But we try not to encourage people to use them as investments - especially when they are buying and selling at auctions, which can be volatile. Watches remain relatively recession-proof because they have a big international following. Prices have stayed strong. At our traditional sales centers in Geneva, London and New York, we have an enormous number of buyers coming from Asia. We have a big spectrum from the 1900s right up to modern-day watches made six months ago.
Some people say that some of the older watches are better-made.
Quality-wise, there isn't a great deal of difference between old and new. Modern watches are also very collectible. It depends on the brand name, model, design and particular functions involved, as well as the rarity of the piece. Pieces of a limited run. For example, Patek Philippe, a brand everyone observes for trends, made a simple self-winding model.