【F】 Does Resale Value Affect How Much You Enjoy a Watch?

It’s a question that comes up from time to time in today’s watch world: Does resale value affect how much you enjoy a watch? With secondary market prices discussed almost as frequently as specifications, it’s hard to ignore the financial side of collecting. In this episode of Fratello Talks, RJ, Thomas, and Nacho discuss whether resale value changes the way we approach watches. Does strong value retention make a watch easier to enjoy, or does thinking about future resale quietly undermine the whole point of wearing one? Before diving into the discussion, though, it’s time for a quick wrist check.

Wrist check

RJ is wearing his Omega Seamaster Ploprof, a watch that famously prioritizes functionality over subtlety. With its unconventional case and unapologetically toolish design, it’s become a bit of a cult classic. Omega discontinued the classic stainless steel model in March 2019, and though it made a comeback in the 2024 Summer Blue lineup, it may be on its way to becoming a future classic.

Thomas has his RZE Resolute Type A on the wrist. As a modern microbrand field watch with a lightweight titanium case, it represents a different end of the spectrum. This is the kind of watch bought primarily for everyday enjoyment rather than long-term market performance.

Nacho is wearing his Omega Seamaster 2254, fitted to a Phoenix NATO strap. Though this watch has not made any significant jumps in market value in recent years, looking further back reveals a different picture. However, that just meant that Nacho ended up paying more than he would have 10 years ago. If anything, considering this is a watch he’ll never sell, it’s a slightly frustrating fact to face.

Fratello Talks: Does Resale Value Affect How Much You Enjoy A Watch?

The conversation begins with the idea that resale value can subtly influence buying decisions long before a watch reaches your wrist. Certain models become “safe” choices because they’re known to retain value, while others are dismissed because they’re expected to depreciate.

The 2254’s average selling price on Chrono24

In the end, the trio agrees that resale value is difficult to ignore in today’s watch landscape. But letting it dominate your thinking can slowly turn a hobby into something closer to portfolio management. The watches that tend to bring the most joy are usually the ones bought for the right reasons — because they feel good on the wrist, because they have personal meaning, or simply because you love the design. If they hold their value, that’s great. If they don’t, at least you enjoyed the ride.

Now we’d like to hear from you, Fratelli: does resale value affect how much you enjoy your watches? Or do you try to ignore it entirely? Let us know in the comments below.