Collectors buying up watches, coins and even vintage Hornby model trains to cash in on crisis
Collectors have flocked online to buy vintage watches, gold coins and memorabilia since lockdown began.
Experts say the trend is not unusual in times of economic uncertainty, when investors look for items that hold or increase in value while the stock markets are volatile.
Items that have piqued the most interest include model trains made by British firm Hornby, which have seen a 96 per cent increase in demand, and Swiss watches by Blancpain, which have had 37 per cent more bids, according to online auction site thesaleroom.com.
Collectibles that have peaked the most interest include model trains made by British firm Hornby, which have seen a 96 per cent increase in demand
Vintage watches and timepieces are up 13 per cent since March 23, its research shows. Interest in sporting memorabilia, including football shirts and programmes, has risen by 11 per cent.
There has also been a 19 per cent surge in demand for cheaper collectables, such as comics and cigarette cards, which are often sold for under £150.
John-Paul Savant, chief executive of Auction Technology Group, owner of thesaleroom.com, says: ‘Traditionally during economic uncertainty we expect to see high demand for items perceived as a ‘safe haven’.
Others are simply enjoying using their time at home to start or continue on their journey of collecting as a hobby.’