The players in the world of watches are as diverse as “in real life”. Similar to an urban marketplace, a large number of different people with various roles are going about their business and professions. At the center are on the traders who offer their goods. But no marketplace can function without the second central group: the diverse group of buyers. There is also a very mixed customer base on watch marketplaces. The investment type, for example, tries to make big money with watches. The collector, on the other hand, attaches little importance to money; for him, passion takes center stage. The status lover primarily wants to please those around him and adorns himself with expensive watches from major brands, while the enthusiast is mainly to be found at trade fairs to meet like-minded people. The fifth group is the watch flippers. This erratic type changes his watches like underwear and is characterized by his pronounced hunting instinct. In this article, we introduce you to the idiosyncratic species of the flipper with a bit of a wink. Do you recognize yourself?
The Psychology of the Flipper
The flipper: They are the chameleon of the watch world, embodying a fascinating mixture of curious collector’s passion and the irrepressible urge to sell. Hunt, buy, wear, sell. Flippers are constantly on the prowl for the next supposedly perfect watch. They wear their numerous new acquisitions as mere wrist-flattering trophies, only to dispose of them as profitably as possible a short time later. The perfect dream watch can probably never exist for this bustling species. The true watch flipper is by no means interested in the simple possession of a glittering luxury item, but rather in the exciting journey through the never-ending watch jungle. The flipper wanders back and forth through this impenetrable wilderness, like an aimless teenager in front of the candy shelf. This incessant shopping frenzy provides the dopamine kicks that give his life meaning in the first place. To deepen his determination, the flipper posts masses of photos of each new hunting trophy in relevant forums and social media. The watch flipper is a misunderstood entertainer who strives for horological recognition. When a recently acquired timepiece is sold, the flipper goes into a joyful, nervous frenzy. Will he be able to sell the watch? Will he find the right bidder? Can a profit be made? The following applies to the flipper: Bonding is for wimps, eternal change guarantees variety. The quest for the perfect watch must be never-ending. That way he doesn’t have to commit and can keep spinning the watch wheel of fortune.
The Hunt is Better than the Catch.
Now that we have taken a closer look at the rather simple, transparent psychology of the watch flipper, let’s move on to the prey of the busy watch aficionado. As a professional predator, the flipper is optimally adapted for hunting in the confusion of the watch jungle. While the wolf, for example, is equipped with sharp teeth and claws, the watch flipper has a well-funded bank account, a fast, high-performance computer, and is particularly nimble with a computer mouse. Many a flipper also roams the streets of the urban jungle to prey on unsuspecting concessionaires. Like a crocodile or a big cat, the flipper is an ambush predator that waits patiently for the right moment to strike at lightning speed. In principle, all watch marketplaces in the world serve as natural habitats for hunting. All that matters is finding the best offer at the best possible price. Once the prey has been in its sights long enough, the flipper strikes mercilessly and devours its prey like a viper. After a short rest and digestion phase, a successful hunt is followed by the cycle that we described in the first paragraph under “The Psychology of the Flipper”.
The Loot – No Timepiece is Safe
Passionate watch collectors’ devotion to beautiful timepieces goes far beyond simply owning them. The focus of their interest is an appreciation of high craftsmanship, technical innovation, and the history of the watch in question. Collectors often focus on vintage models and specific themes such as aviation or the maritime context. Collectors also have an emotional connection to the treasures they collect, invest a lot of time and effort in expertise, and expand their knowledge with the help of specialist literature or specialist discussions in forums and communities. The watch flipper essentially represents the opposite of the collector and at best only touches on his motives. The flipper’s main concern when looking for loot is to get the best deal for an established brand watch with a pleasing design. Whether pilot’s watch or diver’s watch, three-hand watch or chronograph, the watch flipper doesn’t restrict himself. To bring it back to the context of a predator: The flipper isn’t specialized in a specific prey and is therefore highly flexible. Watches serve several purposes for the flipper: satisfying the urge to hunt and prey, prestige and recognition, and trading with the prospect of profit.
A look inside the flipper’s watch box – more is more
Things are just as chaotic in the flipper’s head as they are in his watch box. This means that expensive luxury timepieces from major manufacturers are interspersed with watches from affordable micro-brands that don’t break the budget too much. Diving watches are joined by various chronographs in aviator or racing style, and the odd dress watch has also found its place in the flipper portfolio. What all those timepieces have in common is a popular design and a low purchase price. All 25 watches were purchased within the last twelve months at most. New projects are already in the pipeline, so space needs to be made in the box and financing meticulously planned. It is therefore hardly surprising that the flipper has already mentally said goodbye to half of his watches. While the photo session for the selected models is about to begin, he is already formulating the sales texts for the relevant marketplaces.
Can the watch grail end the hunt?
Whether a particular watch will end the hunt for the flipper once and for all can probably be answered with a clear “no”. Asking about a grail watch is as futile as asking about a meal that will satisfy hunger forever. The flipper is perfectly adapted to the lifestyle of the watch hunter and always has an appetite for fresh produce. The tables at the watch market are lavishly laid and have countless tempting delicacies in store for him. And so, time and again, the flipper ventures into the challenging thicket of the watch jungle. In his luggage: courage, drive, and a passion for beautiful, profitable watches.
