Oscar Strong | Luxury Watch Dealer Reveals Top Investment Watches & Market Scams

In this episode, Oscar Strong, a leading watch dealer, shares insights into the luxury watch sector, emphasizing the complexities involved in buying and selling high-end timepieces. He discusses common scams in the watch market, particularly concerning vintage watches, and warns about potential pitfalls in auction houses. Strong highlights the significance of provenance, suggesting that buyers should rely on experts when purchasing valuable pieces. He notes that the most significant scams often involve 'Frankenstein' watches—pieces that are refurbished with parts that don’t belong to them.

He also touches upon the current state of major brands like Rolex and Hublot, illustrating how excessive limited editions can devalue a brand's prestige. While Rolex is viewed as a strong investment, Strong critiques its recent price hikes and the difficulty of obtaining sought-after models. Conversely, he expresses admiration for brands like Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe for their craftsmanship.

In the latter part of the conversation, Strong discusses his personal journey into the world of watches, explaining how his past experiences have shaped his business ethics and customer relationships. He encourages treating all customers equally, suggesting that the gateway to becoming a collector often starts with more affordable pieces. Strong concludes with predictions about industry trends and the evolving landscape of luxury watch ownership, where younger buyers are more interested in immediate gratification than traditional purchasing paths.