Has the Rolex bubble finally burst? Perhaps it has

[Fckitdriveon]

gregs656 said:

Fckitdriveon said:

I ve had one myself since 2019 so I m a big fan, get some protection for the clasp and it’s a great Every day watch.

Some protection for the clasp? Really?

A friend of mine who is a collector of things, and is reasonably wealthy, has this policy where if he buys something for himself as a keeper he intentionally marks it.

I accept that the price (and value) of my most expensive watch it not, in the grand scheme of things, that much at a shade under £7000, but the value to me is in the enjoyment of it and I really could not care less if the clasp collects some marks, quite the opposite in fact as while I don’t go to the extent of my friend, I do think there is something to the idea that incidental damage is what makes ‘a watch’ ‘my watch’.

The beauty of life …..differing opinions…….not that I disagree with anything you’ve said , it’s a no brainer for me to add some ppf stickers to the clasp and then I don’t give it a second thought.

If at some point I decide to move it on to a new home (unlikely but dealer mentality ) then I see a better return on my money for the sake of 2 mins of my time.

Experience also tells me - the clasps on the 226659 mark up at the slightest provocation.

[lowdrag]

Harry Flashman said:

PistonGuy66 said:

They are selling for over rrp, not as big an increase as some models but still worth buying. So imho this is where people go wrong, if you bought said watch it would show the dealer that your not a numpty and you will stand a chance of getting what you want? I know you shouldnt have to di this, but that is life! people want to be behind the velvet rope. Its not just Rolex that do this. I have just bought a PP Calitrava that i dont want or like to get me into a certain nautilus model i want. Am i happy with that? No, but thats how it is. If someone is spending a ton of money with PP then they should get preferential treatment? What i dont get is the numpty lot that have bought one or two Rolex over 5 years and bh they cant get a Daytona! Then they get the hump because they cant get one and slag of the ADs and say Rolex are crap and there are better brands out there! Wow i really must keep of the large vodkas on a sunday night!!! Lol

This post is everything that is wrong with this brand.

Especially the spelling.

[Harry Flashman]

DoubleSix said:

Harry Flashman said:

This post is everything that is wrong with this brand.

Don’t like it, don’t buy it…

Don't get me wrong, I like some of the watches a great deal. Here's my old Yacht Master on a rubbish strap today (I don't really like metal bracelets on my wrist).

The brand though, and the attitudes around it? Not so much.

[anonymous-user]

PistonGuy66 said:

Harry Flashman said:

PistonGuy66 said:

They are selling for over rrp, not as big an increase as some models but still worth buying. So imho this is where people go wrong, if you bought said watch it would show the dealer that your not a numpty and you will stand a chance of getting what you want? I know you shouldnt have to di this, but that is life! people want to be behind the velvet rope. Its not just Rolex that do this. I have just bought a PP Calitrava that i dont want or like to get me into a certain nautilus model i want. Am i happy with that? No, but thats how it is. If someone is spending a ton of money with PP then they should get preferential treatment? What i dont get is the numpty lot that have bought one or two Rolex over 5 years and bh they cant get a Daytona! Then they get the hump because they cant get one and slag of the ADs and say Rolex are crap and there are better brands out there! Wow i really must keep of the large vodkas on a sunday night!!! Lol

This post is everything that is wrong with this brand.

Explain??

Your attitude and actions are exactly what causes the problems.

[SpeckledJim]

El stovey said:

PistonGuy66 said:

Harry Flashman said:

PistonGuy66 said:

They are selling for over rrp, not as big an increase as some models but still worth buying. So imho this is where people go wrong, if you bought said watch it would show the dealer that your not a numpty and you will stand a chance of getting what you want? I know you shouldnt have to di this, but that is life! people want to be behind the velvet rope. Its not just Rolex that do this. I have just bought a PP Calitrava that i dont want or like to get me into a certain nautilus model i want. Am i happy with that? No, but thats how it is. If someone is spending a ton of money with PP then they should get preferential treatment? What i dont get is the numpty lot that have bought one or two Rolex over 5 years and bh they cant get a Daytona! Then they get the hump because they cant get one and slag of the ADs and say Rolex are crap and there are better brands out there! Wow i really must keep of the large vodkas on a sunday night!!! Lol

This post is everything that is wrong with this brand.

Explain??

Your attitude and actions are exactly what causes the problems.

Quite. It's weird.

Senior and successful folk who are accustomed to being the more influential people in the room getting all excited about being made to dance like Pinocchio in a shop!

If it wasn't expensive they wouldn't be interested. If race horses were available on the NHS then nobody would want one.

[PistonGuy66]

El stovey said:

PistonGuy66 said:

Harry Flashman said:

PistonGuy66 said:

They are selling for over rrp, not as big an increase as some models but still worth buying. So imho this is where people go wrong, if you bought said watch it would show the dealer that your not a numpty and you will stand a chance of getting what you want? I know you shouldnt have to di this, but that is life! people want to be behind the velvet rope. Its not just Rolex that do this. I have just bought a PP Calitrava that i dont want or like to get me into a certain nautilus model i want. Am i happy with that? No, but thats how it is. If someone is spending a ton of money with PP then they should get preferential treatment? What i dont get is the numpty lot that have bought one or two Rolex over 5 years and bh they cant get a Daytona! Then they get the hump because they cant get one and slag of the ADs and say Rolex are crap and there are better brands out there! Wow i really must keep of the large vodkas on a sunday night!!! Lol

This post is everything that is wrong with this brand.

Explain??

Your attitude and actions are exactly what causes the problems.

So Rolex watches selling for over rrp is down to my actions? And as for attitude, i dont agree with paying over rrp and i never have done, i was just saying dont want something then when you can’t get it, slag it off.

[PistonGuy66]

lowdrag said:

Harry Flashman said:

PistonGuy66 said:

They are selling for over rrp, not as big an increase as some models but still worth buying. So imho this is where people go wrong, if you bought said watch it would show the dealer that your not a numpty and you will stand a chance of getting what you want? I know you shouldnt have to di this, but that is life! people want to be behind the velvet rope. Its not just Rolex that do this. I have just bought a PP Calitrava that i dont want or like to get me into a certain nautilus model i want. Am i happy with that? No, but thats how it is. If someone is spending a ton of money with PP then they should get preferential treatment? What i dont get is the numpty lot that have bought one or two Rolex over 5 years and bh they cant get a Daytona! Then they get the hump because they cant get one and slag of the ADs and say Rolex are crap and there are better brands out there! Wow i really must keep of the large vodkas on a sunday night!!! Lol

This post is everything that is wrong with this brand.

Especially the spelling.

Were you bullied at school??

Edited by PistonGuy66 on Monday 28th June 10:31

[okgo]

PistonGuy66 said:

Was you bullied at school??

Were*

I think it's buying things you don't want to get into something you do that people are referencing, not too many other 'things' out there where you have to be selected by the brand to buy their product, and having a history of buying cheaper/less desirable things playing a part. Ferrari is maybe one I can think of, but when they're building a car with a tiny run that's going to cost 7 figures, I guess it's a little more logical than a mass produced watch, which is what we're talking about mostly with Rolex.

[PistonGuy66]

okgo said:

PistonGuy66 said:

Was you bullied at school??

Were*

I think it's buying things you don't want to get into something you do that people are referencing, not too many other 'things' out there where you have to be selected by the brand to buy their product, and having a history of buying cheaper/less desirable things playing a part. Ferrari is maybe one I can think of, but when they're building a car with a tiny run that's going to cost 7 figures, I guess it's a little more logical than a mass produced watch, which is what we're talking about mostly with Rolex.

Not having a pop at you about the spelling,but the so called people that like to point out my not so good spelling and have a good long think that maybe the person who they are trying to belittle might just be dyslexic?? But as i said i have never paid iver rrp for a watch, but i have bought a PP just to get the model i want. Im happy to do that, as i sold it for rrp. But if i cant get what i want i wouldnt slag of PP?

[DoubleSix]

Harry Flashman said:

DoubleSix said:

Harry Flashman said:

This post is everything that is wrong with this brand.

Don’t like it, don’t buy it…

Don't get me wrong, I like some of the watches a great deal. Here's my old Yacht Master on a rubbish strap today (I don't really like metal bracelets on my wrist).

The brand though, and the attitudes around it? Not so much.

I liked the watches Rolex produced before the market went silly and I still like them now - I don't see that much has changed.

I liked Porsches before GT3s became unobtainable... I still do now.

I liked Santa Cruz mountain bikes before you couldn't get one... I still do now.

I like the houses in my area... and so on...


I've observed how posters on the other thread have apparently turned all 'anti-Rolex' because of these perceived changes to the 'brand' positioning but the reality is Rolex has always been a luxury brand, unobtainable for the average person. The sudden claims to "no longer be interested" in Rolex because of the supply/demand factors (or rise in popularity if you see it that way) just remind me of how teenagers like a band until everyone else does, and then the posters get torn off the bedroom wall... bit childish... disingenuous even.

If you like the watches Harry, you like the watches - that's kind of where it begins and ends for me anyway.

[Harry Flashman]

DoubleSix said:

I liked the watches Rolex produced before the market went silly and I still like them now - I don't see that much has changed.

I liked Porsches before GT3s became unobtainable... I still do now.

I liked Santa Cruz mountain bikes before you couldn't get one... I still do now.

I like the houses in my area... and so on...


I've observed how posters on the other thread have apparently turned all 'anti-Rolex' because of these perceived changes to the 'brand' positioning but the reality is Rolex has always been a luxury brand, unobtainable for the average person. The sudden claims to "no longer be interested" in Rolex because of the supply/demand factors (or rise in popularity if you see it that way) just remind me of how teenagers like a band until everyone else does, and then the posters get torn off the bedroom wall... bit childish... disingenuous even.

If you like the watches Harry, you like the watches - that's kind of where it begins and ends for me anyway.

Spot on. I have my name down for a couple that I would like to own and keep, namely a Milgauss GV with the black face, and a Rootbeer and Pepsi GMTs. May take years to get them, but I see the value at RRP. At £16k for the Pepsi in the grey market, I would spend (and in fact have spent) my money elsewhere.

[Jamescrs]

Ninjin said:

WG YM42 is a stunning watch. Ticks all the boxes for me expect for the price tag. The AD knew I would be tempted and I nearly did but head beat the heart that time.

Only buy it if you love it, you'll be lucky to get your money back on this one.

I actually think that's one of the nicest Rolex watches I've seen. I like the fact it's understated compared to a lot of what they make. Good choice.

[paulguitar]

DoubleSix said:

the reality is Rolex has always been a luxury brand, unobtainable for the average person.

Mmm, I'm not sure that's true. The Submariner Date was, for years and years, until well into the 2000s, £2350, which a quick check on the UK inflation calculator puts it at about £3,500 in today's money.

That's an achievable goal, even for someone with a fairly ordinary job, if they put their mind to it. What is the list for a 16610 today? Probably over £8k, and pushing £12k to get one with the overs. It's all gone very silly.

[DoubleSix]

paulguitar said:

DoubleSix said:

the reality is Rolex has always been a luxury brand, unobtainable for the average person.

Mmm, I'm not sure that's true. The Submariner Date was, for years and years, until well into the 2000s, £2350, which a quick check on the UK inflation calculator puts it at about £3,500 in today's money.

That's an achievable goal, even for someone with a fairly ordinary job, if they put their mind to it. What is the list for a 16610 today? Probably over £8k, and pushing £12k to get one with the overs. It's all gone very silly.

You average man on the street is not spending £3.5k on a watch I can assure you.

[anonymous-user]

DoubleSix said:

I liked the watches Rolex produced before the market went silly and I still like them now - I don't see that much has changed.

I liked Porsches before GT3s became unobtainable... I still do now.

I liked Santa Cruz mountain bikes before you couldn't get one... I still do now.

I like the houses in my area... and so on...


I've observed how posters on the other thread have apparently turned all 'anti-Rolex' because of these perceived changes to the 'brand' positioning but the reality is Rolex has always been a luxury brand, unobtainable for the average person. The sudden claims to "no longer be interested" in Rolex because of the supply/demand factors (or rise in popularity if you see it that way) just remind me of how teenagers like a band until everyone else does, and then the posters get torn off the bedroom wall... bit childish... disingenuous even.

If you like the watches Harry, you like the watches - that's kind of where it begins and ends for me anyway.

I think it is possible to love the objects, the watches themselves, and yet be completely ambivalent or even disappointed/disgusted at the brand.

I’ve owned numerous Porsches (mostly classic air cooled ones, and the wife had a Cayenne), and I love the cars themselves, but I think ‘Porsche’ as a brand/company are a bunch of aholes who I have absolutely no interest in. I formed my opinion of them by watching how they have behaved during all manner of episodes and incidents over the last 20 years.

As far as Porsche goes, I have never had the metaphorical poster on my wall in the first place. I just like some old classic cars that happen to have ‘Porsche’ written on them. Wouldn’t really look twice at their current model range.

Same for Rolex really. I love 3 or 4 of their old watches, have zero interest in the rest of their model range or particularly the brand itself. The ‘buy stuff you don’t want to get something you do want’ by their AD’s is just something that makes me even less interested in the brand.

So the question is, is it possible to have become anti-Rolex if you were someone who never really cared about the brand in the first place?

Where does enjoying a few products become supporting a brand?

Answers on a postcard please!

[SpeckledJim]

paulguitar said:

DoubleSix said:

the reality is Rolex has always been a luxury brand, unobtainable for the average person.

Mmm, I'm not sure that's true. The Submariner Date was, for years and years, until well into the 2000s, £2350, which a quick check on the UK inflation calculator puts it at about £3,500 in today's money.

That's an achievable goal, even for someone with a fairly ordinary job, if they put their mind to it. What is the list for a 16610 today? Probably over £8k, and pushing £12k to get one with the overs. It's all gone very silly.

It has certainly gone nuts but the then £2000 watch was 100 times more than a watch has to cost. A car that costs 100 times more than another car is surely a luxury good. A jacket that costs 100 times more than a normal jacket has to cost is a luxury good. You wouldn't ordinarily describe small objects as 'an achievable goal' if they weren't expensive. The ordinary man can buy a presentable watch with three hours wages.

IMO Rolex is, with Ferrari and Rolls-Royce, probably the outstanding 'I'm rich' statement object. Nobody chooses a Rolex ignorant to the idea that wearing it says things about their wealth in addition to what it says about their taste (good or bad).

Even though there are much more expensive choices out there, a Rolex says it louder, to the man in the street.

[DoubleSix]

Lord Marylebone said:

I think it is possible to love the objects, the watches themselves, and yet be completely ambivalent or even disappointed/disgusted at the brand.

I’ve owned numerous Porsches (mostly classic air cooled ones, and the wife had a Cayenne), and I love the cars themselves, but I think ‘Porsche’ as a brand/company are a bunch of aholes who I have absolutely no interest in. I formed my opinion of them by watching how they have behaved during all manner of episodes and incidents over the last 20 years.

As far as Porsche goes, I have never had the metaphorical poster on my wall in the first place. I just like some old classic cars that happen to have ‘Porsche’ written on them. Wouldn’t really look twice at their current model range.

Same for Rolex really. I love 3 or 4 of their old watches, have zero interest in the rest of their model range or particularly the brand itself. The ‘buy stuff you don’t want to get something you do want’ by their AD’s is just something that makes me even less interested in the brand.

So the question is, is it possible to have become anti-Rolex if you were someone who never really cared about the brand in the first place?

Where does enjoying a few products become supporting a brand?

Answers on a postcard please!

Seems like a non-issue to be honest - you don't like the current products from either company so are completely unaffected by current situation either way.

[anonymous-user]

DoubleSix said:

You average man on the street is not spending £3.5k on a watch I can assure you.

I know plenty of ‘ordinary’ people who treated themselves to a Rolex, or where bought one by their family for a milestone birthday etc, during the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s.

Policemen, firemen, teachers, doctors, office workers, salesmen, accountant, etc.

Sure, it would have been a fairly ‘big purchase’ in the house, but not up there with a new car or anything.

[DoubleSix]

I think we've entered the PH alternative reality portal where blue-collar workers commonly "treat themselves to a Rolex".

Right you are.

Edited by DoubleSix on Monday 28th June 13:22

[paulguitar]

DoubleSix said:

I think we've entered the PH alternative reality portal where blue-collar workers commonly "treat themselves to a Rolex".

Right you are.

Edited by DoubleSix on Monday 28th June 13:22

Well, I'd consider myself a man in the street and I used to wear Rolex and can no longer justify it because they now occupy a completely different price point.

That simple really.