The secondary grey watch market has gained immense popularity in recent years, with collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique timepieces. To help you better understand this dynamic industry, we've compiled a list of the top 20 terms frequently used by dealers and enthusiasts, along with their definitions:
1. **Grey Market**: Refers to the sale of brand-new watches through unauthorized dealers, often at prices lower than the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
2. **NOS (New Old Stock)**: Watches that are brand new and have never been worn, despite being older models. These are often found in excellent condition.
3. **Limited Edition**: Watches produced in a specific quantity, making them more desirable to collectors due to their rarity.
4. **Vintage**: Refers to older watches, typically those made more than 20-30 years ago, that are sought after for their historical value and unique design.
5. **Patina**: The aging or discoloration of a watch's dial, hands, or markers.
6. **Naked** : when a watch is sold as naked, it means that the sale does not include the original box, papers, manual and any other accessories that came with the watch when it was originally sold.
7. **Automatic Movement**: A watch movement that self-winds through the motion of the wearer's wrist, eliminating the need for manual winding.
8. **Quartz Movement**: A movement powered by a battery, known for its precision timekeeping.
9. **Complications**: Additional functions beyond telling time, such as chronographs, moon phases, and tourbillons, adding complexity and value to a watch.
10. **Bezel**: The ring surrounding the watch face that can have various functions, including tracking elapsed time.
11. **Bracelet**: A metal band used to secure the watch to the wrist.
12. **Lug**: The protruding parts of the watch case that attach the strap or bracelet.
13. **Chronograph**: A watch with a built-in stopwatch function, allowing precise time measurement.
14. **Tourbillon**: A highly complex and visually stunning mechanical feature that compensates for the effects of gravity on timekeeping.
15. **Dial**: The face of the watch, displaying the time and other information, often with unique designs.
16. **Bezel Insert**: A decorative or functional ring placed inside the watch bezel, typically made of ceramic or aluminum.
17. **Reserve de Marche**: A power reserve indicator showing how much energy remains in the watch's mainspring.
18. **Caliber**: The internal code or number assigned to a specific movement type by a manufacturer.
19. **Perpetual Calendar**: A watch complication that automatically accounts for leap years and months of varying lengths.
20. **Servicing**: Regular maintenance and repairs performed on a watch to ensure its continued accuracy and functionality.
As you delve into the secondary grey watch market, understanding these key terms will empower you to make informed decisions and appreciate the intricacies of this captivating world of timepieces. Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or novice, these definitions will serve as a valuable guide in your watch journey.