Noj set arrived/review

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Avatar of Filip35

I just want to add that now when ŠN is out of business anyone can legally produce and sell Dubrovnik chess sets (I am referring on 1960s redesign).

Avatar of Eyechess

Thank you for adding what you know about this set design and the various sets made.

Jonas has been our expert on these sets for quite awhile.  We have read a lot from him on these sets.  He also has provided pictures of a number of these sets.

You have added details that help complete the picture.  Thank you.

 

Avatar of TheOneCalledMichael

I like to know all about Dubrovnik history and you both give tremendous insights. Much appreciated!

Avatar of TheOneCalledMichael

It looks the same beautiful horsies...what set is that?

Avatar of Brynmr

That in one beautiful set! Wow. I'll go look up the price - just curious since a few have commented on it.

 

Ok, I gave up looking for the price.  

Avatar of bikram162

Can anyone please say most expensive chess set in NOJ? 

Avatar of EdwardGrischuk

Pieces with board? And how much?

Avatar of magictwanger

I love my Noj set and am happy I bought it,but the prices are getting out of hand!

Avatar of KnightsForkCafe

Price and waiting list is the reason why I have no plans to get a NOJ set. Never really ever had a desire to own a NOJ set mainly due to extremely high prices. Beyond $200 is too much for me. Even above $100 I get a bit more conservative about buying a set.  

Avatar of KnightsForkCafe
MCH818 wrote:

For all those who are curious, the Noj set on eBay sold for $1,691.

Ridiculous! Can't see paying that much for a set. 

Avatar of Pawnerai
KnightsForkCafe wrote:
MCH818 wrote:

For all those who are curious, the Noj set on eBay sold for $1,691.

Ridiculous! Can't see paying that much for a set. 

There are people who pay that for a comic book encased in plastic. Or a small piece of cardboard with a cartoon character printed on it. Life is way too short. If you can responsibly afford it, and it brings you enjoyment — go for it. happy.png  My turn is coming in about 11 months. 

Avatar of Eyechess
KnightsForkCafe wrote:
MCH818 wrote:

For all those who are curious, the Noj set on eBay sold for $1,691.

Ridiculous! Can't see paying that much for a set. 

After buying a lot of Chess stuff, I agree.

I do really like my Noj sets and all, but there comes a price top in my opinion.

To this day I would never spend $700 or more for a set.  I have been a big fan of quality in a Chess set.  There comes a point where the quality is not noticeable when spending more money.  While I can understand someone not wanting to spend more than $200, I also have seen a significant quality improvement in some sets at or just higher than $300.

A number of years ago, I sold some wood sets to buy a HoS Morphy Series set.  I did not want the box, so they cut the price.  I also applied every possible discount and bought that $850 set for $525.

I am here to tell you that when I put that set next to a Marshall Series set I got on Clearance, you cannot notice a quality difference for the price difference.

I am disappointed with the crazy high prices the Noj sets now are.  I certainly would not spend that high.

 

Avatar of Pawnerai

I think it's a different perspective when one already owns and is enjoying a NOJ set(s). 

This is like your neighbor telling you that BMWs are overrated and not worth the current high price. Many disadvantages. A 2021 Camry is just as good for a much cheaper price. Then you look over at his driveway, and you see he has 2 BMWs parked in front.

With that said, my price ceiling for a new custom NOJ set is in the 700 range. Everyone has their own personal limit and priorities. Zero judgement. 700 is a lot of money for game pieces. Some people may think $150 is a lot of money for dinner, desert, drinks, tax, and tip. Hey, I got 4 mouths to feed everytime we go out for dinner. That's money that LITERALLY goes down the toilet tomorrow morning. Hah!! 

I might feel different 5 years from now after I've enjoyed the NOJ set for 4+ years. happy.png 

 

Avatar of Red_Dr_Agon08

If something is rare and the demand is great then it has its price.


I read the debate on the history of Dubrovnik in this post. I can tell you there are a lot of incomplete informations. I will try to write something more about it tomorrow.

Avatar of Powderdigit
I am very much aligned to where @KnightsForkCafe is coming from, including the price range (when adjusted for AUD).

That said, the market and supply/demand guides the price and value is such a subjective topic.

While I may never purchase an expensive set or antique set - I absolutely appreciate those that do and indeed, feel fortunate to be able to view such pieces here, from afar.

In the end collecting is about passion and passion will drive decision making. For some, there will also be an investment value/rare asset growth and that’s cool too. Whatever floats your boat.

I am under no illusion that the sets that I buy aren’t an investment in ROI terms … unless of course, one considers the pure enjoyment of playing with some nice pieces a little investment to bring a smile and some joy as I blunder away! 😉
Avatar of Eyechess
Mr_tactical wrote:

If something is rare and the demand is great then it has its price.


I read the debate on the history of Dubrovnik in this post. I can tell you there are a lot of incomplete informations. I will try to write something more about it tomorrow.

Well, thanks to the relatively low production numbers of Noj, their sets are rare.

Avatar of Pawnerai

70 total chess sets a year. (About 6 sets a month).
Made by one single craftsman on the entire planet.

Avatar of jsto

My order in late 2020  (brown-stained Minceta) came down to 711 EUR (= about 800 USD) with shipping and extra queens. I'm not sure I would spend much more than that, but at that price point, it was worth it to me.

Avatar of lighthouse

Each to there own , Back in early 2019 this was the  custom order quote from NOJ

      Total price offer

Dubrovnik 1950 black stained 698 EUR + VAT

Delivery 31 EUR + VAT

Extra queens (optional) 30 EUR + VAT

Total:  759 EUR + 22 % VAT = 925,98 EUR

At that price would rather have a antique Jaques or at least put my money towards one back then , It was the VAT at 22% that had put me off in the end shock.png

Avatar of magictwanger

All in all Pawnerai,you'll be thrilled!

I have a friend who recently gifted my 9 year old grandson an encased in plastic/flawless & mint Lebron James Rookie Card......I had it appraised for $1999.00

Personally,I think it's nuts,but that's what the market says it's worth.My wife and I laugh about his wife's reaction if she knew what he gave my grandson and it's value...Ha!   I don't think my friend knew either and I'd get killed if I told him.Not that he needs the money.

At this rate,it's almost like you'll be able to pay for a semester of college with an Noj set,if you hold onto it long enough.

Funny....I thought I was paying top dollar for my Noj  Tal pieces,with the new Knights,2 years ago.

Seems cheap by todays prices.-happy.png