Are Rolex Watches Really Worth Their Price Tag?
Discussion
WEHGuy said:
Hi folks,
I am thinking about treating myself to a nice watch and was wondering if Rolexes (sp) are really worth their price tag? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
What do you mean by worth? The certainly cost a lot less to make than they are sold for.I am thinking about treating myself to a nice watch and was wondering if Rolexes (sp) are really worth their price tag? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
They certainly have their advantages. On my wrist right now is an approx 24 year old 14kt Date (I am American thus I can wear a gold watch) that was my father's, he never serviced it and only after 20 years did it need a service and some minor repairs.
Also, if you are looking for a Stainless steel sports model they have fantastic resale value.
But regardless, buy and wear what you like.
Also, if you are looking for a Stainless steel sports model they have fantastic resale value.
But regardless, buy and wear what you like.
Fittster said:
WEHGuy said:
Hi folks,
I am thinking about treating myself to a nice watch and was wondering if Rolexes (sp) are really worth their price tag? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
What do you mean by worth? The certainly cost a lot less to make than they are sold for.I am thinking about treating myself to a nice watch and was wondering if Rolexes (sp) are really worth their price tag? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
WEHGuy said:
Fittster said:
WEHGuy said:
Hi folks,
I am thinking about treating myself to a nice watch and was wondering if Rolexes (sp) are really worth their price tag? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
What do you mean by worth? The certainly cost a lot less to make than they are sold for.I am thinking about treating myself to a nice watch and was wondering if Rolexes (sp) are really worth their price tag? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Imo Rolex Stainless sports models hold their value very well not like certain other brands.
If you buy a preowned Sub or Gmt you can't really go wrong and if you decide to sell you will probably make little profit.
For example I bought my Rolex Sub Date in 1995 for £1,870 list price kept her 5 years and was offered £1,700.
Bry
If you buy a preowned Sub or Gmt you can't really go wrong and if you decide to sell you will probably make little profit.
For example I bought my Rolex Sub Date in 1995 for £1,870 list price kept her 5 years and was offered £1,700.
Bry
bry1975 said:
Imo Rolex Stainless sports models hold their value very well not like certain other brands.
If you buy a preowned Sub or Gmt you can't really go wrong and if you decide to sell you will probably make little profit.
For example I bought my Rolex Sub Date in 1995 for £1,870 list price kept her 5 years and was offered £1,700.
Bry
My Sub is 20 odd years old , great watch no problems although not exactly the most acurate watch in the world If you buy a preowned Sub or Gmt you can't really go wrong and if you decide to sell you will probably make little profit.
For example I bought my Rolex Sub Date in 1995 for £1,870 list price kept her 5 years and was offered £1,700.
Bry
i paid 1240 GBP for her
I would say yes. I have had my GMTII on my wrist almost daily since 2001, wear it in the gym whilst weightlifting etc, has been dropped from table height on to hard floors on more than one occassion and nhas ever been serviced. It has not had a single issue and keeps excellent time. Whilst I have other watches this is the one I have grown attached to and will never be parted from it.
You'll probably find that this subject has been covered many times in various threads but I doubt a search would bring up a specific thread as topics do meander a bit! At least if we can add some input onto this one, it should contain the info you (and future posters) need based on the title.
Rolex is probably upper mid-market in terms of market positioning, with the higher end stuff like Patek Phillippe and Jaeger Le Coultre definitely above it in terms of quality and 'worth'. Those brands are damned expensive though. Above those you get into the really good but niche stuff - A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original and way above that the real bespoke stuff such as Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey and Urwerk. Your average Joe has probably never heard of these brands.
The main catch as I see it, is that everyone has heard of Rolex. To its credit, Rolex has always done and continues to do, a great job of effectively marketing its product range (Hans Wilsdorf, the founder, literally jumped at the chance of putting a waterproof Oyster-case Rolex on the arm of Mercedes Gleitz who swam the Channel in 1927, then heavily promoted his waterproof watch). Given that the man in the street believes that Rolex is THE watch to own, you can argue their marketing guys have done a good job.
As a watch brand, Rolex has both its detractors and its fans. Some people would never consider one as they do not like the perceived brand image whereas others can see past the image and appreciate the facts that Rolex is still an independent watch firm with a true heritage, is a true manufacturer in that it makes its own movements* as well as the other components of its watches, uses high grade steels for the cases etc etc. Many mid-market Swiss brands (TAG Heuer, Omega etc) simply assemble parts, rather than being an assembler of parts shipped in from Switzerland and beyond. Having said that, a quiet revolution in the industry is forcing more brands to develop their own in-house movements as the movement manufacturers (for example ETA, owned by Swatch Group) reduce supply.
Is a Rolex worth the sticker price these days? That's subjective but I do know that prices have more than doubled in the 12 years I have owned my GMT Master, meaning mine should be worth at least what I paid for it and possibly more. All brands have hiked their prices and an Omega Seamaster Pro would now cost me twice what I paid in 1997 so it may be an industry thing. Would I go out and spend £4900 on a new GMT II ceramic these days......?
If you are considering buying one, you could do worse than buying a previous generation (I think we are referring to them as classics now) Submariner, Seadweller, GMT Master or GMT Master II. They are likely to hold onto their value, which although not the main goal in owning a watch, is useful if circumstances force you to sell up at some point.
Rolex is probably upper mid-market in terms of market positioning, with the higher end stuff like Patek Phillippe and Jaeger Le Coultre definitely above it in terms of quality and 'worth'. Those brands are damned expensive though. Above those you get into the really good but niche stuff - A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original and way above that the real bespoke stuff such as Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey and Urwerk. Your average Joe has probably never heard of these brands.
The main catch as I see it, is that everyone has heard of Rolex. To its credit, Rolex has always done and continues to do, a great job of effectively marketing its product range (Hans Wilsdorf, the founder, literally jumped at the chance of putting a waterproof Oyster-case Rolex on the arm of Mercedes Gleitz who swam the Channel in 1927, then heavily promoted his waterproof watch). Given that the man in the street believes that Rolex is THE watch to own, you can argue their marketing guys have done a good job.
As a watch brand, Rolex has both its detractors and its fans. Some people would never consider one as they do not like the perceived brand image whereas others can see past the image and appreciate the facts that Rolex is still an independent watch firm with a true heritage, is a true manufacturer in that it makes its own movements* as well as the other components of its watches, uses high grade steels for the cases etc etc. Many mid-market Swiss brands (TAG Heuer, Omega etc) simply assemble parts, rather than being an assembler of parts shipped in from Switzerland and beyond. Having said that, a quiet revolution in the industry is forcing more brands to develop their own in-house movements as the movement manufacturers (for example ETA, owned by Swatch Group) reduce supply.
- The Rolex Daytona now has an in-house movement but for years the movement was supplied by Zenith.
Is a Rolex worth the sticker price these days? That's subjective but I do know that prices have more than doubled in the 12 years I have owned my GMT Master, meaning mine should be worth at least what I paid for it and possibly more. All brands have hiked their prices and an Omega Seamaster Pro would now cost me twice what I paid in 1997 so it may be an industry thing. Would I go out and spend £4900 on a new GMT II ceramic these days......?
If you are considering buying one, you could do worse than buying a previous generation (I think we are referring to them as classics now) Submariner, Seadweller, GMT Master or GMT Master II. They are likely to hold onto their value, which although not the main goal in owning a watch, is useful if circumstances force you to sell up at some point.
Edited by Spice_Weasel on Tuesday 15th February 17:26
Spice_Weasel said:
You'll probably find that this subject has been covered many times in various threads but I doubt a search would bring up a specific thread as topics do meander a bit! At least if we can add some input onto this one, it should contain the info you (and future posters) need based on the title.
Rolex is probably upper mid-market in terms of market positioning, with the higher end stuff like Patek Phillippe and Jaeger Le Coultre definitely above it in terms of quality and 'worth'. Those brands are damned expensive though. Above those you get into the really good but niche stuff - A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original and way above that the real bespoke stuff such as Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey and Urwerk. Your average Joe has probably never heard of these brands.
The main catch as I see it, is that everyone has heard of Rolex. To its credit, Rolex has always done and continues to do, a great job of effectively marketing its product range (Hans Wilsdorf, the founder, literally jumped at the chance of putting a waterproof Oyster-case Rolex on the arm of Mercedes Gleitz who swam the Channel in 1927, then heavily promoted his waterproof watch). Given that the man in the street believes that Rolex is THE watch to own, you can argue their marketing guys have done a good job.
As a watch brand, Rolex has both its detractors and its fans. Some people would never consider one as they do not like the perceived brand image whereas others can see past the image and appreciate the facts that Rolex is still an independent watch firm with a true heritage, is a true manufacturer in that it makes its own movements* as well as the other components of its watches, uses high grade steels for the cases etc etc. Many mid-market Swiss brands (TAG Heuer, Omega etc) simply assemble parts, rather than being an assembler of parts shipped in from Switzerland and beyond. Having said that, a quiet revolution in the industry is forcing more brands to develop their own in-house movements as the movement manufacturers (for example ETA, owned by Swatch Group) reduce supply.
Is a Rolex worth the sticker price these days? That's subjective but I do know that prices have more than doubled in the 12 years I have owned my GMT Master, meaning mine should be worth at least what I paid for it and possibly more. All brands have hiked their prices and an Omega Seamaster Pro would now cost me twice what I paid in 1997 so it may be an industry thing. Would I go out and spend £4900 on a new GMT II ceramic these days......?
If you are considering buying one, you could do worse than buying a previous generation (I think we are referring to them as classics now) Submariner, Seadweller, GMT Master or GMT Master II. They are likely to hold onto their value, which although not the main goal in owning a watch, is useful if circumstances force you to sell up at some point.
Thanks. Very informative post.Rolex is probably upper mid-market in terms of market positioning, with the higher end stuff like Patek Phillippe and Jaeger Le Coultre definitely above it in terms of quality and 'worth'. Those brands are damned expensive though. Above those you get into the really good but niche stuff - A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original and way above that the real bespoke stuff such as Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey and Urwerk. Your average Joe has probably never heard of these brands.
The main catch as I see it, is that everyone has heard of Rolex. To its credit, Rolex has always done and continues to do, a great job of effectively marketing its product range (Hans Wilsdorf, the founder, literally jumped at the chance of putting a waterproof Oyster-case Rolex on the arm of Mercedes Gleitz who swam the Channel in 1927, then heavily promoted his waterproof watch). Given that the man in the street believes that Rolex is THE watch to own, you can argue their marketing guys have done a good job.
As a watch brand, Rolex has both its detractors and its fans. Some people would never consider one as they do not like the perceived brand image whereas others can see past the image and appreciate the facts that Rolex is still an independent watch firm with a true heritage, is a true manufacturer in that it makes its own movements* as well as the other components of its watches, uses high grade steels for the cases etc etc. Many mid-market Swiss brands (TAG Heuer, Omega etc) simply assemble parts, rather than being an assembler of parts shipped in from Switzerland and beyond. Having said that, a quiet revolution in the industry is forcing more brands to develop their own in-house movements as the movement manufacturers (for example ETA, owned by Swatch Group) reduce supply.
- The Rolex Daytona now has an in-house movement but for years the movement was supplied by Zenith.
Is a Rolex worth the sticker price these days? That's subjective but I do know that prices have more than doubled in the 12 years I have owned my GMT Master, meaning mine should be worth at least what I paid for it and possibly more. All brands have hiked their prices and an Omega Seamaster Pro would now cost me twice what I paid in 1997 so it may be an industry thing. Would I go out and spend £4900 on a new GMT II ceramic these days......?
If you are considering buying one, you could do worse than buying a previous generation (I think we are referring to them as classics now) Submariner, Seadweller, GMT Master or GMT Master II. They are likely to hold onto their value, which although not the main goal in owning a watch, is useful if circumstances force you to sell up at some point.
Edited by Spice_Weasel on Tuesday 15th February 17:26
Spice_Weasel said:
You'll probably find that this subject has been covered many times in various threads but I doubt a search would bring up a specific thread as topics do meander a bit! At least if we can add some input onto this one, it should contain the info you (and future posters) need based on the title.
Rolex is probably upper mid-market in terms of market positioning, with the higher end stuff like Patek Phillippe and Jaeger Le Coultre definitely above it in terms of quality and 'worth'. Those brands are damned expensive though. Above those you get into the really good but niche stuff - A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original and way above that the real bespoke stuff such as Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey and Urwerk. Your average Joe has probably never heard of these brands.
The main catch as I see it, is that everyone has heard of Rolex. To its credit, Rolex has always done and continues to do, a great job of effectively marketing its product range (Hans Wilsdorf, the founder, literally jumped at the chance of putting a waterproof Oyster-case Rolex on the arm of Mercedes Gleitz who swam the Channel in 1927, then heavily promoted his waterproof watch). Given that the man in the street believes that Rolex is THE watch to own, you can argue their marketing guys have done a good job.
As a watch brand, Rolex has both its detractors and its fans. Some people would never consider one as they do not like the perceived brand image whereas others can see past the image and appreciate the facts that Rolex is still an independent watch firm with a true heritage, is a true manufacturer in that it makes its own movements* as well as the other components of its watches, uses high grade steels for the cases etc etc. Many mid-market Swiss brands (TAG Heuer, Omega etc) simply assemble parts, rather than being an assembler of parts shipped in from Switzerland and beyond. Having said that, a quiet revolution in the industry is forcing more brands to develop their own in-house movements as the movement manufacturers (for example ETA, owned by Swatch Group) reduce supply.
Is a Rolex worth the sticker price these days? That's subjective but I do know that prices have more than doubled in the 12 years I have owned my GMT Master, meaning mine should be worth at least what I paid for it and possibly more. All brands have hiked their prices and an Omega Seamaster Pro would now cost me twice what I paid in 1997 so it may be an industry thing. Would I go out and spend £4900 on a new GMT II ceramic these days......?
If you are considering buying one, you could do worse than buying a previous generation (I think we are referring to them as classics now) Submariner, Seadweller, GMT Master or GMT Master II. They are likely to hold onto their value, which although not the main goal in owning a watch, is useful if circumstances force you to sell up at some point.
^ Spot on; good summary.Rolex is probably upper mid-market in terms of market positioning, with the higher end stuff like Patek Phillippe and Jaeger Le Coultre definitely above it in terms of quality and 'worth'. Those brands are damned expensive though. Above those you get into the really good but niche stuff - A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original and way above that the real bespoke stuff such as Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey and Urwerk. Your average Joe has probably never heard of these brands.
The main catch as I see it, is that everyone has heard of Rolex. To its credit, Rolex has always done and continues to do, a great job of effectively marketing its product range (Hans Wilsdorf, the founder, literally jumped at the chance of putting a waterproof Oyster-case Rolex on the arm of Mercedes Gleitz who swam the Channel in 1927, then heavily promoted his waterproof watch). Given that the man in the street believes that Rolex is THE watch to own, you can argue their marketing guys have done a good job.
As a watch brand, Rolex has both its detractors and its fans. Some people would never consider one as they do not like the perceived brand image whereas others can see past the image and appreciate the facts that Rolex is still an independent watch firm with a true heritage, is a true manufacturer in that it makes its own movements* as well as the other components of its watches, uses high grade steels for the cases etc etc. Many mid-market Swiss brands (TAG Heuer, Omega etc) simply assemble parts, rather than being an assembler of parts shipped in from Switzerland and beyond. Having said that, a quiet revolution in the industry is forcing more brands to develop their own in-house movements as the movement manufacturers (for example ETA, owned by Swatch Group) reduce supply.
- The Rolex Daytona now has an in-house movement but for years the movement was supplied by Zenith.
Is a Rolex worth the sticker price these days? That's subjective but I do know that prices have more than doubled in the 12 years I have owned my GMT Master, meaning mine should be worth at least what I paid for it and possibly more. All brands have hiked their prices and an Omega Seamaster Pro would now cost me twice what I paid in 1997 so it may be an industry thing. Would I go out and spend £4900 on a new GMT II ceramic these days......?
If you are considering buying one, you could do worse than buying a previous generation (I think we are referring to them as classics now) Submariner, Seadweller, GMT Master or GMT Master II. They are likely to hold onto their value, which although not the main goal in owning a watch, is useful if circumstances force you to sell up at some point.
Likewise, I've an Explorer II from 2000 and apart from one service it hasn't cost me a bean if I were to sell it. Can't say fairer than that.
Lost soul said:
My Sub is 20 odd years old , great watch no problems although not exactly the most acurate watch in the world I paid 1240 GBP for her
But that's the dichotomy, age means nothing these days; my Fossil quartz is now 18 years old (my then girlfriend/now wife bought it for me, it was the first present she gave me in '93) and it's been faultless, keeps perfect time and cost her around £50 I paid 1240 GBP for her 
Personally I don't like them but I know fans of diver's watches rate them. As has been said they are in no way "the best", just look at Patak Philippe, Vacheron Conatantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre etc. but as a mid range watch that will hold it's value they are fine.
WEHGuy said:
So are they like diamonds? Most people think they are better than they actually are?
Not wishing to go off at a tangent but in what way do people consider diamonds to be better than they are, I really have never encountered that thought. Diamonds are measured in carats and are traded accordingly. Also when cut nicely and set appropriately they can look stunning. RichB said:
ot wishing to go off at a tangent but in what way do people consider diamonds to be better than they are, I really have never encountered that thought. Diamonds are measured in carats and are traded accordingly. Also when cut nicely and set appropriately they can look stunning.
Due to the fact that they are only a semi precious stone and 1 company has a monopoly on them, which inflates prices.RichB said:
ot wishing to go off at a tangent but in what way do people consider diamonds to be better than they are, I really have never encountered that thought. Diamonds are measured in carats and are traded accordingly. Also when cut nicely and set appropriately they can look stunning.
Agreed. Odd comment. Apparently diamonds are forever.
HTH
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