Seriously? U seem to believe that the watch is an 'investable asset' that will grow in value?
I see it as an expensive vanity and a liability (u need to service every 2 -3 years?) but we all need some 'vices'.
Very rarely you will have a limited edition watch which you can sell at a profit; unless you are a vintage watch dealer, then you buy cheaply, refurbish then sell high to 'collectors'
Chin,
Sadly I do not believe that a watch is an investable asset. To me a watch is a watch, something you buy to use and enjoy. I get my pleasure from that. To me, when I buy a watch, the value goes to zero the moment I get it. It is mine to use and enjoy, hence no value to anyone but myself. I don't buy a watch with the hopes of making money or if I can sell it for a profit or for that matter if I can sell it.
I also don't take a watch as a liability. All watches needs to be serviced, once every 2 years or 5 years or what ever. All things with moving parts needs to be serviced if you want to enjoy it on the long term. It is all part and parcel of the game. If you don't service the watch, if you intend to sell it, you will have to price it accordingly. Trust me, a watch with a service history sells better as compared to one without. And if you have a watch with no papers, a service paper is worth it's weight in gold.
If and when I sell my watches (I am sure I will), I would price it accordingly, based on wear and tear and current market value. I hold no hopes of making money out of it as I have gained all the enjoyment from having it and using it. If I do make money, it is a bonus, if I break even, fine. If I lose money, well that is part and parcel of the game. But, that does not mean I will not look for a good price if I can get it.
Also I tend to buy pre-loved (currently) as the market I am in supports that. The people here like to change and upgrade their watches. As such, the watches that are sold here are in pretty good nick. So are the prices, if you spend enough time looking and know what what you are looking for. Additionally, I make good friends with people and even watch shops. It has to be 'win win' to the shop and to you. Like the shop I go to. They are very flexible with me in terms of what I want and pricing. Why? Because, not only do I buy from them, I also brings friends to buy from them. So the shop is happy, and I am happy and my friends are happy. As such, I normally don't pay retail and sometimes i get away with great discounts. It is a relationship game. Of course having friends that are 'enablers' sometimes help, but in most case don't as they tempt you with many many evil things.