Twelve Market Observations By Ben Clymer (August 2026)
Ben Clymer, President of Hodinkee, shares twelve observations on the current watch market, highlighting what makes sense and what doesn't. His insights are drawn from his unique position overseeing a major watch media outlet, his experience as a collector, and his role in watch retail. The observations cover trends in Patek Philippe pricing, the demand for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini, and the market's valuation of vintage versus modern timepieces.
Complicated Patek Philippe watches, including vintage models like the 1463 Chronograph and 3448 perpetual calendar, are trading below their perceived value, often for less than a pre-owned F.P. Journe CS.
Modern Patek Philippe perpetual calendars, such as the 5236P in platinum, are available at retail for less than many vintage complicated Patek models and significantly less than a second-hand F.P. Journe chronograph.
The 23mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini in Frosted Gold is reportedly the most requested watch across AP boutiques, with second-hand prices exceeding those of average A-Series Royal Oak 5402ST models.
There is a market trend where older, "neo-vintage" watches from brands like Daniel Roth, Breguet, Blancpain, Vacheron, and AP are trading for more than their objectively superior modern counterparts, attributed to an internet-driven fetish for perceived "soul"