Classic timepieces as an investment

artha

debbie42 wrote: »

I'd guess that there are lots of us on this forum "investing" in such things. Buying things that you appreciate and can enjoy (if you can afford it) can make things fun. I collect some specialist items (for example, vintage Omega watches ), but wouldn't ordinarily discuss them on this forum, as they are too specialised. It give me pleasure to look at them, and, in the case of watches, they are also useful. If they appreciate in value, then that's a bonus.

Agree. After my rather too enthusiastic post I realised that "investing outside of the box" is a difficult area for general consumption but I do think that many physical investments in antiques, wine, cars, collectables and in my case musical instruments are a viable alternative to the so called diversifications of traditional investments but requires much more specialist knowledge than an IFA could offer!. My view on musical instruments, and in particular vintage items, is that the values continue to increase regardless of economic conditions and at the same time you have the priceless joy of using them knowing that someone in the future will also have that pleasure. Good quality woods and craftsmanship are becoming rare commodities that are built into older instruments and for which new bespoke instruments command higher and higher premiums. The downside of course is that you have to know how to look after your "investment" in order to maintain it's value and ensure it is insured.

debbie42

oldagetraveller wrote: »

The money saved can be used for something more boringly safe!

That's not really the point, though? I have a couple of Swatch watches I keep for such activities as gardening, and a nicer waterproof auto Tag for when I'm sailing, but still have other Omegas to wear, because I like them.

The OP isn't looking to save money by buying something they don't like quite as much, I don't think? I wouldn't personally see a new Rolex as good an investment as a vintage, but then again I wouldn't want to use a vintage watch for diving

bendix

artha wrote: »

Interesting thread. It's a refreshing first (as far as I can see) on the broader investing theme. Most people on this thread I guess only invest in the traditional themes i'e cash,bonds,equities & property. Perhaps it's time for the sector of physical investments(other than property) to get it's own place. Don't want to be contentious but perhaps physical gold would belong in that category.

For what it's worth I hold quality musical instruments (guitars/mandolins/banjos) as an investment although they never started out in that way as they were the best I could afford at the time and were bought to be played. Since the moves of production from the US to China and Japan many crafstman(but factory) made instruments have become
sought after. As an example I bought a 1937 Gibson Mandolin in Florida in the mid 70's for less than $100. Mandolins of the same type are now fetching in excess of £1000. Not a fantastic return if I choose to sell but at least I've had many years of pleasure from it. At some stage later in life I will no longer be able to play it but could get back a decent returns after a lifetime of use that has earned me money through playing at the same time?

I invest in rare books - modern first editions, particularly. I have a large collection of some real rarities. A first edition of Titus Groan, for example, which cost me £30, but that I could easily get £1500 or £2000 in the right market. I have a whole range of Graham Greene firsts, many of them worth hundreds of pounds each, and my pride and joy - a first edition of My Man Jeeves, the very first appearance in print of PG Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster double act from 1911. I paid around NZ$7 for it a few years back. It's easily worth £2000 now.

lisyloo

I think the general conclusion is that whether it's cars, watches, books or whatever you have to be interested in owing and enjoying the item so that you enjoy the research side and know how to take care of it.
Most items I can think of (wine, paintings) needs some sort of care even if it's just the correct storage.

Personally I can't see it being worthwhile unless it's something you will get pleasure from.

artha

bendix wrote: »

I invest in rare books - modern first editions, particularly. I have a large collection of some real rarities. A first edition of Titus Groan, for example, which cost me £30, but that I could easily get £1500 or £2000 in the right market. I have a whole range of Graham Greene firsts, many of them worth hundreds of pounds each, and my pride and joy - a first edition of My Man Jeeves, the very first appearance in print of PG Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster double act from 1911. I paid around NZ$7 for it a few years back. It's easily worth £2000 now.

Hope you enjoy them. I must admit I'm also a bit of a book person but don't think I have anything that qualifies as a rarity (yet). Give it a few more years and I've got a few things that I enjoy looking at but which many people have probably thrown away but will at some stage be valued at way above their original cost

uptomyeyeballs

bendix wrote: »

I invest in rare books - modern first editions, particularly. I have a large collection of some real rarities. A first edition of Titus Groan, for example, which cost me £30, but that I could easily get £1500 or £2000 in the right market. I have a whole range of Graham Greene firsts, many of them worth hundreds of pounds each, and my pride and joy - a first edition of My Man Jeeves, the very first appearance in print of PG Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster double act from 1911. I paid around NZ$7 for it a few years back. It's easily worth £2000 now.

Why not take oldagetraveller's advice? Buy an ordinary paperback from WH Smiths instead of the overpriced firsts and save a fortune. If your house burns down you won't miss it.

uptomyeyeballs

lisyloo wrote: »

Yes I think "more money that taste" is a rude to be honest.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if you're buying it a watch because you like it rather than a status symbol, then you shoudl get what you like IMO.

If you are buying it to wear primarily then I think it will hold it's value well.

The only thing I'd caution is about travel insurance (or even outside the home in the UK).
Normal travel insurance or even home personal possessions insurance have woefully small limits if you have decent jewelry.

It's normally a few thousand, which would barely cover decent wedding and engagement rings, let alone anything else.

So take a look at this because you should defniitely have it insured.
and of course keep receipts, not just for resale, but also for insurance purposes.

If you generally have a "high value" household then go for a superior insurer like Hiscox or Chubb.
Not the cheapest, but definitely superior cover and you can specify your own limits.

Thanks for the insurance tips. I'll look into my current insurance closely (as I would need to do for any substantial purchase). I wouldn't take it on holiday anyway, i'd stick with a much cheaper alternative, but I would then also need the use of a safe, which is something I should really purchase anyway for important documents and items kept in the home.

As for buying it as a status symbol, well most people I associate with wouldn't believe it was real anyway (i'd tell 'em it was fake if they asked), so no real problem there. I'm not really bothered what other people think, i'm buying it for myself.

artha

uptomyeyeballs wrote: »

Why not take oldagetraveller's advice? Buy an ordinary paperback from WH Smiths instead of the overpriced firsts and save a fortune. If your house burns down you won't miss it.

You don't write the Viz money saving top tips by any chance do you?;)

uptomyeyeballs

artha wrote: »

You don't write the Viz money saving top tips by any chance do you?;)

Yes I do actually. Here's one of mine :

"Buy a premium rate telephone number and post a message on the back of your car saying:

How's my driving? Please ring 0870 xxxxxxx'

Then drive around like a complete idiot. This time next year you'll be a millionaire."

artha

uptomyeyeballs wrote: »

Yes I do actually. Here's one of mine :

"Buy a premium rate telephone number and post a message on the back of your car saying:

How's my driving? Please ring 0870 xxxxxxx'

Then drive around like a complete idiot. This time next year you'll be a millionaire."

Thanks for the laugh:rotfl:. Have you got any more top tips?:beer: