microbrand watches --- do people think they will retain value?

[gcalex]

There seem to be quite a few popular non-big-name watches out there offered by small companies that presumably will stop making watches when their principals retire. Do people have opinions on whether these watches nonetheless are likely to retain their long term value? I was thinking particularly about buying an RGM watch, but the question could equally apply to many brands. Thanks for any input.

[pz93c]

Watches will take an initial hit when bought new, so you'll be paying something to be the first person to wear it.

Me? I don't care. I buy used, so someone else takes that depreciation and, if I buy smart, I don't lose money.

Look up what watch you want new, then look it up used. See f the difference is something you're willing to pay.

[Janne]

RGM with inhouse movement, and other brands like that should retain the value.
The ones using a basic ETA or eqvivalent - i do not think so.

Just look back. There was a veritable sea of PLC brands in the 50's and 60's. Good quality stuff. Today unknown brands. Virtually worthless.

IMHO the best Vintage buys out there!

[hittheskids]

Watches are not an investment.

The only thing guaranteed to go up in value is time as you get older.

[440saw]

I never buy a watch based on what its value might be now or later; I buy it because I like it. Specialty pieces will have value but who knows how much; it will be based on how the brand plays out over time; certainly not like purchasing a big brand where you know that ahead of time.
But, won't it be less than a big brand, and won't you like it?
Just for the record, I also buy most used.(gently)

[Watchbreath]

Brands like Thomas Prescher might.

[MZhammer]

Interesting you mentioned RGM. When I think "microbrand" I look at the many companies like Helson which make high quality pieces but are really more assemblers (outsourced production of all parts) than they are actual watch makers. For that group I would say that their appeal will diminish to nothing as the company goes under. Value is a whole other animal. Only PP and Rolex have shown to go up/retain their value consistently. To think about the monetary value is a fools errand.

For true "watchmakers" like RGM that have a significant hand in the craft (their Guilloche is awesome) and do more than outsource the components there will always be a following. It likely will also go down as the company expires but for those that have the funds and passion, there is true art and authenticity in an RGM watch that you don't get in other microbrands. Nothing against other companies that assemble but they don't have the essence to keep them valuable long after the company goes dark.

Just my .02

[lysanderxiii]

Depends on the micro brand...Kronos, probably not.... Precista, maybe.

[Perseus]

No chance micro brands retain their value. RGM is a different animal than Helson or Benarus.

[geoffbot]

No chance micro brands retain their value. RGM is a different animal than Helson or Benarus.

Well Halson, Halios, Dievas, Stowa etc are much better priced than, say, a TAG Carrera than some eegiot might pay full MSRP for ( ) so they lose much less upon resale. Some even sell for full retail as there are long lead times for new watches.

Dunno about RGM.