Velvet | Smooth Automation Transforms Luxury Watch Flipping
Edited By
Chloe Zhao
Luxury watch flipping is getting a major boost with the introduction of Velvet, an automation tool designed for watch dealers overwhelmed by the chaos of high-end sales. A Hungarian watch flipper, neck-deep in the complexities of brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe, has turned to this innovative solution to streamline their operations.
The Origins of Velvet
After grappling with the pressures of sourcing deals from platforms such as Chrono24 and managing negotiations in multiple languages, the need for effective automation became clear. Velvet was created to maintain productivity while reducing burnout. This tool acts like a finely tuned watch mechanism, handling everything from listing new deals to shipping watches insured across Europe.
How Velvet Works
Velvet integrates several tools to create a seamless experience:
Deal Alerts: Notifications from Chrono24, Facebook groups, and personal networks are compiled into a single Google Form.
Automatic Data Retrieval: It instantly fetches market prices and service histories, calculating buy and sell prices — netting a margin between 22-28%.
Records Management: Every transaction is saved in a private Airtable database with professional photos optimized automatically.
Market Posting: Watches are listed at optimal times on Chrono24, eBay Kleinanzeigen, and a curated Instagram list.
Transaction Closure: Upon a sale, it generates shipping labels and sends a personalized thank-you video to buyers.
As one flipper describes, "Now I wake up to just one Slack message detailing new deals and profits." This shifts the focus from chaotic hustle to a streamlined, almost aristocratic side business.
Impacts on the Luxury Market
The introduction of Velvet is sparking interest among luxury watch dealers and grey-market flippers alike. As the market evolves, automation tools like Velvet are becoming essential. The sentiment around this innovation is largely positive, as people recognize the stress relief it offers.
"This setup is pure catnip for luxury watch dealers."
Velvet appears to transform a once labor-intensive hustle into an enjoyable ritual, funded by high margins.
Key Insights
🚀 Velvet turns stressful flipping into elegant transactions.
🤝 "It makes luxury watch flipping almost effortless," a flipper noted.
🔥 The focus is shifting from chaos to calm in high-end watch dealing.
With Velvet, the landscape of high-end watch flipping is changing, making it accessible for more dealers at various levels in the industry.
A Glimpse into the Future of Watch Flipping
There’s a strong chance that as more dealers adopt automation tools like Velvet, the luxury watch market will undergo significant changes. Experts estimate that over the next few years, we could see a rise in the percentage of dealers utilizing automated systems from about 5% to upwards of 30%. This shift will not only streamline operations but also attract new participants, leading to a more organized marketplace. The potential for higher margins will likely encourage competitors to adopt similar technology quickly to stay relevant. As the demand for luxury watches continues to grow, the integration of automation could further elevate the market, making transactions smoother and boosting customer satisfaction.
Echoes from the Digital Revolution
The evolution unfolding in luxury watch flipping mirrors the early days of the e-commerce boom in the late 1990s. At that time, many traditional retailers faced chaos as online platforms emerged, threatening their conventional sales methods. Just as those retailers had to adapt to stay relevant, the luxury watch dealers are now faced with a similar imperative. The real transformation occurred when they learned to embrace technology, ultimately enhancing their business models. That significant leap shows how adapting to change can turn potential setbacks into powerful opportunities for growth, much like Velvet is doing for watch flippers today.