I have noticed exactly the same thing -- prices for the dashboard timers, bouncing up and down, but mainly up. Some of the recent prices represent huge premiums, above the prices that have been relatively flat for several years. Here is a Monte Carlo that just sold for $2,625 -- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120679984602&nma=true&rt=nc&si=xB8ICDZ96AKpBs0iOR8NjgzIavw%253D

My explanation would be that there are a couple of buyers in the market right now, seeking a couple of specific pieces. When these buyers participate in an auction, we see some very strong prices. When they stay on the sidelines, we see the "normal" prices (whatever that may mean). It's a thin market, that can be strongly affected by small number of bidders. That's the best I can do, in explaining this recent surge in prices.

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++

: Just a few days ago, there was a Valjoux 340 Autavia selling for
: 2,700 dollars. Just a few minutes ago, a similar one went for
: 1,450. The same seller of the Autavia that made only 1,450 got
: 2,625 for a three button Monte Carlo while just days ago a
: similar timer didn't make reserve @1,225. To me, these were
: apples to apples timers without outstanding influences on values
: either way, but I am no expert. In these days of the recent
: sales of two Auto Rallyes @ over three thousand dollars apiece
: and the disparate sales of the above mentioned timers, can an
: expert shed some light?