what year is it?

[MrJuice]

Can someone kindly explain the grey market concern for what year a watch is.

In my mind, an unworn watch sold in 2017 is worth very similar to an identical unworn watch sold in 2022. Let's say it's a rolex platinum daytona we are speaking about. The only difference between the two watches will be the guarantee. Older watch will show the retailer on the guarantee card, newer watch won't show this. Box will be the same.

The older watch will need a service sooner than the newer watch. Let's allow £1000 for this.

But there will be more than a £1000 difference in the grey market price for this. Why is this?

Genuine question.

[x5tuu]

But are they identical ... just looking the same does not mean they are.

[MrJuice]

if the movement is the same and the bracelet reference is the same, they are the same to me.

there might be minor difference in dial font but all this "APH" BS is utter nonsense IMO. Next there will be a "non APH" premium.

In any case, the greys are not suggesting there's anything different other than the year. My question is, why does year affect pricing over and above the cost of a service. If a watch has 5 years worth of wear, fair enough. But if a watch is unworn, why the difference over and above the cost and hassle of a service?

[Jules360]

Given the choice between a 5 year old unworn watch or a brand new one at the same price, I'd take the brand new one. I don't know why, I just would.

[MrJuice]

so would I

but if the new one was £2000 more (for example), I'm not sure I would take the newer one.