A rare 1897 Ball railroad watch was purchased last week on eBay for $5,778. Also, a model #655 Rockford railroad watch went for $3,575. And just a short time ago, a Hamilton “Burlington” model railroad watch tallied at $3,703.
Are these high values unusual? Well, yes - and no! Yes - these particular watches were rare models in stunning condition. But, no - it is not inconceivable for ANY legitimate railroad watch to sell for $500 to $5000.
In today’s unstable investment market there are no “sure things”. Take a look at what were purportedly “blue chip” stocks just a few short months ago. The best counsel for any portfolio is diversification, and as a part of that diversity perhaps you would be well served to think about high caliber vintage railroad watches. Why? Because collecting or investing in Railroad watches is HOT! And it’s heating up more everyday!
What is it about antique Railroad watches that makes them so alluring?
7 Reasons to invest in old Railroad Watches.
1) Craftsmanship
Today the Swiss are considered the world’s finest watch artisans; but that was not always so. At the end of the nineteenth century, American railroad watches where considered to be exceedingly better in quality, reliability and accuracy to any other watch on earth.
2) No longer made
Today a few companies are making “replicas” railroad timepiece, but authentic railroad watches are no longer being manufactured. The last to be marketed was Hamilton Watch company’s model 992B, in 1969.
3) Low Production numbers
Genuine railroad approvedtimepieces were made especially to meet the demands and specifications of one industry - railroads. The number of authentic railroad watches produced was nowhere near the number of standard pocket watches marketed and sold to the general public. Even in the heyday of the railways, the true railroad watch, just wasn’t produced in considerable amounts.
4) Many didn’t survive.
Add to the minuscule production numbers, the fact that few have lasted till today. Over the decades many were misplaced or inadvertently tossed out. Some where broken down by watch makers for their parts. A surprisingly large number met the doom of being buried with the demise of their owners. Perhaps the largest percentage of railroad watches that didn’t survive, fell prey to being melted down for the gold or silver value of their cases. Those railroad watches that still survive today, in ANY condition, are very hard to find. Those in GOOD condition are truly rare, and command excessive prices.
5) Glamor and Allure of the Rails
The attraction that the public has for anything pertaining to trains and the railroad industry is amazing. Many hobbyists, both young and old alike, are mesmerized by the spirit of the rails. Perhaps it is because over the last one hundred and fifty years, the railroads where such a crucial part of mankind’s growth. For whatever the reason; the seduction of the railways draws collectors to railroad pocket watches like bees to pollen.
6) Run Away Prices
Perhaps the number one reason people are getting into Railroad watches as collectibles is for their solid performance as investments. The sky high prices of precious metals - in particular, gold and silver - has drawn well heeled collectors to evaluate vintage pocket watches in an all together new light. Like rare coins, gold and silver cased pocket watches will never decrease in value below the value of their precious metal content.
7) Undervalued
Despite the reasons above, railroad watches are STILL exceptionally undervalued today. As more and more collectors vie to own fewer and fewer watches prices will continue to accelerate upward. And insightful investors know this! Rarity and desirability, will always drive prices upwards. Curiously, railroad watches can still be found at quite reasonable prices on eBay and other on line auction sites. Costs have accelerated somewhat in the last 24 to 36 months, largely due to the fact that European collectors are finding them. But, according to those in the know, prices on are expected to elevate even more. Perhaps you should invest in some yourself.
Fetch useful advice about 6 figures with chris guide - give a look to quoted webpage.
RSS FEED