Looking to spend up to 4K on Rolex, need advice
Discussion
Good evening gents,
First and foremost, thank you in advance for any feedback or help.
I’m new to the Rolex game and ever since I saw Rainman years ago and seeing Tom Cruise’s 18k Gold DayDate, I’ve wanted one and after checking the prices, it’s definitely too expensive for me as 80’s ones go for 9k minimum with no boxes or papers.
I’ve been scouring the web online and these ones are the ones I like the most.
Oyster Perpetual 34 brand new for 3750 with different faces I can pick from
DateJust 1995 Silver and gold jubilee strap with a gold face 4750 used
DateJust 31 brand new oyster steel and white gold with the jubilee strap 5750
I’m very confused as I can’t find any versions of the brand new ones used at a cheaper price, most seem to be either the same price or more expensive!
What is the catch with the oyster perpetual and why don’t used ones exist at a cheaper price.
I’m looking to spend around 4K but I mentioned 2 that are well over budget to give you an indicator of what I’m after, is my budget realistic?
Thanks
First and foremost, thank you in advance for any feedback or help.
I’m new to the Rolex game and ever since I saw Rainman years ago and seeing Tom Cruise’s 18k Gold DayDate, I’ve wanted one and after checking the prices, it’s definitely too expensive for me as 80’s ones go for 9k minimum with no boxes or papers.
I’ve been scouring the web online and these ones are the ones I like the most.
Oyster Perpetual 34 brand new for 3750 with different faces I can pick from
DateJust 1995 Silver and gold jubilee strap with a gold face 4750 used
DateJust 31 brand new oyster steel and white gold with the jubilee strap 5750
I’m very confused as I can’t find any versions of the brand new ones used at a cheaper price, most seem to be either the same price or more expensive!
What is the catch with the oyster perpetual and why don’t used ones exist at a cheaper price.
I’m looking to spend around 4K but I mentioned 2 that are well over budget to give you an indicator of what I’m after, is my budget realistic?
Thanks
romeodelta said:
31 and 34 are very small for a men’s watch nowadays, IMO.
Minimum I would go is 36 and you can get a nice 16013 DJ for that budget. Classic.
I just googled that and I love that style however the age slightly puts me off, should it put me off? If that age is fine, I’ll definitely go for one!Minimum I would go is 36 and you can get a nice 16013 DJ for that budget. Classic.
Also, the size thing, I like smaller watches, I haven’t personally tried on those sizes however I will go to the nearest Rolex shop and try a few on!
Rolex effected price increases in the UK in November 2016, and again in 2018. Prior to that, prices had remained static since 2012.
In tandem with those new RRP increases dragging levels of second-hand pricing up with them, there are well-established shortages of popular stainless steel sports models, with many pre-owned models selling for more than they did new at RRP – hence the empty cabinets & strong second-hand market.
In consequence, it’s probable that some customers who can’t get their hands on a Submariner or GMT Master switch their desires to something actually a bit more obtainable, and there is likely a trickle-down effect on availability of the traditionally less rabidly popular models: Datejusts, Oyster Perpetuals etc. (which, despite not being Instagram darlings in quite the same way, have always formed the bedrock of Rolex sales).
This does however mean that any Rolex you buy at a shrewd price will likely retain its value well. It’s unceasingly amusing to me that the very thing most Rolex wannabe buyers bemoan, is a consequence & large part of what attracted many to the brand in the first place.
You have suggested two different models – the utilitarian Oyster Perpetual, and the slightly flashier DateJust, which in fluted bezel & Jubilee bracelet combination catches the eye more (but less so in smooth bezel & Oyster bracelet configuration).
However, the Oyster range of Rolex (which includes Air-Kings, DateJusts, Submariners, Explorers & GMT Masters too) are all based on very similar underpinnings i.e. movement, case, bracelet, crown etc. They are essentially the same base watch with various add-ons & tweaks thereafter.
Trader sellers, such as ‘Watchfinder’ etc., sell at high price-points – you won’t necessarily be able to re-sell many of those watches for the same amount any time soon. Be careful of two-tone steel & gold models too – they aren’t quite as universally popular if you come to re-sell again.
All that is to say, a crisp, brand new 34mm Oyster Perpetual carries a 5-year guarantee, is unlikely to need a circa £500 service (unlike most second-hand models you’ll buy, unless you have strong evidence to the contrary) for at least 10 years (and very probably longer), is registered in your name, has the latest +/- 2 seconds maximum daily timing warranty, is guaranteed waterproof to 100m, won’t suffer any bracelet stretch, and (when bought new from the plush AD surroundings) is completely free of risk of counterfeiting, or mechanical defect that can’t be remedied by the warranty.
And all that comfortably within budget at £3,850 too.
If you had to sell it in the very near future for some reason, you may not quite make back what you paid, but it wouldn't be very far off, and given a few years, it would settle at or higher than the RRP (assuming you sell peer-to-peer, and not to a Trade buyer).
I happen to like smaller watches too – they look more elegant, and an Oyster Perpetual in that size will never look out of place, no matter how casual or formal the occasion.
Some look at the Oyster Perpetual as the ‘entry level’ Rolex. I totally disagree with that – it has the exact same 3130 movement as a Submariner, the exact same 100m water resistance as an Explorer (which evolved from the OP line), and the same Oyster bracelet as a Daytona. It’s the most classic iteration of a Rolex, and as tough/good as almost any of them.
In fact, stripping it back to the essentials renders it a much more classic, subtle, handsome & versatile wear (and lack of fluted/rotating bezel & polished bracelet links means a London moped fiend or Las Ramblas urchin is much less likely to try and chop your hand off for it).
So, at that strict budget I personally would pick the OP 34, unless you really like the DateJust aesthetic or want everyone to know you’re wearing a Rolex (the latter being totally ok, by the way).
In tandem with those new RRP increases dragging levels of second-hand pricing up with them, there are well-established shortages of popular stainless steel sports models, with many pre-owned models selling for more than they did new at RRP – hence the empty cabinets & strong second-hand market.
In consequence, it’s probable that some customers who can’t get their hands on a Submariner or GMT Master switch their desires to something actually a bit more obtainable, and there is likely a trickle-down effect on availability of the traditionally less rabidly popular models: Datejusts, Oyster Perpetuals etc. (which, despite not being Instagram darlings in quite the same way, have always formed the bedrock of Rolex sales).
This does however mean that any Rolex you buy at a shrewd price will likely retain its value well. It’s unceasingly amusing to me that the very thing most Rolex wannabe buyers bemoan, is a consequence & large part of what attracted many to the brand in the first place.
You have suggested two different models – the utilitarian Oyster Perpetual, and the slightly flashier DateJust, which in fluted bezel & Jubilee bracelet combination catches the eye more (but less so in smooth bezel & Oyster bracelet configuration).
However, the Oyster range of Rolex (which includes Air-Kings, DateJusts, Submariners, Explorers & GMT Masters too) are all based on very similar underpinnings i.e. movement, case, bracelet, crown etc. They are essentially the same base watch with various add-ons & tweaks thereafter.
Trader sellers, such as ‘Watchfinder’ etc., sell at high price-points – you won’t necessarily be able to re-sell many of those watches for the same amount any time soon. Be careful of two-tone steel & gold models too – they aren’t quite as universally popular if you come to re-sell again.
All that is to say, a crisp, brand new 34mm Oyster Perpetual carries a 5-year guarantee, is unlikely to need a circa £500 service (unlike most second-hand models you’ll buy, unless you have strong evidence to the contrary) for at least 10 years (and very probably longer), is registered in your name, has the latest +/- 2 seconds maximum daily timing warranty, is guaranteed waterproof to 100m, won’t suffer any bracelet stretch, and (when bought new from the plush AD surroundings) is completely free of risk of counterfeiting, or mechanical defect that can’t be remedied by the warranty.
And all that comfortably within budget at £3,850 too.
If you had to sell it in the very near future for some reason, you may not quite make back what you paid, but it wouldn't be very far off, and given a few years, it would settle at or higher than the RRP (assuming you sell peer-to-peer, and not to a Trade buyer).
I happen to like smaller watches too – they look more elegant, and an Oyster Perpetual in that size will never look out of place, no matter how casual or formal the occasion.
Some look at the Oyster Perpetual as the ‘entry level’ Rolex. I totally disagree with that – it has the exact same 3130 movement as a Submariner, the exact same 100m water resistance as an Explorer (which evolved from the OP line), and the same Oyster bracelet as a Daytona. It’s the most classic iteration of a Rolex, and as tough/good as almost any of them.
In fact, stripping it back to the essentials renders it a much more classic, subtle, handsome & versatile wear (and lack of fluted/rotating bezel & polished bracelet links means a London moped fiend or Las Ramblas urchin is much less likely to try and chop your hand off for it).
So, at that strict budget I personally would pick the OP 34, unless you really like the DateJust aesthetic or want everyone to know you’re wearing a Rolex (the latter being totally ok, by the way).
Dinoboy said:
Agree re the smaller size, love my OP36.
I'd always go brand new with Rolex, there's too many fakes out there.
That looks lovely, on the configurator, I’m struggling to get the right combination of what I want, I’d like the Roman numerals with a dark green/dark brown ish face or even rose gold. Would the Rolex shops have them in stock that have been discontinued?I'd always go brand new with Rolex, there's too many fakes out there.
Also UnclePat, thank you for the informative post
Chestrockwell said:
Good evening gents,
First and foremost, thank you in advance for any feedback or help.
I’m new to the Rolex game and ever since I saw Rainman years ago and seeing Tom Cruise’s 18k Gold DayDate, I’ve wanted one and after checking the prices, it’s definitely too expensive for me as 80’s ones go for 9k minimum with no boxes or papers.
I’ve been scouring the web online and these ones are the ones I like the most.
Oyster Perpetual 34 brand new for 3750 with different faces I can pick from
DateJust 1995 Silver and gold jubilee strap with a gold face 4750 used
DateJust 31 brand new oyster steel and white gold with the jubilee strap 5750
I’m very confused as I can’t find any versions of the brand new ones used at a cheaper price, most seem to be either the same price or more expensive!
What is the catch with the oyster perpetual and why don’t used ones exist at a cheaper price.
I’m looking to spend around 4K but I mentioned 2 that are well over budget to give you an indicator of what I’m after, is my budget realistic?
Thanks
Save up a bit more First and foremost, thank you in advance for any feedback or help.
I’m new to the Rolex game and ever since I saw Rainman years ago and seeing Tom Cruise’s 18k Gold DayDate, I’ve wanted one and after checking the prices, it’s definitely too expensive for me as 80’s ones go for 9k minimum with no boxes or papers.
I’ve been scouring the web online and these ones are the ones I like the most.
Oyster Perpetual 34 brand new for 3750 with different faces I can pick from
DateJust 1995 Silver and gold jubilee strap with a gold face 4750 used
DateJust 31 brand new oyster steel and white gold with the jubilee strap 5750
I’m very confused as I can’t find any versions of the brand new ones used at a cheaper price, most seem to be either the same price or more expensive!
What is the catch with the oyster perpetual and why don’t used ones exist at a cheaper price.
I’m looking to spend around 4K but I mentioned 2 that are well over budget to give you an indicator of what I’m after, is my budget realistic?
Thanks
VAGLover said:
Chestrockwell said:
Good evening gents,
First and foremost, thank you in advance for any feedback or help.
I’m new to the Rolex game and ever since I saw Rainman years ago and seeing Tom Cruise’s 18k Gold DayDate, I’ve wanted one and after checking the prices, it’s definitely too expensive for me as 80’s ones go for 9k minimum with no boxes or papers.
I’ve been scouring the web online and these ones are the ones I like the most.
Oyster Perpetual 34 brand new for 3750 with different faces I can pick from
DateJust 1995 Silver and gold jubilee strap with a gold face 4750 used
DateJust 31 brand new oyster steel and white gold with the jubilee strap 5750
I’m very confused as I can’t find any versions of the brand new ones used at a cheaper price, most seem to be either the same price or more expensive!
What is the catch with the oyster perpetual and why don’t used ones exist at a cheaper price.
I’m looking to spend around 4K but I mentioned 2 that are well over budget to give you an indicator of what I’m after, is my budget realistic?
Thanks
Save up a bit more First and foremost, thank you in advance for any feedback or help.
I’m new to the Rolex game and ever since I saw Rainman years ago and seeing Tom Cruise’s 18k Gold DayDate, I’ve wanted one and after checking the prices, it’s definitely too expensive for me as 80’s ones go for 9k minimum with no boxes or papers.
I’ve been scouring the web online and these ones are the ones I like the most.
Oyster Perpetual 34 brand new for 3750 with different faces I can pick from
DateJust 1995 Silver and gold jubilee strap with a gold face 4750 used
DateJust 31 brand new oyster steel and white gold with the jubilee strap 5750
I’m very confused as I can’t find any versions of the brand new ones used at a cheaper price, most seem to be either the same price or more expensive!
What is the catch with the oyster perpetual and why don’t used ones exist at a cheaper price.
I’m looking to spend around 4K but I mentioned 2 that are well over budget to give you an indicator of what I’m after, is my budget realistic?
Thanks
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
VAGLover said:
Chestrockwell said:
Good evening gents,
First and foremost, thank you in advance for any feedback or help.
I’m new to the Rolex game and ever since I saw Rainman years ago and seeing Tom Cruise’s 18k Gold DayDate, I’ve wanted one and after checking the prices, it’s definitely too expensive for me as 80’s ones go for 9k minimum with no boxes or papers.
I’ve been scouring the web online and these ones are the ones I like the most.
Oyster Perpetual 34 brand new for 3750 with different faces I can pick from
DateJust 1995 Silver and gold jubilee strap with a gold face 4750 used
DateJust 31 brand new oyster steel and white gold with the jubilee strap 5750
I’m very confused as I can’t find any versions of the brand new ones used at a cheaper price, most seem to be either the same price or more expensive!
What is the catch with the oyster perpetual and why don’t used ones exist at a cheaper price.
I’m looking to spend around 4K but I mentioned 2 that are well over budget to give you an indicator of what I’m after, is my budget realistic?
Thanks
Save up a bit more First and foremost, thank you in advance for any feedback or help.
I’m new to the Rolex game and ever since I saw Rainman years ago and seeing Tom Cruise’s 18k Gold DayDate, I’ve wanted one and after checking the prices, it’s definitely too expensive for me as 80’s ones go for 9k minimum with no boxes or papers.
I’ve been scouring the web online and these ones are the ones I like the most.
Oyster Perpetual 34 brand new for 3750 with different faces I can pick from
DateJust 1995 Silver and gold jubilee strap with a gold face 4750 used
DateJust 31 brand new oyster steel and white gold with the jubilee strap 5750
I’m very confused as I can’t find any versions of the brand new ones used at a cheaper price, most seem to be either the same price or more expensive!
What is the catch with the oyster perpetual and why don’t used ones exist at a cheaper price.
I’m looking to spend around 4K but I mentioned 2 that are well over budget to give you an indicator of what I’m after, is my budget realistic?
Thanks
R8Steve said:
VAGLover said:
Sorry, I thought that was for his mum. It’s a girls watch
Is there actually any need for this post? The guy saves up for something he's always wanted, buys it and loves it and all you can do is come along and piss on his chips?
VAGLover said:
R8Steve said:
VAGLover said:
Sorry, I thought that was for his mum. It’s a girls watch
Is there actually any need for this post? The guy saves up for something he's always wanted, buys it and loves it and all you can do is come along and piss on his chips?
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