Longines Launches Collector's Corner for Vintage CPO Watches
Vintage and preowned luxury is thriving like never before. As far as the watch industry is concerned, the second-hand market is booming as vintage watch collecting is more popular than ever and has emerged as a mark of connoisseurship Originally restricted to auction houses, pawnbrokers and a few watch dealers, the second-hand luxury watch market has transformed dramatically over the past few years. It has professionalized and attracted strategic investors. A few brands have recently entered this market too. Longines is the latest to launch its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program with its “Collector's Corner” presented on the occasion of the opening of the brand's new Boutique Rue du Rh?ne in Geneva. And here, we'll be talking about beautifully restored vintage watches.?Most watch brands that have developed CPO programs so far are mostly tapping the high-end luxury segment. However, Longines stands out with its ability to offer truly interesting models given the brand's excep

Lifetime Warranty, Genuinely Good or Just a Good Marketing Gimmick? The Zenith 50-Year Case - Monochrome Watches
The number of watch brands introducing very long warranties is as long as the history of modern (post-quartz crisis) watchmaking. Until recently, two years of warranty was the norm. However, more and more watchmakers tend to offer five years and even more for some special editions. And that raises the question: does it actually make any sense from a consumer’s point of view??Earlier this year, Zenith introduced re-edition versions of the 1969 El Primero watch, the A386 revival, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its iconic movement and model. And it added a 50-year warranty! Now that is a very nice gesture, and it really shows Zenith's good intentions. With this kind of a warranty, this iconic watch and movement will probably exist longer than you and I will. Ad - Scroll to continue with article Zenith is a genuinely good watchmaker, and although it has

Collecting vintage watches - an interview - Monochrome Watches
This is the first of a series of interviews with collectors that I got to know through the years. They all have one thing in common, which is a true passion for watches, mechanical watches that is.Through Facebook I got in touch with Boris, who collects vintage?watches and I asked him about the vintage Omega Speedmaster Professional he?just posted for sale. The reason for this, is that I’m searching for a?Speedmaster from 1971, my year of birth. Boris told me about his?Speedmaster and how he got interesting in collecting vintage watches.vintage Omega Speedmaster - from WikipediaMono: When did you get interested in watches? Ad - Scroll to continue with article Boris: I started about 14 years ago to collect old and used watches.?This didn’t start overnight, but was primarily the result of a visit?to a well-known dealer. I was ready to buy a watch for m

The Patek Philippe 1436 Split Seconds Chronograph Steel from Phillips Auction explained (live photos) - updated with results, Sold 3.3M CHF - Monochrome-Watches
Lot 169 of the upcoming Geneva Watch Auction Two by?Phillips Watches is something special, highly special. You know, when it comes to important auctions, we also tend to be realistic and not only we do introduce to you the highlights (see them here), but we also try to have a strong focus on some more accessible, yet interesting watches (what we’ve been doing here). However, handling a watch like the Steel?Patek Philippe 1436 Split Seconds Chronograph only happens once in a lifetime. It’s the kind of grail watch that you only see printed on catalogues or on the cover of books. We had the chance to see, observe and feel this watch and here are our thoughts and explanations about the?Patek Philippe 1436 Split Seconds Chronograph Steel from Phillips Auction. UPDATE: The watch has reached 3.3M CHF (inc.?buyer’s premium).Before going on the present example, we should have a close look at what is a?Patek Philippe 1436 Split Seconds Chronograph and try to understand why a st

Unique Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver to be auctioned for KiKa - Kids without Cancer Foundation - Monochrome Watches
KiKa is a Dutch foundation that wants to increase the cure rate of kids with cancer to 95% in 2025. To reach that massively important goal, they need money for the necessary research. The good news is that the specialists involved are convinced that new treatments can be developed. Ulysse Nardin makes a unique Marine Diver available for an auction to be held during the KiKa gala event on 26 March. May I invite you to (virtually)?raise your paddle and bid!It was on the second day of this year, that I received an email from Frits Hirschstein, founder of KiKa, asking if I could give him a call. So I did, and?Mr. Hirschstein?told me about his?foundation, KiKa’s goal, and the annual gala event with an auction that helps to reach that goal. He was looking for a watch brand to participate in the auction, and since this year’s auction has a nautical theme, the link to Ulysse Nardin was quickly made. Long story short,?Ulysse Nardin generously agreed to sponsor KiKa’s auction w