Advice on buying a Rolex
Discussion
I'm in the market for a fairly decent watch now. I'll first start off by stating that i'm not buying it purely from an investment perspective. I'd just like for it to still be worth somewhere in the region of what I paid for it rather than being worth the value of a hunk of metal a few years down the line.
I know some obvious things when buying second hand such as don't buy without papers and get it with the box. That's preferable to have obviously. I do rather prefer the idea to buy it new instead of second hand. I need some advice from those who know a bit better about this.
1.) Should I buy new or second hand?
2.) Is the company Watchfinder any good?
3.) Are certain layouts on the face more desirable than others? eg. Roman Numerals, Arabic, lines?
4.) Is the Air-King still made or do I have to buy second hand?
I firstly saw this one with the Arabic numbers. It was priced up as £5,000. I was offered £200 off, I know I could have probably got more off it. It's all Steel - is it (a) Not very desirable and going to lose a lot of value? and (b) a lot of money to be spending on a watch which is Steel? Should I really expect to get much off the RRP in the usual shops eg. Goldsmiths / Selfridges / Fraser Hart etc. when it does come to
I was looking in Watchfinder, (not sure if I can post links) and saw the Rolex Air-King, a few caught my eye. Some fairly old and others newer. I have no idea if they're a good buy or know much about these models.
I think this was fairly similar to the £5k one in terms of appearance. No papers which I know isn't good and it's 7 years old approximately and I think it's a level below the Datejust.
Another Air-King I had my eye on. 9 years old and no papers. It seems like a lot of money?
To put it into perspective: here's a DateJust with roman numerals. They claim the RRP is £4450. I was looking at DateJust II for a shade under £5k, reasonable? Should I expect to be able to get this sort of money still for it after 8 years?
Can one really buy watches from a place like Watchfinder, own it for a few years and then sell it for the price it was purchased at or a profit? Or is it a case of 'it depends' - I deviate though as I was mainly interested in the £5k watch or looking into the Air-King model.
Thanks for any advice.
I know some obvious things when buying second hand such as don't buy without papers and get it with the box. That's preferable to have obviously. I do rather prefer the idea to buy it new instead of second hand. I need some advice from those who know a bit better about this.
1.) Should I buy new or second hand?
2.) Is the company Watchfinder any good?
3.) Are certain layouts on the face more desirable than others? eg. Roman Numerals, Arabic, lines?
4.) Is the Air-King still made or do I have to buy second hand?
I firstly saw this one with the Arabic numbers. It was priced up as £5,000. I was offered £200 off, I know I could have probably got more off it. It's all Steel - is it (a) Not very desirable and going to lose a lot of value? and (b) a lot of money to be spending on a watch which is Steel? Should I really expect to get much off the RRP in the usual shops eg. Goldsmiths / Selfridges / Fraser Hart etc. when it does come to
I was looking in Watchfinder, (not sure if I can post links) and saw the Rolex Air-King, a few caught my eye. Some fairly old and others newer. I have no idea if they're a good buy or know much about these models.
I think this was fairly similar to the £5k one in terms of appearance. No papers which I know isn't good and it's 7 years old approximately and I think it's a level below the Datejust.
Another Air-King I had my eye on. 9 years old and no papers. It seems like a lot of money?
To put it into perspective: here's a DateJust with roman numerals. They claim the RRP is £4450. I was looking at DateJust II for a shade under £5k, reasonable? Should I expect to be able to get this sort of money still for it after 8 years?
Can one really buy watches from a place like Watchfinder, own it for a few years and then sell it for the price it was purchased at or a profit? Or is it a case of 'it depends' - I deviate though as I was mainly interested in the £5k watch or looking into the Air-King model.
Thanks for any advice.
Lots of different opinions around, as you'd expect, but the following is generally accepted:
Me? I'd go secondhand, and Air-King if I were in your boat. £2500-3000 might sound like a lot for a pre-owned watch, but that's what the new new £5k watch you mention is likely to be worth after a few years. Shouldn't drop beyond that, I shouldn't have thought, but it will depreciate to starty with.
- the gold and bi-metallic models depreciate pretty strongly from new; stainless steel ones hold their value far better
- if bought secondhand, prices are likely to be stable, but not all models will necessarily rise in value
- the steel sports watches (Submariner, Seadweller etc) are some of the more desirable ones. In my opinion, the models you mention are in lesser demand, and therefore might depreciate more/be harder to sell if you wanted to
- unless you're buying for investment, only buy what you genuinely like; the reality is that most people never sell their watches, so any gain or loss is purely notional
Me? I'd go secondhand, and Air-King if I were in your boat. £2500-3000 might sound like a lot for a pre-owned watch, but that's what the new new £5k watch you mention is likely to be worth after a few years. Shouldn't drop beyond that, I shouldn't have thought, but it will depreciate to starty with.
Edited by longblackcoat on Tuesday 21st April 09:36
In January this year, I was on the hunt for a secondhand Submariner - budget was £3k - £4k (although I fully expected to have to spend close to my upper limit). After lots of recommendations from PH'ers to speak with Dom at Hacketts, I gave him a call and got a deal so good that I found the slight (and I mean very slight) extra cash over a decent secondhand Sub and walked away with a brand new 114060
Give Dom a call - you won't be disappointed
Give Dom a call - you won't be disappointed
I echo buying what you like as it's you that's got to look at it all the time. That being said I fully get if you're spending this sort of money it is nice to know that you have an asset should the poo hit the fan.
That out of the way the first thing that's struck me about those watches is they are all different size watches. AK 34mm, DJ 36mm, Sub 40mm, DJ2 41mm and they all look different on the wrist.
As for dial options? That's all down to you really. It seems that Americans tend to prefer roman over stick dials on their DJ's but that's just an impression I've got over the years. I personally like the stick dials as a rule but a white faced DJ with smooth bezel and roman numerals does sound appealing.
That out of the way the first thing that's struck me about those watches is they are all different size watches. AK 34mm, DJ 36mm, Sub 40mm, DJ2 41mm and they all look different on the wrist.
As for dial options? That's all down to you really. It seems that Americans tend to prefer roman over stick dials on their DJ's but that's just an impression I've got over the years. I personally like the stick dials as a rule but a white faced DJ with smooth bezel and roman numerals does sound appealing.
As stated above to minimise depreciation your looking at steel sports models due to popularity and demand.
If looking second hand register on the rolex forums and keep an eye on the classifieds, great for gauging the market if nothing else.
If new, considering the models you have listed above there is a good chance you will be able to pick up a good deal from the likes of M&W at Heathrow t5 (other international airports are available
) if/when flying next.
At the end of the day buy what you will enjoy wearing most, I doubt you will see rapid depreciation on any steel model, there will always be a healthy market.
If looking second hand register on the rolex forums and keep an eye on the classifieds, great for gauging the market if nothing else.
If new, considering the models you have listed above there is a good chance you will be able to pick up a good deal from the likes of M&W at Heathrow t5 (other international airports are available
) if/when flying next. At the end of the day buy what you will enjoy wearing most, I doubt you will see rapid depreciation on any steel model, there will always be a healthy market.
Thanks for all of the useful information so far 
I was quite surprised to hear that Steel ones are actually desirable. I know a solid gold Rolex oozes tacky, but the metal is valuable at least. Unlike Steel which isn't exactly anything particularly valuable. I was also surprised to hear about the numbers, I thought it'd be considered 'too fashion' and not as desirable as something more 'classic'.
I don't have massive wrists so I think I could go up to about 36mm or a little bigger before it starts to look a bit too 'blingy'.
As noted; any watch I buy will be one I like first and foremost. If it's worth close to what I paid for it somewhere down the line then even better.
Does anyone have any experience with Watchfinder? Are those retail prices really realistic? It says RRP for the watch is £4,450. In the shop it was listed as £5,000 new and they offered me £200 off straight away. Is it really likely i'll be able to get them down to around £4,500 for the watch?
What are the disadvantages in buying an older Rolex? I assume it is similar to buying anything with moving parts in that it will wear out and the older it is the less valuable it becomes (unless it is limited in supply). The reason I ask is they have the one I was looking at <1 year old and never worn for £3,950. Then they have one which is 12 years old and only £600 less! Different colour dials, the same setup nevertheless. I actually rather like the black face with white / silver numerals.
I do prefer the idea of a new one. In the back of my mind if I buy second hand one, i'd want to have it opened up and get it checked out and even then I personally wouldn't know what to look for except anything obvious such as 'made in Japan' and quartz movements. I doubt they would open it for me either as it's sealed properly.
Can you actually buy an Air-King brand new these days? I couldn't really see them on the Rolex website and most places it seems to be second hand. Or are they known under a different name?
I was quite surprised to hear that Steel ones are actually desirable. I know a solid gold Rolex oozes tacky, but the metal is valuable at least. Unlike Steel which isn't exactly anything particularly valuable. I was also surprised to hear about the numbers, I thought it'd be considered 'too fashion' and not as desirable as something more 'classic'.
I don't have massive wrists so I think I could go up to about 36mm or a little bigger before it starts to look a bit too 'blingy'.
As noted; any watch I buy will be one I like first and foremost. If it's worth close to what I paid for it somewhere down the line then even better.
Does anyone have any experience with Watchfinder? Are those retail prices really realistic? It says RRP for the watch is £4,450. In the shop it was listed as £5,000 new and they offered me £200 off straight away. Is it really likely i'll be able to get them down to around £4,500 for the watch?
What are the disadvantages in buying an older Rolex? I assume it is similar to buying anything with moving parts in that it will wear out and the older it is the less valuable it becomes (unless it is limited in supply). The reason I ask is they have the one I was looking at <1 year old and never worn for £3,950. Then they have one which is 12 years old and only £600 less! Different colour dials, the same setup nevertheless. I actually rather like the black face with white / silver numerals.
I do prefer the idea of a new one. In the back of my mind if I buy second hand one, i'd want to have it opened up and get it checked out and even then I personally wouldn't know what to look for except anything obvious such as 'made in Japan' and quartz movements. I doubt they would open it for me either as it's sealed properly.
Can you actually buy an Air-King brand new these days? I couldn't really see them on the Rolex website and most places it seems to be second hand. Or are they known under a different name?
Edited by g4ry13 on Tuesday 21st April 23:27
Go to Chrono24 and search for the model you are after.
Can probably pick one up new for less than those prices.
Need to research the sellers, though, but there's plenty of reputable ones on there.
Or go on the Rolex website and look for Authorised Dealers in Europe and see what you can get with the exchange rate being good
Can probably pick one up new for less than those prices.
Need to research the sellers, though, but there's plenty of reputable ones on there.
Or go on the Rolex website and look for Authorised Dealers in Europe and see what you can get with the exchange rate being good
I've used WF before. They were ok. There was a mix up on their but it got sorted. I'd use again if I saw something I liked. I've heard good things about Dom on here so he's an avenue worth looking at. Depending how old you want to go Chronomaster is a nice person I've dealth with in the past along with Neil @ Heuerboy. Goldsmiths do second hand watches as well. There are tonnes of places as nice as Rolex is they make a shed load each year so finding a regular one shouldn't be any trouble.
WF are pretty good. Used them before for purchase and selling. The staff in the London store are very knowledgeable and there is always room for some negotiation.
Air King is a good choice, i've had one for a while now and am moving on to something bigger, mine is the White face 11' model. In PH classifieds if you want a look.
Secondhand prices are obviously subject to age, condition, popularity and whether there is box & paperwork present so you can find some seemingly odd price differences between newer and older models as you mentioned.
Air King is a good choice, i've had one for a while now and am moving on to something bigger, mine is the White face 11' model. In PH classifieds if you want a look.
Secondhand prices are obviously subject to age, condition, popularity and whether there is box & paperwork present so you can find some seemingly odd price differences between newer and older models as you mentioned.
I'm pretty sure you can get Air Kings new still. You certainly could last time I looked.
And the steel ones are partly desirable because they're not priced proportionately to the gold ones - they charge an enormous premium for the gold (much more than its value).
Actually, it's not just that. The value of the metal itself is relatively immaterial because the watch will always be worth more than its weight in raw materials.
And no, a stainless steel Rolex won't lose much but don't worry about it being older. It's designed to run a he'll of a lot more than 12 years and since it's at Watchfinder will have had an inspection and service before being sold so it's in the same place as the younger one. Either will perform pretty much identically.
And the steel ones are partly desirable because they're not priced proportionately to the gold ones - they charge an enormous premium for the gold (much more than its value).
Actually, it's not just that. The value of the metal itself is relatively immaterial because the watch will always be worth more than its weight in raw materials.
And no, a stainless steel Rolex won't lose much but don't worry about it being older. It's designed to run a he'll of a lot more than 12 years and since it's at Watchfinder will have had an inspection and service before being sold so it's in the same place as the younger one. Either will perform pretty much identically.
Edited by RobinBanks on Wednesday 22 April 12:14
On the 2nd hand question...
My wife bought me a SS Perpetual Datejust when we got engaged in 1999. It was 5 years old when she bought it. I don't know where she bought it from, but it came with a box and papers.
I've worn it every day for the past 16 years. It's never been serviced. It keeps almost perfect time. The face and crown are still unmarked, though it has some small scratches on the clasp.
IME, Rolex's are very tough things.
My wife bought me a SS Perpetual Datejust when we got engaged in 1999. It was 5 years old when she bought it. I don't know where she bought it from, but it came with a box and papers.
I've worn it every day for the past 16 years. It's never been serviced. It keeps almost perfect time. The face and crown are still unmarked, though it has some small scratches on the clasp.
IME, Rolex's are very tough things.
If considering a 36mm and like the black dial I would personally be looking at a late model Explorer I 114270.
There is actually a nice looking one on WF as we speak
http://watchfinder.co.uk/Rolex/Explorer/114270/177...
There is actually a nice looking one on WF as we speak
http://watchfinder.co.uk/Rolex/Explorer/114270/177...
My advice is to go steel and used (and this includes pre owned but never worn). When I was hunt for my first Rolex I also considered the Air King but 36mm is actually quite small nowadays. I don't have huge wrists but it's amazing how quickly a watch seems to shrink on your wrist - a bit like the way a new TV seems huge at first and then just seems 'normal'.
I therefore decided an Air King wasn't for me and started to look at Datejusts. At the time though the Jubilee bracelets put me off and I ended up with a used Submariner - looked big at first, now seems just right. Best decision I've ever made and prices have done nothing but go up; helped of course by the twice yearly Rolex price rise. I've also now added a white Milgauss to the collection and is another one you might want to consider.
Probably the best thing to do is go somewhere you can try the various models on and see what really calls out to you. If the deal on the day isn't right, walk away and get yourself on the internet. Like everyone says, DomH is an option and has nothing but good reviews (although never replied to my email about a Milgauss!), Blowers always have a huge selection, and I'd also recommend Watches of Distinction in Lymington.
I therefore decided an Air King wasn't for me and started to look at Datejusts. At the time though the Jubilee bracelets put me off and I ended up with a used Submariner - looked big at first, now seems just right. Best decision I've ever made and prices have done nothing but go up; helped of course by the twice yearly Rolex price rise. I've also now added a white Milgauss to the collection and is another one you might want to consider.
Probably the best thing to do is go somewhere you can try the various models on and see what really calls out to you. If the deal on the day isn't right, walk away and get yourself on the internet. Like everyone says, DomH is an option and has nothing but good reviews (although never replied to my email about a Milgauss!), Blowers always have a huge selection, and I'd also recommend Watches of Distinction in Lymington.
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