Is there a Rolex bubble?
Discussion
Caruso said:
So said:
Are you referring to non-sports models depreciating?
Broadly yes. Steel Subs and Daytonas seem to do well. Datejusts, Airkings, Yachtmaster etc seem to depreciate gently. The precious metal stuff is very expensive new so depreciates more. This is all based on personal observations of dealers windows and some stuff for sale online, so I'm not claiming a definitive knowledge of the market. Just what I've observed while I was looking for my 1st Rolex.As I see it, the main risk to used values is if interest rates improve drastically, and this would affect the value of all sorts of 'investment' items such as classic cars.
GG89 said:
I managed to buy a brand new BLNR from my local WOS at the weekend. Looking online used models a few years old are selling for about a grand over what I paid, why is that?
They are sought after and quite tricky to find new. Were you on a waiting list at WOS or were you just very, very fortunate?I definitely think there is some kind of bubble with Rolex atm. I used to have a high street shop a few doors down from an AD and for years you could regularly go in and buy a sports model from the window display (Daytona always an exception). Once cheap credit and 0% cards became a regular payment option it seemed like there was less choice (Sports Rolex). The new Daytona with it's huge premiums has caught the public interest in the other Sports models. I think it'll all catch up with itself personally.
funinhounslow said:
GG89 said:
I managed to buy a brand new BLNR from my local WOS at the weekend. Looking online used models a few years old are selling for about a grand over what I paid, why is that?
They are sought after and quite tricky to find new. Were you on a waiting list at WOS or were you just very, very fortunate?Edited by GG89 on Sunday 11th June 16:48
Edited by GG89 on Sunday 11th June 16:50
GG89 said:
Very fortunate I guess, after a lengthy discussion with the manager and trying on a few different watches he told me he has 1 coming in next week if I was interested but to tell him asap as it would go very quickly. Went for lunch to have a think about it and returned and paid in full.
How is the timekeeping?Edited by GG89 on Sunday 11th June 16:48
Edited by GG89 on Sunday 11th June 16:50
GG89 said:
Very fortunate I guess, after a lengthy discussion with the manager and trying on a few different watches he told me he has 1 coming in next week if I was interested but to tell him asap as it would go very quickly. Went for lunch to have a think about it and returned and paid in full.
That's pretty cool, and a real "right place right time" story. Congratulations!Rolex are like Apple and Porsche -- a complete mystery why they are so popular. Of course, they have crafted a very strong brand that many people love. But Rolex watches are bland and dull and few people bat an eyelid at them. A relative has one that he has worn every day for ~30 years, and only ~2 people have ever asked to see it closer in all that time.
Regarding future prices -- Rolex will stay strong for now. But everything is going digital for under-30s, and when they enter the Rolex segment in the next 10 to 20 years they will be looking for something less analog. Rolex will eventually become like 1920s Ford Model Ts -- something still desired, but catering to an ever smaller market.
Regarding future prices -- Rolex will stay strong for now. But everything is going digital for under-30s, and when they enter the Rolex segment in the next 10 to 20 years they will be looking for something less analog. Rolex will eventually become like 1920s Ford Model Ts -- something still desired, but catering to an ever smaller market.
Yipper said:
Rolex are like Apple and Porsche -- a complete mystery why they are so popular.
Apple have made a habit not of doing something 1st, but being the 1st to do it well. Porsche also do things very well. It's the same with Rolex, it's about execution not innovation. They've all built a brand on that.funinhounslow said:
GG89 said:
Very fortunate I guess, after a lengthy discussion with the manager and trying on a few different watches he told me he has 1 coming in next week if I was interested but to tell him asap as it would go very quickly. Went for lunch to have a think about it and returned and paid in full.
That's pretty cool, and a real "right place right time" story. Congratulations!Can't wait to collect.
Yipper said:
Regarding future prices -- Rolex will stay strong for now. But everything is going digital for under-30s, and when they enter the Rolex segment in the next 10 to 20 years they will be looking for something less analog. Rolex will eventually become like 1920s Ford Model Ts -- something still desired, but catering to an ever smaller market.
One word, Quartz.
Yipper said:
Rolex watches are bland and dull and few people bat an eyelid at them. A relative has one that he has worn every day for ~30 years, and only ~2 people have ever asked to see it closer in all that time.
One of the many reasons why I buy and wear them.The others include: reliability, robustness (the clasps are now the best and the bezel is ceramic), timekeeping, classic designs, look better well worn and beaten up, and value retention.
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