I saw a Cape Cod Chains D’Ancre Joaillier watch that looks beautiful but kind of pricey. However, my friend told me that Hermes watches don’t hold their value and typically get sold quote way under retail in the used market. Watches aren’t like their handbags. Thoughts?
Hermes watches don’t hold their value?
- Thread starter charchar888
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Definitely not an investment piece. Only buy it if you love it.
No they dont..but I love them (specifically Cape Cod ) so I dont care if they hold their value.
I buy them to wear not as investments.
do you think their new-ish in house movements will retain more value? Or only the exceptional pieces might become collectors items
They don't hold the value at all, just like their fine jewelry. Many people only buy them because they're running out of things to buy to build up spending for a quota bag offer. If you really like the specific watch, you can buy one pre-loved in brand new condition for less than half of its retail price. Another consideration is cost per wear, although resale value is low, but if you're going to wear it a lot then it may be worth getting.
If you don't like it enough to wear it regularly, then it's not worth buying - movement or not. IMO I think it's silly to think of watches and handbags as investments.
The watch world tends to underrate Hermes watches but I think they make lovely and fresh takes on watches sometimes. I own a quartz Cape Cod and I think it is quite a versatile watch that has received plenty of compliments. I am looking forward to when my store gets a 32mm Slim d'Hermes - the typography on the face is exquisite.
The watch world tends to underrate Hermes watches but I think they make lovely and fresh takes on watches sometimes. I own a quartz Cape Cod and I think it is quite a versatile watch that has received plenty of compliments. I am looking forward to when my store gets a 32mm Slim d'Hermes - the typography on the face is exquisite.
Agreed. I recently purchased my first Cape Cod watch and simply adore it. It absolutely keeps time (so far) and I love how under the radar it is. Excited to perhaps a little collection!
No Hermes watch will retain its entire value, but that is also true for most watches except for a handful. The ultra exceptional Hermes watches I have seen lose almost 90% of their value simply because of their outrageous msrp. Currently, the collectible watch market is being faced with excess stock and decreasing prices. The same can be seen with Birkin and Kelly prices at the moment on second hand sites like Fashionphile. The moment you leave the boutique, it will depreciate, which is normal. Past few years, we definitely were in a bubble of watches and bags. At the end of the day, any commercialized luxury good is not to be purchased as an investment. Nevertheless, Hermes makes great watches from a functional and aesthetic perspective. I have two cape cod joaillier watches (the GM in white and PM in grey), and I love them both. I love the sparkle of the diamonds and the matt exotic straps.
Adding my +1 here that while watches don't hold their monetary value, the cape cod watch holds my heart. 
I wear mine almost everyday. They also have some fantastic custom watch options and straps that you can special order.
I wear mine almost everyday. They also have some fantastic custom watch options and straps that you can special order.Hermes is not a popular watchmaker like Rolex or Omega. Sure they have nice watches. But it's not a secret that some clients buy it in the hope of being offered a QB or because they are "building a profile". If one is purchasing it because she truly loves it, great. But if one is selling it hoping she will make money of it, forget about it! Like what others have already mentioned, it doesn't retain its value like some other well-known watchmaker's product.
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ITA. I wouldn't have bought my Cape Cod if I wasn't in love with it. It's my most used watch, more than my Rolex and my Reverso. I love it to bits.
I have no idea but all I know is my DH who loves watches invests his money in Jaeger Le Coultre and doesn't especially rate Hermes watches..That said my Hermes automatic keeps far better time than my Rolex (which I never wear) and I have a Quartz Cape cod too that I've had for over 5 years and am very happy with.
as of this recession year, the secondary market is softening (though still above retail) even for Rolex and PP, which are among the handful of watch brands that do retain value. Brands like ALange & Sohne also retain value bc of the limited numbers in production. Buy an H watch because you love its whimsy or aesthetic, and get your value back in cost per wear.
I'm a watch geek. I wouldn't buy an Hermes watch because they are quartz and the movement isn't anything special. But why oh why oh why won't Hermes sell just watch bands in different sizes? I'd pay a ridiculous sum for a gorgeous Togo band in the same leather as a Birkin. And it would use up their scraps!
I have an automatic Hermes watch as well as a quartz one.
They don't only do quartz watches.