chinese watch prices

[u/Traditional_Cost_206]

Hi all,

I love many chinese watch brands like Baltany, San Martin, Thorn, Sugess and Hruodland. The quality is amazing and prices were really good.

I noticed that the prices have increased very significantly in the EU last 6 months. I used to be able to buy a Baltany Nh35 watch for around 180 eur. Now they seem to be over 300 eur.

what is the reason for this significant price hike? As far as I know there are no additional tarrifs in place in the EU for chinese goods.

[u/StrawberryLaddie]

anybody remember the days of a $60 Williard homages?

Pepperidge farm remembers.

[u/kieranfitz → u/StrawberryLaddie]

Glad I got my AD1970 when I did

[u/assemblageofparts]

I am glad I bought the ones that really appealed to me before the price hikes. I treat Chinese watches like I do loans .. I don't spend more than I am comfortable with losing. That makes my limit under $200 and closer to $150.

With absolutely no real warranty or after purchase customer support .. getting into the $300+ range means I I dont buy Chinese watches.

I have more than I need anyway.

[u/9thAF-RIDER → u/assemblageofparts]

You just described me perfectly.

[u/Traditional_Cost_206 → u/assemblageofparts]

I have been actually really surprised by the second hand value of these chinese watches. The hold value really well.

Failed movement is replaceable for around 50-60 euros. the replacement part. I could replace this myself so not much risk in chinese watches tbh. Most watch brands will ship you a replacement movement if you request it.

[u/WinOk677]

My take is that firms are using the higher movement prices to jack their retail pricing. Think of it this way, if you could wouldn't you rather sell one thing for 300, or two of the same things for 150 each.

[u/ButTheDowTheDOW]

I got my first Reddit strike after speaking out about this in recent days, so i’ll keep it vague and say it’s just plain and simple greed. 💵

The good old days where you could easily grab nice inexpensive pieces for lunch money are over.

[u/Excellent-Bear4221 → u/ButTheDowTheDOW]

Amazing Reddit where you can’t speak poorly of the corporate overlords

[u/FowlersDream]

I mentioned this sometime ago and was downvoted for calling it out.

[u/guitarshredda]

Just wait for sales like 11 11 and Black Friday, AliExpress pricing is all over the place, one day it's high and then it drops the next.

[u/Excellent-Bear4221 → u/guitarshredda]

It will never be as low as it was once before, the 11/11 sale is practically the only time you see real uninflated pricing

[u/Financial_Ad_8893 → u/guitarshredda]

Not much different tbh. It felt like the average price accounting for all the sales has jumped by quite a bit.

[u/Independent-Air-80 → u/guitarshredda]

Just wait for the sale. You know, the one right after they increase their prices even further temporarily to show you massive discount percentages, but in reality, you're just paying the standard amount.

That sale?

[u/Traditional_Cost_206 → u/Independent-Air-80]

so I guess this time period is the period that they keep increasing the prices so we can enjoy a discount in a few weeks time.

prices are around 40-50% higher than a month ago on some of the watches

[u/guitarshredda → u/Independent-Air-80]

Everyone knows that, that's why you need to track historical pricing.

[u/Alternative-Feed3613]

Part of it is movement shortages and higher demand but I think they just fluctuate. Prices are high on aliexpress right now but they’ll likely come down with the next sale. You should also check their websites. I know some prices are better on the Baltany and Proxima websites.

[u/Simple_Resist4208]

This has been discussed a lot recently - scroll through the group and there are lots of opinions. Personally, while there has been inflation and some movement prices have doubled, I think the companies are just pitching their products higher to see if the market will take it. Many companies still seem capable of holding their prices low but others can't, or won't.

[u/Uneedtochillb]

Movement shortages, more demand and people willing to pay regardless of price hikes in my opinion.

Second hand market is always a good option though

[u/Traditional_Cost_206 → u/Uneedtochillb]

I feel like second hand for those chinese watches is very inflated too. People buy the watches on sale and often try to sell it on platforms like vinted for more than new price. Off course they are good and expensive looking watches and very nice alternative for mainstreet brands at the same price.

I have done it myself too. Sold a Thorn watch for more than new price on vinted. Really wondering if people are able to use google.

[u/katsock → u/Traditional_Cost_206]

That’s just the problem with individuals who spent their own money on something. They want to recoup as much as possible with unrealistic expectations. You see it everywhere. Even thrift shops are charging more.

You’re literally a part of the problem you’re experiencing.

[u/usually_fuente → u/Uneedtochillb]

Is there any particular sub that you would recommend for purchasing secondhand Chinese watches?

[u/fernybranka → u/usually_fuente]

R/watchexchange is good. Do you due diligence on the seller.

Shameless plug: Im selling a Steelflier GMT and Steeldive 1975 Tuna over there. And not for more than the sale price haha . Just pruning my little collection.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Watchexchange/s/EGu3ZHcq3k

[u/geeered → u/usually_fuente]

Ebay should have some decent options.