Brand New Rolex wanted

[IceBoy]

Hi All,

The time has come to purchase my first Rolex. I have in the current collection:

Omega Seamaster 2008
Omega Seamaster Aqua 1970's
A couple of Tag's
Many other fashion brands
A couple of Casio's
A few Seiko's

I've always wanted a Rolex.

I want brand new and want something that will hold it's value.

My all time favourite would be the Daytona in steel but unfortunately my pockets are not that deep right now!

I want something that is classic and steel.

So shall I just go for the Submariner steel with black face and date?

What about the Explorer and Explorer II ?

Other Rolex suggestions please?

Where is the cheapest place to purchase brand new? Airport?

Where can I get a discount if any?

Help, I'm a Rolex novice.

IceBoy

So

[IceBoy]

I've also just seen GMT-Master II with the pepsi dial in steel !!

Is this new?

IceBoy

[LordGrover]

My first, and only Rolex is my Explorer 214270.
Quite understated as Rolex go and flies under the radar. I'm very happy with it.

[Bobajobbob]

IceBoy said:

Hi All,

The time has come to purchase my first Rolex. I have in the current collection:

Omega Seamaster 2008
Omega Seamaster Aqua 1970's
A couple of Tag's
Many other fashion brands
A couple of Casio's
A few Seiko's

I've always wanted a Rolex.

I want brand new and want something that will hold it's value.

My all time favourite would be the Daytona in steel but unfortunately my pockets are not that deep right now!

I want something that is classic and steel.

So shall I just go for the Submariner steel with black face and date?

What about the Explorer and Explorer II ?

Other Rolex suggestions please?

Where is the cheapest place to purchase brand new? Airport?

Where can I get a discount if any?

Help, I'm a Rolex novice.

IceBoy

So

You can't go wrong with a Submariner or GMT. They are and will always be classics however you may struggle to find one new in a dealer without a bit of a wait. My understanding is that steel Rolexs are hard to come by new at the moment. There will be plenty in the grey/used market but with a bit of a mark up.

[IceBoy]

Is there a way of get one at rrp if I put my name down on the Submariner or GMT?

What is the main difference with these two watches.

I think I prefer the no-date versions.

IceBoy

Edited by IceBoy on Tuesday 3rd July 10:52

[Bobajobbob]

IceBoy said:

Is there a way of get one at rrp if I put my name down on the Submariner or GMT?

What is the main difference with these two watches.

I think I prefer the no-date versions.

IceBoy

Edited by IceBoy on Tuesday 3rd July 10:52

Yes if you are willing to wait and who knows maybe one will show up sooner than anecdotal feedback currently suggests. As to the difference between the watches that's for you to investigate.

[bobbybee]

IceBoy said:

Is there a way of get one at rrp if I put my name down on the Submariner or GMT?

What is the main difference with these two watches.

I think I prefer the no-date versions.

IceBoy

Edited by IceBoy on Tuesday 3rd July 10:52

Submariner,
available with or without date, 300m WR unidirectional timing bezel, oyster bracelet

GMT-II,
Only date version, 100WR, bidirectional time zone bezel, jubilee bracelet, second hour hand allowing to display 3 time zones

[Ascayman]

bobbybee said:

Submariner,
available with or without date, 300m WR unidirectional timing bezel, oyster bracelet

GMT-II,
Only date version, 100WR, bidirectional time zone bezel, jubilee bracelet, second hour hand allowing to display 3 time zones

3? how does it do that? The second hour hand for the second time Zone how do you get the 3rd?

[Harry Flashman]

Bobajobbob said:

As to the difference between the watches that's for you to investigate.

I'm not sure that this was enormously helpful. The idea of having a forum here is so that those of us who do not know (like me), can be educated/helped by those of us that do. Condescending responses like this aren't really in the design brief, I think.

Unless of course you had no idea what the answer was, and sought to conceal your own ignorance behind a patronising remark? Hmm?

[anonymous-user]

Ascayman said:

3? how does it do that? The second hour hand for the second time Zone how do you get the 3rd?

By using the bezel

[AJB88]

Problem you have is most of these have long waiting lists.

I have a 36mm Rolex Datejust that I inherited, I have since bought new a Omega Seamaster 300m and Tudor GMT BB (Pepsi).

My new purchase will be a Rolex Submariner in black.

[The Moose]

Last time I was at my local Rolex AD (3 weeks ago) they had sub with and without dates in the case.

[IceBoy]

Moose,

Please message me.
Iceboy

[Bobajobbob]

Harry Flashman said:

I'm not sure that this was enormously helpful. The idea of having a forum here is so that those of us who do not know (like me), can be educated/helped by those of us that do. Condescending responses like this aren't really in the design brief, I think.

Unless of course you had no idea what the answer was, and sought to conceal your own ignorance behind a patronising remark? Hmm?

Hmm, hmm, wow, this forum really is full of it sometimes. I was helpful where I thought the help was constructive and I stopped where I thought my feedback wouldn't be helpful. Nothing less, nothing more. There was no condescension or patronising remarks as you helpfully waste internet space by suggesting.

I didn't think my opinion would help the OP to make up his own mind as watches are a very personal investment and the difference between the two models is minimal.

As you insist my personal opinion, for what it is worth, is that the Sub with date is an absolute classic and will never go out of style. I prefer it to the non date (personally) but that is still a great watch. The non date will be cheaper to buy but also worth less if you want to sell. I think I like the old pre ceramic GMTs more than the latest models but I definitely wouldn't say no to a new jubilee bracelet GMTII (good luck finding one of these). I'd like both but when I chose I went for the Sub over the GMT and still have it, and wear it, 20 years later.

Don't limit yourself to those two models though. Check out the GMT "Batman", Sub "Hulk" and variety of Sea Dwellers. All ostensibly similar models with different dials and bezel colours.

Again, in my opinion, I'd look at the second hand market rather than new because you have a whole lot more choice and won't have to wait. If I'm buying a watch once I've made up my mind I want it now, not in a month/year when dealer can get one in. Watchfinder and Chrono24 are a good place to start. Also Blowers Jewellers, Official Watches or Watches of London. If you buy a good Rolex at the right price, look after it and hold on to it then the value will rise in line with inflation if not better. If you do buy used then try to get box and papers as it adds 10%+ to resale. If the watch is keeper then look for a discount if no box/papers.

I bought my Sub in 95 for £2,500. It's probably worth about £6k today. I bought my Zenith Daytona for £7,000 and its probably worth £15-20k now as the Daytona market has gone crazy. Go figure.

[Harry Flashman]

Now that was a helpful post - you're quite good at it when you try!

I do not own a Rolex, and really know nothing about them. My small collection comprises two Omegas, a Breitling and a recently acquired Breguet: a watch I bought after a lot of advice and help from forum members here.

I have always sort of fancied the idea of a Rolex, and I have to say I like the very simple stainless pieces, like the old Explorer.

So, question - are there ever deals to be had at the airport? I did not quite get to the Rolex shop at Heathrow T3 this time, I was too busy trying on Tudors in the watch shop across the way (and very nice they were too)...

Edited by Harry Flashman on Wednesday 4th July 11:10

[Ascayman]

desolate said:

Ascayman said:

3? how does it do that? The second hour hand for the second time Zone how do you get the 3rd?

By using the bezel

Of course! thanks.

[EJH]

Bobajobbob said:

Hmm, hmm, wow, this forum really is full of it sometimes. I was helpful where I thought the help was constructive and I stopped where I thought my feedback wouldn't be helpful. Nothing less, nothing more. There was no condescension or patronising remarks as you helpfully waste internet space by suggesting.

I didn't think my opinion would help the OP to make up his own mind as watches are a very personal investment and the difference between the two models is minimal.

As you insist my personal opinion, for what it is worth, is that the Sub with date is an absolute classic and will never go out of style. I prefer it to the non date (personally) but that is still a great watch. The non date will be cheaper to buy but also worth less if you want to sell. I think I like the old pre ceramic GMTs more than the latest models but I definitely wouldn't say no to a new jubilee bracelet GMTII (good luck finding one of these). I'd like both but when I chose I went for the Sub over the GMT and still have it, and wear it, 20 years later.

Don't limit yourself to those two models though. Check out the GMT "Batman", Sub "Hulk" and variety of Sea Dwellers. All ostensibly similar models with different dials and bezel colours.

Again, in my opinion, I'd look at the second hand market rather than new because you have a whole lot more choice and won't have to wait. If I'm buying a watch once I've made up my mind I want it now, not in a month/year when dealer can get one in. Watchfinder and Chrono24 are a good place to start. Also Blowers Jewellers, Official Watches or Watches of London. If you buy a good Rolex at the right price, look after it and hold on to it then the value will rise in line with inflation if not better. If you do buy used then try to get box and papers as it adds 10%+ to resale. If the watch is keeper then look for a discount if no box/papers.

I bought my Sub in 95 for £2,500. It's probably worth about £6k today. I bought my Zenith Daytona for £7,000 and its probably worth £15-20k now as the Daytona market has gone crazy. Go figure.

I would echo that it's worth looking on the second hand market as, to my mind and eye, some of the current range of watches are quite large. (It’s highly likely I am both unfashionable and a luddite but they’re just a bit too large for my taste)

Notwithstanding new vs. old, if the OP has the time, it’s probably worth going to one of the dealers mentioned and trying a selection of Subs, GMTs, SDs (ceramic and pre-ceramic) plus Explorers and seeing what you like as they’ll probably have a wider range in stock than the ADs.

With regard to the questions re: discounts, I have no recent experience but a couple of friends bought Subs in Heathrow and saved the VAT (both bought bi-metal; I’m not sure steel is as well supplied) but this was a few years ago now and I’m not sure what the current supply is like.


(Whilst I know the OP specified new, it may be worth keeping an open mind, if possible. A few years ago I would have I never considered s/h but knew I wanted a 16600 (last of the small Sea Dwellers)…which, when I was ready to buy, Rolex promptly stopped making, replacing with the Deep Sea. I had a look around for a while and found a last model year example which was sensibly priced, s/h but unworn (stickers, boxes, papers, etc) and bought it. Knowing what I do now, I think SH unworn was a bit OTT vs. used in good/perfect condition as it’s worn 350+ days of the year and gets a general beating.)

Edited by EJH on Wednesday 4th July 14:33

Edited by EJH on Wednesday 4th July 14:34

[DanL]

Harry Flashman said:

So, question - are there ever deals to be had at the airport? I did not quite get to the Rolex shop at Heathrow T3 this time, I was too busy trying on Tudors in the watch shop across the way (and very nice they were too)...

Yes in the sense that if you're feeling a bit cheeky you can get away without paying 20% VAT. No in the sense that they rarely, if ever, have a stainless steel watch available...

[Bobajobbob]

It's worth mentioning that "second hand" doesn't necessarily mean used. You will often find unworn watches for sale in the secondary market.

[z4RRSchris]

DanL said:

Harry Flashman said:

So, question - are there ever deals to be had at the airport? I did not quite get to the Rolex shop at Heathrow T3 this time, I was too busy trying on Tudors in the watch shop across the way (and very nice they were too)...

Yes in the sense that if you're feeling a bit cheeky you can get away without paying 20% VAT. No in the sense that they rarely, if ever, have a stainless steel watch available...

almost impossible to find a SS rolex sports model at the airport.