vc is easily equal to patek in quality, problem is not as well known or popular so the resell prices drop below an equal patek. it would be very unfair to overlook vc completely or place them into the lower tier. patek has the reputation of being the best. so that drives the high resell prices besides the top notch quality and craftmanship. lets remember though that patek spends lots'o' money on marketing compared to vc. really though vc is on par with patek, except name recognition.

there are a few other brands that are one notch below those two, but i guess really there can be only one best. so to sum up i'd say patek as there can only be one (like in the highlander) with a side place for vc, then everyone else.:)

i find collecting these types to be near impossible as if i had that kind of cash to spend on collecting, i'd be collecting automobiles instead. oh and great post Jim, well thoughtout.:)

j.h.