Time is indestructible
Be it the ultra-rare Rolex, grand complications, and limited editions, coveted timepieces have never lost their grip of the market. Watch specialist and expert as well as the co-founder of Vintage Grail Paolo Martel emphasizes that despite the health crisis, both the international and local watch market is stronger than ever. “There is a demand, and prices continue to be strong, which is further validated by various auction results all over the world, with some lots setting new world records,” he says.
This proves that people are willing to pay for the best quality and rarest timepieces. “We also witnessed some brands implement price increases across all their models and this has a direct effect on the market including pre-owned watches,” Paolo adds.
While the Peninsula Manila, where its store is located, was closed for nearly eight months, Vintage Grail (VG) found ways to still cater to clients, such as mobilizing its team for exclusive view“This ing of items in customer homes or offices on a by-appointment basis. As the Pen has resumed operations, so has VG reopened the doors of its physical store.
“Now that the shop has reopened we are able to once again welcome customers and offer the complete Vintage Grail experience,” says Paolo. The reopening meant that everything would once again become centralized. “We can fully cater to our clients and properly present our collection. When we bring watches to our clients in their homes, we are limited by the number of pieces we can take at a time. Visiting the store is a different experience. Our customers have the luxury of time to browse and find the right piece that appeals to them,” he adds.
Covid-19 pandemic health and safety protocols are in place both for visitors and staff of the store. Only one client at a time is allowed inside the shop to minimize risk.
Apart from the physical store, VG prioritizes the strengthening of its online presence, which involves the revamp of its website. [website] would be a far more improved version of what we have right now, and it should really elevate the customer experience. We will showcase a much wider range of watches and this website will target to reach not only collectors in the Philippines but also collectors abroad,” Paolo elaborates. VG has a Hong Kong office where it is able to ship watches worldwide.
Considering the current situation, VG is looking to innovate and adapt through a digital approach in reaching out and gathering clients and watch aficionados, so customers and timepiece enthusiasts can expect online events.
Beyond the reopening of the store and the improvement of its online presence, the most exciting news for VG is the expected launch of its Christmas catalog called The Gifts of Grail, coming at the end of November.
“We curated 25 watches, which we think are special and would be fantastic gifts for the season. The offerings cut across a wide range of top watch brands, catering to different price points,” Paolo teases.
Veering from the new collection, the watch professional reiterates the state of the timepieces industry. “What the market has proven, which is something that has been said in the past, is that watches have become an investment class that is recession-proof. This is highlighted based on historical prices in the last six months and how major models from Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and other brands have performed,” he expounds. Although a slight dip in sales was observed in the beginning of the lockdown, around May onward, prices have gone up significantly and remained strong since. “Watches are a collecting category that will stand the test of time and as long as pieces are chosen carefully, they can be considered an investment. Let’s not even mention the joy each timepiece brings.”
‘Watches are a collecting category that will stand the test of time and as long as pieces are chosen carefully, they can be considered an investment. Let’s not mention the joy each timepiece brings.’
Vintage Grail is found at The Peninsula Manila–Shop No. 4, Basement Shopping Arcade, Corner Ayala and Makati Avenue, Makati City. +63 9171591211| info@vintagegrail.co | vintagegrail.com | vintage. grail | facebook.com/vintagegrail