Vintage Watches and Tools at Switzerland's Largest Flea Market

[@Grimmtht]

Very much enjoyed this video. Everything I love: community, culture, and watches

[@IMakeWatches]

Yes, and every one of the vendors that I talked to are all really nice people too! Except for the guy that I didn't buy the hand levers from. He got a bit testy. I can't promise that every vendor at every Swiss flea market will be wonderful, but for the most part they are, even to Americans like me that corrupt their institutions and bring them lab made diseases and experimental for-profit treatments that are dangerous and don't work.

[@alaamagdy8282]

Very much enjoyed this video

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks for letting me know! I plan to do some more like this next month but more specifically about watch fairs (if I can get away with filming them).

[@alaamagdy8282]

@@IMakeWatches flea markets are much more enjoyable for all viewers. flea markets are no 1.

[@hikuri2]

Me too! 😃😃😃

[@chanduborkar9294]

Nice vedio antic watches &tools i like these watches

[@IMakeWatches]

Yep! Me too!

[@Mars-zgblbl]

Flea market treasure hunt, European street food and tools. Cool video!

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! Yes, the food and music rounded it out nicely!

[@khronosbest9448]

Next best thing to being there ! Much appreciate the tour 👍🍻

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! I'm so glad that worked for you! I actually see more in the video than I saw at the time so it works for me as well!

[@johnmoorefilm]

❤love this, thank you so much for the effort and great work it takes to do this ,

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! Easy video to make actually and I enjoy it myself because I can look again and more closely at what I saw there after making it.

[@DarekJakubowski-q3e]

Super video. Please more films from Suisse fleamarkets

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! I will! I'm also going to give it a shot at the upcoming watch fairs in La Chaux de Fonds and Geneva in November.

[@DecemberNames]

i enjoyed it, thanks very much

[@IMakeWatches]

Thank you!

[@pipodorologio1648]

thanks for sharing...whenever you have time, in the Netherlands we have the biggest vintage watch fair in Europe on November the 10th, over 300 exhibitors...I am happy to get you in...and it's indoors...😀

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks Pipo! I won't be able to make it this year but I'd love to eventually. Try filming it with your phone and let me know if they let you get away with it!

[@rowlandskay1785]

Wow superb.

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks!

[@rowlandskay1785]

@@IMakeWatches you are welcome.

[@emilcioran9954]

A true paradise for watch collectors!

[@IMakeWatches]

Yes, even just for looking! We have so much access to photos now on social media and auction sites but not so much access to the real thing!

[@tbprofile1295]

I wouldn't be able to leave. So much character in those timepieces...

[@IMakeWatches]

Don't worry, the vendors leave after three days! But you can come back next year! 😂😂😂

[@knsubramanian9837]

They aren’t timepieces!.They are time capsules!.

[@ElderPinto254]

omg those enicars wauw!!!

[@IMakeWatches]

Yes, those were going to be the thumbnail but they look too new!

[@tveksam8347]

@@IMakeWatchesThose Enicars were 50 years old, but in NOS condition. 😮

[@jamesblonde2271]

Just btw, as a vintage buyer the Enicar movements are famously bulletproof

[@ElderPinto254]

@@jamesblonde2271 yeah i know enicar fanboy here

[@gerryberdin1921]

hi im gerry berdin i am watch technician here in manila my dream is to become a watch maker i realy love to watch this video thankyou 4 sharing

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks Gerry! Nice meeting you!

[@raulsalazar2994]

i enjoy watching bro

[@IMakeWatches]

Cool bro! 😂😂😂

[@kahmed7328]

Very cool video!

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks!

[@nikonfx6598]

Very nice video! It would be much appreciate if you close up the price of watches and tools so we can compare with ours. Thank you very much.

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! Yes, I will try harder to feature prices in the future. It's tricky because the vendors generally don't want their stock filmed at all, much less with prices, but I agree that's what's the most interesting about these markets!

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

That's crazy how much watch stuff they have!!!

[@IMakeWatches]

I know. I love it! I wish it was all spread out at a big shop like a Home Depot that was open 365 days a year 24/7!

[@WatchRestorationCottage]

@@IMakeWatches I love how you are there, but can still draw on American analogies.

[@MischaAtor]

Where is it which city

[@tveksam8347]

Wow! TWO Enicar 350 on ONE table. Im chocked! 😮

[@IMakeWatches]

Yes, that seller had all mint condition watches. Pretty amazing! I wonder where he gets them.

[@andyyoung3233]

Nice Omega flightmaster I would have to come home with that 😃

[@IMakeWatches]

I feel very fortunate that I don't have the money to buy everything. If I did I would also need a truck to transport it all back to Geneva and a warehouse to store it in! 😂😂😂

[@michaelfonseka7657]

Thank you very much for the video.A place to be at.....soon.😂

[@IMakeWatches]

You're welcome!

[@tomholloway7566]

I would have probably spent my whole years pension there Dayton 😂

[@IMakeWatches]

I limited myself to the automatic mechanical skeletonized 2841-1 Swatch YAS100G at 24:22 for 20 Chf and the two gravers I was inspecting at 15:56 for 2 Chf each -- and the sausage and fries! 😂😂😂

[@viktoro.ledenyov5829]

Super!!!😊😊😊

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks!

[@Policy-tc4ks]

Amazing

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks!

[@zegarmistrz2675]

Tyle pięknych narzędzi 🙂🙂👍👍

[@IMakeWatches]

I agree!

[@arthurs7299]

Very nice watches, but very expensive...anyway, thanks for sharing.😎👍🇺🇸

[@IMakeWatches]

I think in most cases those are just asking prices. And there were some insane bargains on tools, such as this Lorch lathe complete with the table in perfect condition: 2:00:18

[@arthurs7299]

@IMakeWatches noted👍🇺🇸

[@alsuaibu6878]

Excellent video

[@michaellooney1089]

I like that watch at 36:03 !!

[@IMakeWatches]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I like that too but I can't figure out what it is. Do you know what the mark or movement is?

[@manishkamal1044]

Location in Switzerland and day to visit this amazing place........??

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! I just added that info to the video description but here it is for you as well: Fête de la Brocante Le Landeron Center Ville, 2525 Le Landeron, Switzerland (between Neuchâtel and Biel/Bienne) Sept 27 - 29, 2024 As it is an annual event it will likely be around the same time next year but the exact dates have yet to be announced.

[@ahmedhamza7109]

Very nice 👍

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks!

[@DimasFajar-ns4vb]

yeah old clock with chime or ringing bell modification sir into wristwatch will be amazing

[@IMakeWatches]

I love repeater and alarm watches! There's even a pocket watch that plays music like the machine at 21:17. The pocket watch is not in this video but they have one at the Museum of Horology in La Chaux de Fonds.

[@ivandate9972]

23:04 Lol that raincoat

[@IMakeWatches]

I know. I had to.

[@TenAfterTen]

I saw so many nice chronographs there. I would have left poor that place 😂

[@IMakeWatches]

Yes, you either have to be strong or broke to resist the temptation! I went with a budget based on cash in my pocket! (~ US $50 including lunch money)

[@udayrathod6471]

Nice Market to buy old tools I am very much fond of old tools , What have you purchased From flea market?

[@IMakeWatches]

I only purchased a mechanical Swatch for 20 Chf and two gravers for my W12 lathe for 2 Chf each. And a sausage and fries! 😂😂😂

[@udayrathod6471]

@@IMakeWatches 👍

[@ufdiah]

So many watches. 😍

[@IMakeWatches]

Also from very nice ones to complete junk, which makes it a nice place for everyone!

[@Gman23-o4f]

Wow interesting flea market! Hopefully one day I will be able to go there. Looks like the weather is freezing! How many degrees?

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! I think it was in the 60s (F). Not so cold - yet.

[@openclockclubarchive325]

Hand levers useful. Did you buy them. Deff worth getting the lot and throwing them in a drawer. Turns less so.

[@IMakeWatches]

He told me 10 Chf for two, then he changed that to 10 Chf each. I told him they were very nice and declined to buy a pair and then he got angry with me. I could not find a matching pair in the larger size I was looking for. So no, I didn't buy any. I already have a pair of new Bergeon hand lifters and a vintage pair that are both perfectly good. I was only looking for a wider pair.

[@openclockclubarchive325]

@@IMakeWatches Looked like a great market. Thanks for sharing.

[@IMakeWatches]

@@openclockclubarchive325 Sure! It was fun!

[@bonkersblock]

the gold dress watch AP was fire for me.. I wonder how much is it?

[@IMakeWatches]

What time stamp? I didn't notice any APs.

[@bonkersblock]

@@IMakeWatches it was 27:21 minutes.

[@relojmolina6019]

Qué lugar tan bonito quisiera estar ahí

[@IMakeWatches]

Yes, it's very nice! I feel very lucky to live in Switzerland!

[@cannazpilic2070]

VeryGood. Thank,s🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks!

[@orologidalpassato]

Hey! At 3:55 this is a vintage mortar with pestle for salt, pepper and other spices!

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! Yes!

[@Mad-Coo]

Almost brought a tear to my eye seeing such lovely watches and tools, literally suitcase loads, such beautiful vintage watches, makes me feel stupid wearing my seiko 5, such treasures out there. I hope i can obtain a nice vintage watch with character. Wow, thanks for this video, opened my eyes a bit.

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks but there's nothing wrong with wearing a Seiko! Some of the smartest people in the world wear Seikos! And if you like vintage take a look at Seiko Bell-Matics!

[@hopeenquiries3638]

thanks for this, Question, I will be in Switzerland Jan, Feb & Apr - is this market open?

[@IMakeWatches]

No, but in December you can order the guide in my video about the flea market guide to see what else is happening or stay tuned to my channel and website where I'll continue to broaden my coverage of markets and flea markets. I would tell you what's on next year but the guide for next year isn't published yet.

[@robertogalante8101]

Bellissimo quali sono le date x il 2025 ?

[@IMakeWatches]

You'll have to check back early next year. As far as I know the dates for 2025 have not been announced but they should be published in the next month or so.

[@angelakelly5692]

Looks good🤔🙃🙀🤨

[@IMakeWatches]

@@angelakelly5692 Thanks!

[@jailapatel8839]

VERY iNTERESTING

[@IMakeWatches]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment!

Is there a resell market for this stuff? Like you buying on fleemarkets and reselling it online for an international audience?

[@IMakeWatches]

I'm sure that goes on but didn't see any of that (that I was aware of) here. I have seen it at the Swiss watch fairs. In truth this market seemed priced at retail for tourists. The watch fairs are frequented by some tourists but a lot of dealers and come closer to what I would consider below market or wholesale pricing. But all of that is difficult to judge because vintage watches don't have strict market values. Prices depend on condition, what the buyer is willing to pay, and how long the dealer is willing to hold inventory waiting for the price they want.

@@Mobin92 I have no idea about watches and the whole subject. My thought was that the production of watches in Switzerland creates an “oversupply” of such things and that the prices could therefore be lower than elsewhere.

[@SanMisterEandBWorld]

Where is that in Switzerland? I would love to go there 😊

[@IMakeWatches]

It's in Le Landeron, which is near Biel/Bienne. But only once a year so you have to plan in advance! See my other video about the market guide and how to get one. It's an annual publication that has the dates for all of the fairs and flea markets in Switzerland.

[@keltecdan]

27:09 I used to have a Wakmann chronograph triple date just like that one.

[@IMakeWatches]

Nice! That looks like a Valjoux 72c in terms of layout. I have an 18K gold Sandoz with the same movement. It's up there with my favorite watches. Thanks for including the time stamp! What happened to your Wakmann? Did you sell it?

[@keltecdan]

@@IMakeWatches I did actually sell it even though I’m a sucker for reverse panda dials. It was actually my favorite watch to wear however since it was a vintage watch it wasn’t the most reliable. It had condensation issues and day change issues.

How would you describe the prices at such markets? Are there any bargains? Or are many things overpriced?

[@IMakeWatches]

In my opinion the prices here were market prices, but I also think the sellers mark things a bit and would settle for less.

[@jamesblonde2271]

That skeleton dial looked like a watch of yours, did youbuy it or show it to him?

[@jamesblonde2271]

@@IMakeWatches cool, great vid too.

[@sketchpalosotherchannel]

I'm so jealous of this I have yet find a SINGLE complete Jacott pivot polisher where I live. Saw a gear engine, but that was incomplete and way out of my price range.

[@IMakeWatches]

Yeah, I don't know how so many gear engines these days are incomplete! How difficult is it to keep a box of tiny cutters and washers for 200 years? 😂😂😂 I picked up a pocket watch from the 1820's recently and I love thinking about how many generations of people had to care for it to get it to me. It's almost incomprehensible. When you find a well cared-for and complete tool that old it's a true miracle.

[@sketchpalosotherchannel]

@@IMakeWatches oh I was so lucky to get a nearly complete Favorite staking kit and Seitz jewel setting press for free when one of my horologer friends retired. Been getting real good use out of them too!

[@IMakeWatches]

@@sketchpalosotherchannel Very nice!

[@jnjy7]

Thanks.. brought back memories

[@IMakeWatches]

I'm happy to hear that! It was new to me but I know it's been going on for many years!

[@luigisportelli6004]

In quale città si svolge questo bel mercatino, grazie.

[@IMakeWatches]

Fête de la Brocante Le Landeron Center Ville, 2525 Le Landeron, Switzerland (between Neuchâtel and Biel/Bienne) Sept 27 - 29, 2024

[@MunroLrd]

There are a lot of people in this area who know a lot about watches and everything that goes with them. You can't expect to find any real undiscovered treasures there. If something says 50 CHF on it, it's worth exactly 50 CHF and no more.

[@IMakeWatches]

This is 99% true, however, I did buy a Swatch YAS108G for 20 Chf (~US $23), and that watch sells for at least $80 on Ebay (and up to $200). But it's a Swatch. What you say is true of the over $1000 watches. The under $50 watches can fall into a "I just want to get rid of it" price with some vendors. On the other hand some vendors will also ask $50 for a $5 watch! 😂😂😂

[@357jock]

Wow, my type of market mind you I'd probably have gotten divorced if I was there , because I wouldn't leave. Love my watches.

[@IMakeWatches]

Ha ha, they would kick you out when it ends so you'd be okay! 😂😂😂

[@donautaler6646]

At 3:50 it is not a bell or cup for calling cows. It is a mortar with pestle.

[@IMakeWatches]

You're right! Although I suppose one could do all three with it and use it as a toilet brush holder if they wanted to! 😂😂😂

[@SVRSVR-b2q]

Рай для любителей часов. И мастеров.

[@IMakeWatches]

И вторые и третьи жены российских олигархов. 😂😂😂 (Без обид, я люблю Россию! Просто так получилось, что это правда.)

[@ТулкунФазылджанов]

Каждый часовщик посмотрев этот ролик,взглотнул слюну. Я вообще захлебнулся.) Хотя у меня есть 3 часовых станка и много инструментов по ремонту часов,я бы хотел побывать на той барахолке.

[@IMakeWatches]

Ха-ха! Вы видели парня в куртке с надписью «Я американец» на 27:47?

[@ТулкунФазылджанов]

Прикольно то,что написано на русском)​@@IMakeWatches

[@IMakeWatches]

@@ТулкунФазылджанов Да, я изучал русский язык в школе. Поэтому я это и заметил.

[@ТулкунФазылджанов]

Да,и на его куртке было написано на русском.)​@@IMakeWatches

[@asscracbelfrage]

You can tell your wife that the brass thing she didn’t understand (or you for that matter) is a mortar & pestle kit for grinding spices. They look the same all over the world and looked the same for hundreds of years. I don’t understand why you didn’t recognise it.

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! I don't grind spices.Nor do I call cows.Nor do I drink coffee from brass vessels! 😂😂😂

[@faded3657]

aggressively informative

[@nigelbeaumont1109]

@@faded3657not aggressive?

[@denvernow7294]

You've got small pp anger, sir.

[@mrcoolrv]

Well it can also be used for grinding drugs like cocaine 😅😅😅😅

[@johnmoorefilm]

Well, if God spares me, thats my retirement adventure…can I ask: is it a haggling scenario or are the prices fixed? Does cash help?

[@IMakeWatches]

Unfortunately it is a haggling situation. And it's almost all cash and a phone-based system of cash equivalency here in Switzerland called TWINT.

[@normanbuffett4642]

@@IMakeWatches And I guess it helps to speak French.

[@kevinbaker4907]

Cheers for that snippet into Swiss life. The 6 sided AP was the winner ! Vintage clocks on the side of a fountain made me cringe.... Switzerland must be cretin free, you just know in England some little s**t would 'show off' to his mates...

[@IMakeWatches]

Crap, now I have to watch it again and look for the six sided AP! 😂😂😂 And yes, antique clocks in the rain beside fountains is questionable even without cretins!

[@IMakeWatches]

That's a GP, not an AP at 27:08. Girard Perregaux. Is that the watch that you thought was an Audemars Piguet?

[@kevinbaker4907]

@@IMakeWatches That's the one ! Thanks for the info. Something tells me it would be well out of my price range !..still, it's a joy to see such a beautiful watch.

[@cetocoquinto4704]

You can tell its a watch making country because i cant even find a seiko 😂...but hey if i were just a rich guy id travel there and buy those tools.

[@IMakeWatches]

Glad you liked the tools! That's all that I was really paying attention to to tell you the truth! I just shot the watches because most viewers want to see the watches!

[@cetocoquinto4704]

@@IMakeWatches im from philippines repairing watches as well. My skill level is only replacement of battery,straps,pins but mechanical watches is a nightmare for me althought a love them my personal one is a seiko mechanical. Keep up your content for us young guns who wants to learn repairing.

[@IMakeWatches]

@@cetocoquinto4704 Thanks! I will! But also check out the links on my channel to more experienced watchmakers and restoration videos. I'm happy to know that I inspire others but I'm not a good teacher because I am constantly trying things that I haven't ever done before.

[@jgreysweater]

a bell is a cup until it is struck

[@IMakeWatches]

And the inverse can also be true! 😂😂😂

[@uom07DUd]

What is this statue?

[@IMakeWatches]

I don't know for sure but Le Landeron, the town where the it's located, is in the canton of Neuchâtel, and Neuchâtel was under the control of the King of Prussia (which became Germany) until 1856, so it probably represents a specific or generic soldier or military leader of that period (and his dog!)

[@floflo1151]

😊

[@IMakeWatches]

❤️😉

[@DonAl9114]

Everyone wants to make the find of his life. 😂😂😂

[@IMakeWatches]

Not me. I already did! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH7HhZ2glLSSj6M

[@Watchugoton]

When was this?

[@IMakeWatches]

Sept 27 - 29, 2024

[@deltadelta6268]

Welcher Ort ist das?

[@IMakeWatches]

It's in Le Landeron, which is a small village between Neuchâtel and Biel/Bienne at the industrial watchmaking center of Switzerland. Fête de la Brocante Le Landeron Center Ville, 2525 Le Landeron, Switzerland (between Neuchâtel and Biel/Bienne) Sept 27 - 29, 2024

[@thisoldcottage]

£18 for those two hand lifters………..😮 Pants down

[@IMakeWatches]

Good one! Yes, results at flea markets may vary.

[@denvernow7294]

The hand removing tools on the glass... 😖🥵

[@IMakeWatches]

I know, and I brought that audio way down in the mix too! That's probably what made the vendor so grumpy!

[@denvernow7294]

@@IMakeWatches 😅😅

[@Aztec73]

🇨🇭 😊

[@IMakeWatches]

Lake Powell! 🇺🇸😉

[@tdansmith858]

Interesting,,,,but i think it would be improved with more talking,,,,and tell us the prices,,,,good luck for future hunting.

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks! I agree! More to come!

[@igorcabrera8123]

Prices please

[@USASMR-o2c]

It would have been nice if the closeups were for the watches, not the tools

[@IMakeWatches]

Thanks for this criticism. It's difficult to get close to the nice watches but I agree that it's important.

[@RobLewis3]

"the cheapest Patek part you can buy" 😂

[@IMakeWatches]

Yes! Ha! It was very nice but lucky for me I didn't have three hundred bucks on me! 😂😂😂

[@lapartdesanges4784]

j'y suis deja aller c'est une jolie brocante mais les bonnes affaires sont quasi nulles les montres sont toutes très chères et difficilement négociables

[@IMakeWatches]

That makes sense. The sellers do seem to know what they have and it's well known to tourists so the sellers sell at what they feel is the market value. This seems to me to be a common theme of most if not all of the Swiss flea markets that I've been to.

[@manscharmmsn9414]

How😢much are the watches there?

[@IMakeWatches]

From zero to probably $25,000? I don't pay attention to the expensive ones but I saw a lot of Rolex's.

[@EmeraldHill-vo1cs]

Looks like its aimed at tourists, so i doubt thered be any bargains.

[@IMakeWatches]

Actually I didn't hear anyone speaking English there. It's a lot of local Swiss, who can certainly be considered local tourists, but not so many international tourists.

[@Dswatches]

Is there a new generation of watch makers being trained? Shame to see tools for sale

[@IMakeWatches]

Yes and no. The industry is very different than it was when most of those tools were made. There are new watchmakers but not as many as there used to be. The supply of old tools therefore exceeds demand. I am always happy to see the tools being sold and resold rather than thrown away. I'm sure that many have been discarded over the decades. The selling and reselling is not very profitable and requires time and knowledge. For many of the vendors it's clear to me that the flea markets are a chance to meet up and have a drink with old friends as much as it is to buy and sell. Those vendors are always happy to chat and share their knowledge. And I'm sure this inspires younger watchmakers to join the community.

[@Zapper1279]

10:28 - worst seller ever - insulted you when you told him you didn't want to buy. Whenever in Switzerland someone is giving you a lot of details when he tries to sell you something at flea market, just stop and get away, it's probably someone trying to justify weirdly the high price tag in a country when everything is already expensive but not that much. Born and raised in Switzerland, glad you didn't fall for this rude one. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip and it was the single unpolite interaction. We have cows more educated than this man trust me.

[@IMakeWatches]

Very kind of you! Thanks for the translation!

[@vickydemta8546]

i see money and collective

[@IMakeWatches]

Yep!

[@harveythompson1756]

..looks like you need that watch on a proper functional strap to straighten it and justify that fancy raincoat with a watch window on the sleeve !

[@IMakeWatches]

@@harveythompson1756 Ha, good eye! I totally forgot I was wearing that raincoat! I bought that raincoat at the Salvation Army thrift store in Nyon. I think it’s French. The brand is Aigle.