While major auction houses often dominate headlines for record-setting watch sales, some of the most significant transactions in the luxury watch market are happening quietly behind the scenes.
A private luxury watch advisory firm based in Miami and Palm Beach, The Second Hand Club, has recently brokered the sale of the highly coveted F.P. Journe Steel Set for approximately $3.5 million, marking one of the most notable private transactions ever completed for a collection from the celebrated independent watchmaker.
The transaction was facilitated by horology expert Gregory Lausch, founder of The Second Hand Club, whose firm specializes in connecting collectors with historically significant and rare timepieces outside of the traditional auction environment.
As the market for collectible watches continues to mature, private advisory firms like The Second Hand Club are increasingly playing a pivotal role in high-value transactions that rarely reach the public stage.
A Different Model in the Luxury Watch Market
Unlike traditional watch dealers or auction houses, The Second Hand Club operates as a luxury watch advisory platform rather than an inventory-driven retailer.
Instead of maintaining a showroom filled with stock, the firm focuses on sourcing exceptional watches directly for collectors through a global network of private owners, dealers, and industry insiders.
This advisory model allows the firm to connect collectors with some of the most desirable watches in the world, including pieces from brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex, alongside rare creations from leading independent watchmakers like F.P. Journe, Rexhep Rexhepi, and Kari Voutilainen.
By operating as a strategic intermediary rather than a traditional retailer, the firm is able to provide clients with access to watches that rarely appear publicly on the market.
Private Transactions Reaching Record Values
The firm’s approach has enabled it to facilitate transactions at values that often rival—or exceed—those achieved at auction.
In addition to brokering the $3.5 million F.P. Journe Steel Set, The Second Hand Club recently facilitated the private sale of a Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II for approximately $1.7 million, one of the highest known prices for the model outside of public auctions.
The company has also sourced rare timepieces by independent watchmaker Ludovic Ballouard, with select examples exceeding $140,000 in private transactions.
According to Gregory Lausch, the ability to achieve these values often comes from bypassing the traditional auction structure.
Auction houses and major online marketplaces typically charge substantial commissions to both buyers and sellers—sometimes totaling more than 20 percent of the transaction value. By connecting collectors directly through private brokerage, both parties are able to retain more value while still benefiting from expert guidance.
A Philosophy Centered on Collecting, Not Speculation
With more than a decade of experience in the luxury industry, Gregory Lausch has built a reputation for offering candid advice in a market that is often driven by speculation and social-media hype.
His philosophy is simple: collect watches for their craftsmanship, history, and personal enjoyment—not solely as financial investments.
This approach forms the foundation of The Second Hand Club’s concierge-style sourcing service, offered through its Circle Membership program, which provides collectors with market insights, acquisition strategies, and access to rare timepieces worldwide.
Clients range from first-time luxury watch buyers entering the market to seasoned collectors seeking historically significant pieces from the world’s most respected independent watchmakers.
Transparency is a core part of the firm’s appeal, particularly in an industry where pricing information can be fragmented and access to rare watches is often limited to a small network of insiders.
Fighting the Rise of Counterfeit Luxury Watches
As collectible watches continue to appreciate in value, the sophistication of counterfeit timepieces has increased dramatically—creating new challenges for collectors and dealers alike.
To address this issue, The Second Hand Club is currently developing technology designed to combat counterfeit luxury watches entering the secondary market.
The initiative aims to introduce verification tools and authentication standards that improve trust and transparency within the collector community.
Every watch handled by the firm already undergoes a rigorous verification process that includes detailed inspection, provenance analysis, and expert evaluation. The company plans to expand these protocols through new technological solutions designed to strengthen authentication practices across the industry.
A Growing Voice in Modern Watch Collecting
Beyond private advisory services, The Second Hand Club has also become a growing voice in the world of watch collecting through its educational content and digital platforms.
Through YouTube, social media, and industry commentary, Gregory Lausch regularly shares insights on collecting strategies, market trends, and the evolving landscape of independent watchmaking.
By combining private brokerage, market intelligence, and collector education, The Second Hand Club has positioned itself as a trusted resource for enthusiasts seeking both expertise and access to exceptional timepieces in an increasingly complex luxury watch market.
