showing model reference number and serial number, intact Certificate of Authenticity, numbered. Also, it comes with original the Operating Instruction booklet, International warranty card correctly stamped, showing the date of sale and dealers details, movement serial number and model reference, and pictogram card. Value While we have no crystal ball to predict the future market trends, this watch is a perfect example of a rare, well documented, historically important model by Omega. A complete set like this will always find a keen buyer / investor, today, as well in the years to come. The event commemorated by this issue still stands as an unbroken record of human achievement - for the past 52 years, no human has stepped on the moon. And even if somehow we do have a manned lunar mission, such a milestone would only reinforce the historical importance of this piece. In my opinion, there is plenty of potential for further growth in popularity of the Cernan Moonwatch. Best of all: a piece like this could be enjoyed and worn by a careful owner for many years to come, without further affecting the overall condition.  Not only you can have your cake - and eat it, but finding a better example than this one could be a daunting task, especially in this price range.