Has the Rolex bubble finally burst? Perhaps it has
Discussion
Lord Marylebone said:
Totally agree about Tudor.
Really great watches that are obtainable for most people if they really want to own a 'nice' watch.
And actually wear it. Really great watches that are obtainable for most people if they really want to own a 'nice' watch.
You don't see many old Submariners (from Rolex or Tudor) that spent their time sitting boxed in a safe to make sure the stickers didn't catch any wear. Most of them are beat to hell because the owners wanted a nice watch, not an investment. There are, of course, still plenty of people buying Rolex's to beat the hell out of them (and good for them).
gregs656 said:
Lord Marylebone said:
Totally agree about Tudor.
Really great watches that are obtainable for most people if they really want to own a 'nice' watch.
And actually wear it. Really great watches that are obtainable for most people if they really want to own a 'nice' watch.
You don't see many old Submariners (from Rolex or Tudor) that spent their time sitting boxed in a safe to make sure the stickers didn't catch any wear. Most of them are beat to hell because the owners wanted a nice watch, not an investment. There are, of course, still plenty of people buying Rolex's to beat the hell out of them (and good for them).
crankedup said:
Took my late Mother’s Rolex along for a valuation, one of the guys that appear on telly gave it a look. It’s dated in the late 1920’s in Art Deco style. Gold case and gold (non original) strap. He explained that ladies watches are not as sought after as men’s watches, the watch is in good working condition. The auction value offered was £300 was very disappointing, not that I was selling as it will be passed onto my daughter.
Valuation was about four years ago.
Well, "1920’s in Art Deco style" in gold case....It not exactly a COMEX Sub...Valuation was about four years ago.
Has anyone had any experience of trying to get hold of an Explorer 1 39mm recently? Probably slightly nearer the bottom of the pile for SS Sports hype/demand, but no doubt still there.
Would love to purchase one as my first and only Rolex and wear it every day for the rest of time, but it's rapidly becoming unobtainable it seems.
A few speculative calls to ADs have returned the usual b.s about coming in to register my interest which we obviously can't at the moment, and would be on a hiding to nothing anyway, but when was the last time anyone saw one available new anywhere in UK?
How does one approach the "few hundred in an envelope" conversation
Would love to purchase one as my first and only Rolex and wear it every day for the rest of time, but it's rapidly becoming unobtainable it seems.
A few speculative calls to ADs have returned the usual b.s about coming in to register my interest which we obviously can't at the moment, and would be on a hiding to nothing anyway, but when was the last time anyone saw one available new anywhere in UK?
How does one approach the "few hundred in an envelope" conversation
PopsandBangs said:
Has anyone had any experience of trying to get hold of an Explorer 1 39mm recently? Probably slightly nearer the bottom of the pile for SS Sports hype/demand, but no doubt still there.
Would love to purchase one as my first and only Rolex and wear it every day for the rest of time, but it's rapidly becoming unobtainable it seems.
A few speculative calls to ADs have returned the usual b.s about coming in to register my interest which we obviously can't at the moment, and would be on a hiding to nothing anyway, but when was the last time anyone saw one available new anywhere in UK?
How does one approach the "few hundred in an envelope" conversation
I have a milestone birthday coming up in October and decided that I wanted to treat myself to a 39mm Explorer. Not heard great things about Goldsmiths but I have an independent equally close so gave them a call back in August last year. They didn't require me to go in but said that they would only deal with existing customers or those local to them so took my address, phone number and the date of my birthday.Would love to purchase one as my first and only Rolex and wear it every day for the rest of time, but it's rapidly becoming unobtainable it seems.
A few speculative calls to ADs have returned the usual b.s about coming in to register my interest which we obviously can't at the moment, and would be on a hiding to nothing anyway, but when was the last time anyone saw one available new anywhere in UK?
How does one approach the "few hundred in an envelope" conversation
From our conversation they had a couple of other people interested in the same watch, couldn't guarantee what they would be getting in as this isn't controlled by them and they don't get as many explorers as some of their other watches.
They seemed confident that based on previous experience that they would likely have one by then. Told them at the time that if something came up really soon I would be happy to let someone step in front, their advice was that if they call me to say that they have one to take it. No news so far, but they have been closed since Dec.
Edited by Tipp Ex on Tuesday 16th March 18:58
Harry Flashman said:
Francois de La Rochefoucauld said:
For what it's worth I ordered a GMT II 'Root Beer' and it arrived in a couple of weeks. Not the most popular model, but they are going for circa 50% overs on the grey market.
Not my experience at all, but then I have never bought a new Rolex and am unable to go into an AD right now.I wanted this watch and was told to wait. Not fussed, but interesting difference. I stuck my name down for one and if it turns up in a couple of years, happy days.
It is, to my eyes, the nicest of the GMT Master IIs. Never liked the Batman, and whilst I like the Pepsi, I like the rose gold dial and bezel on the Rootbeer far more. Mine will be worn on a battered leather strap.
It was GOLD!
I was walking by one of the Rolex dealers near me today and they had a 2010ish Hulk in the window. No box or papers but looked like it hadn't been worn. It was priced at $22k (USD) or a little under £16k (GBP).
I know they have gone up in price but even that felt quite punchy to me...or am I just out of touch?!
I know they have gone up in price but even that felt quite punchy to me...or am I just out of touch?!
Tipp Ex said:
I have a milestone birthday coming up in October and decided that I wanted to treat myself to a 39mm Explorer. Not heard great things about Goldsmiths but I have an independent equally close so gave them a call back in August last year. They didn't require me to go in but said that they would only deal with existing customers or those local to them so took my address, phone number and the date of my birthday.
From our conversation they had a couple of other people interested in the same watch, couldn't guarantee what they would be getting in as this isn't controlled by them and they don't get as many explorers as some of their other watches.
They seemed confident that based on previous experience that they would likely have one by then. Told them at the time that if something came up really soon I would be happy to let someone step in front, their advice was that if they call me to say that they have one to take it. No news so far, but they have been closed since Dec.
Are they not trading virtually atm? Otherwise, if you can contact them I would, give them a reminder that you’re still waiting and ready to go with the purchase once they re-open and your birthday isn’t far away now...From our conversation they had a couple of other people interested in the same watch, couldn't guarantee what they would be getting in as this isn't controlled by them and they don't get as many explorers as some of their other watches.
They seemed confident that based on previous experience that they would likely have one by then. Told them at the time that if something came up really soon I would be happy to let someone step in front, their advice was that if they call me to say that they have one to take it. No news so far, but they have been closed since Dec.
Edited by Tipp Ex on Tuesday 16th March 18:58
PopsandBangs said:
Has anyone had any experience of trying to get hold of an Explorer 1 39mm recently? Probably slightly nearer the bottom of the pile for SS Sports hype/demand, but no doubt still there.
Would love to purchase one as my first and only Rolex and wear it every day for the rest of time, but it's rapidly becoming unobtainable it seems.
A few speculative calls to ADs have returned the usual b.s about coming in to register my interest which we obviously can't at the moment, and would be on a hiding to nothing anyway, but when was the last time anyone saw one available new anywhere in UK?
How does one approach the "few hundred in an envelope" conversation
Round 1. I first enquired about an Explorer in May 2020. Visited a local independent AD, had a chat with guy, tried on his Air King to give me some idea of sizing etc. They took my details & I’ve never heard back from them. Would love to purchase one as my first and only Rolex and wear it every day for the rest of time, but it's rapidly becoming unobtainable it seems.
A few speculative calls to ADs have returned the usual b.s about coming in to register my interest which we obviously can't at the moment, and would be on a hiding to nothing anyway, but when was the last time anyone saw one available new anywhere in UK?
How does one approach the "few hundred in an envelope" conversation
Round 2. September or October 2020. Take Bremont into Beaverbrooks to drop it off for a service & I call into the Goldsmiths opposite. Chat with a lady about the Explorer & also availability, the Rolex market, grey dealers, flipping, modding Seikos, G-Shocks, she struck me as a watch fan, & someone who was going to “try” & get me the Explorer rather than fob me off ....3 weeks later she calls me to say the watch is in stock & I can collect the next day.
Motto. I think once things open up, face to face is the way to go. Don’t be put off by the larger stores/groups. The local AD never came through for me. My impression was that they wanted to sell the watch to someone who would appreciate it & not flip it (...although this obviously goes on ).
Edited by andySC on Wednesday 17th March 08:09
Francois de La Rochefoucauld said:
Harry Flashman said:
Francois de La Rochefoucauld said:
For what it's worth I ordered a GMT II 'Root Beer' and it arrived in a couple of weeks. Not the most popular model, but they are going for circa 50% overs on the grey market.
Not my experience at all, but then I have never bought a new Rolex and am unable to go into an AD right now.I wanted this watch and was told to wait. Not fussed, but interesting difference. I stuck my name down for one and if it turns up in a couple of years, happy days.
It is, to my eyes, the nicest of the GMT Master IIs. Never liked the Batman, and whilst I like the Pepsi, I like the rose gold dial and bezel on the Rootbeer far more. Mine will be worn on a battered leather strap.
It was GOLD!
NEC3 said:
Francois de La Rochefoucauld said:
Harry Flashman said:
Francois de La Rochefoucauld said:
For what it's worth I ordered a GMT II 'Root Beer' and it arrived in a couple of weeks. Not the most popular model, but they are going for circa 50% overs on the grey market.
Not my experience at all, but then I have never bought a new Rolex and am unable to go into an AD right now.I wanted this watch and was told to wait. Not fussed, but interesting difference. I stuck my name down for one and if it turns up in a couple of years, happy days.
It is, to my eyes, the nicest of the GMT Master IIs. Never liked the Batman, and whilst I like the Pepsi, I like the rose gold dial and bezel on the Rootbeer far more. Mine will be worn on a battered leather strap.
It was GOLD!
RMDB9 said:
crankedup said:
Took my late Mother’s Rolex along for a valuation, one of the guys that appear on telly gave it a look. It’s dated in the late 1920’s in Art Deco style. Gold case and gold (non original) strap. He explained that ladies watches are not as sought after as men’s watches, the watch is in good working condition. The auction value offered was £300 was very disappointing, not that I was selling as it will be passed onto my daughter.
Valuation was about four years ago.
Well, "1920’s in Art Deco style" in gold case....It not exactly a COMEX Sub...Valuation was about four years ago.
Rolex wouldn’t touch it for service either only interested in the straight forward stuff apparently.
I’ve been following 124060 Subs and they are softening....well some now start with a 9 at least.
Don’t get me wrong I know it’s still £3k over RRP but I assume this is due to more and more entering the market, or they aren’t flying off the grey market.
Now really want a 116600 SD 2014-2017....they aren’t softening ha
Don’t get me wrong I know it’s still £3k over RRP but I assume this is due to more and more entering the market, or they aren’t flying off the grey market.
Now really want a 116600 SD 2014-2017....they aren’t softening ha
Ed T said:
I’ve been following 124060 Subs and they are softening....well some now start with a 9 at least.
Don’t get me wrong I know it’s still £3k over RRP but I assume this is due to more and more entering the market, or they aren’t flying off the grey market.
Now really want a 116600 SD 2014-2017....they aren’t softening ha
On the 124060 it looks like the market has found a level for now.Don’t get me wrong I know it’s still £3k over RRP but I assume this is due to more and more entering the market, or they aren’t flying off the grey market.
Now really want a 116600 SD 2014-2017....they aren’t softening ha
richthebike said:
Ed T said:
I’ve been following 124060 Subs and they are softening....well some now start with a 9 at least.
Don’t get me wrong I know it’s still £3k over RRP but I assume this is due to more and more entering the market, or they aren’t flying off the grey market.
Now really want a 116600 SD 2014-2017....they aren’t softening ha
On the 124060 it looks like the market has found a level for now.Don’t get me wrong I know it’s still £3k over RRP but I assume this is due to more and more entering the market, or they aren’t flying off the grey market.
Now really want a 116600 SD 2014-2017....they aren’t softening ha
Ok but maybe there are other ways of building one's taste and opinion than one particular website.
And I love watches, there are so many nice ones. I recently discovered "Omega Speedmaster Date 3511.50.00" which you can buy for less that a grey market dealer wants on top of RRP for a Rolex Directormariner.
Steel, auto movement, 39mm, Daytonarish tachymeter, panda dial, respectable brand, history. Prince William has an Omega, too.
And I love watches, there are so many nice ones. I recently discovered "Omega Speedmaster Date 3511.50.00" which you can buy for less that a grey market dealer wants on top of RRP for a Rolex Directormariner.
Steel, auto movement, 39mm, Daytonarish tachymeter, panda dial, respectable brand, history. Prince William has an Omega, too.
Edited by RMDB9 on Friday 19th March 10:35
Edited by RMDB9 on Friday 19th March 10:37
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