Conversation About LE (Limited edition) watch's

[subtona]

Do you believe a watch sold today as a limited edition, aka collectable right out of the store front window will live up to its expectations?

Do you believe LE watch are marketing hype -or- true value that can justify such high premiums ?


what are your expectations in acquiring a LE watch?

imho:
i'm inclined to think, if it is sold new with the intention of being collectable, the consumer may have missed the boat.

it seems the initial outlay to buy a limited edition is typically so great that there is little room for any additional appreciation.


anxious to hear the varied opinions from the passionate members here on TRF.

[Grumpy Badger]

One of the things I really love about Rolex is that they don't really go in for limited editions.

Before I bought my 14060m I looked at a lot of other brands. I initially resisted Rolex since I felt it was a bit "obvious"...

But one of the factors that really swung me was so many of the other higher end brands doing a ridiculous amount of limited editions.

AP, JLC, IWC, Blancpain et al (not to mention the travesty of the Omega Bond thing) all seemed to offer countless limited editions.

I'll stick to my classic Sub... There may be a lot of them about but I'm happy enough that they broke the mould when they made ME that I don't need the same from my wristwatch!

[capote]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

One of the things I really love about Rolex is that they don't really go in for limited editions.

Before I bought my 14060m I looked at a lot of other brands. I initially resisted Rolex since I felt it was a bit "obvious"...

But one of the factors that really swung me was so many of the other higher end brands doing a ridiculous amount of limited editions.

AP, JLC, IWC, Blancpain et al (not to mention the travesty of the Omega Bond thing) all seemed to offer countless limited editions.

I'll stick to my classic Sub... There may be a lot of them about but I'm happy enough that they broke the mould when they made ME that I don't need the same from my wristwatch!

+1 Nothing cheapens a brand more in my eyes than random LE celebrating God knows what.

[Fiery]

Instead of LE watches IMHO what Patek does makes more sense: they stop producing watches after a short period of time, and introduce a new model to replace the old one. Of course it wouldn't work with mass produced watches like Rolex, Omega and Breitling.

I'm glad Rolex refuses to step on the LE route, and I'm quite pissed at AP and Hublot for flooding the market with endless number of LE pieces. Not to mention Omega with their "mandatory" Speedmaster LE in every single year...

[Numismatist]

Something marked 'Limitied Edition' rarely lives up to a financial gain it implies. Occasionally, but usually not.

Omega likes to do this. LE Olympic watches, LE James Bond movie watches, etc. Just look at resale of these now.

Rolex sidestepped the LE issue with the LV by calling it Anniversary and did quite well.

It's all marketing.

Remember, rarity and desirable are two different things. LE may be rare, but often are not desirable enough to raise prices.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

.....I'll stick to my classic Sub... There may be a lot of them about but I'm happy enough that they broke the mould when they made ME that I don't need the same from my wristwatch!

badger, clearly the mould was broken

I also found my way to rolex after wading through and looking for the best watch for my purpose, after buying my sub and wearing the crap out of it i know i made the best choice.

LE just don't seem like they're designed to be daily wearers? so you can only look at them or take a large hit in depreciation if your so bold as to actually use it?

im surprised there has been no support for LE yet.

Originally Posted by Numismatist

....Rolex sidestepped the LE issue with the LV by calling it Anniversary and did quite well.

interesting point!

[Grumpy Badger]

Originally Posted by subtona

after buying my sub and wearing the crap out of it i know i made the best choice.

Damn straight!

[moviefreak]

Limited editions are for brands that need to attract attention.. Rolex does not need that...
When I hear Limited Edition I always think Panerai.. and probably the owners are the only ones that know how "limited" is their watch..

[cedargrove]

This is an interesting and informative thread for me. I didn't vote because I wasn't sure exactly how I felt. I am considering a non-Rolex watch that is a LE. I wish it wasn't, as the price is high, likely because it's limited. This is the reason I haven't bought it yet. I don't want to pay a high premium because it's a LE.

[dddrees]

I'm glad Rolex doesn't do it. not a big fan of the idea personally.

[ArcticMoose]

Rolex did it with the Daytona for quite some time, they just didn't stamp the numbers on the back.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

This is an interesting and informative thread for me. I didn't vote because I wasn't sure exactly how I felt. I am considering a non-Rolex watch that is a LE. I wish it wasn't, as the price is high, likely because it's limited. This is the reason I haven't bought it yet. I don't want to pay a high premium because it's a LE.

this is precisely why i began to question the LE value... especially if you intend to wear it.

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Rolex did it with the Daytona for quite some time, they just didn't stamp the numbers on the back.

i think the Daytona was more sincere, it was limited as i understand by the availability of the zenith movements?




most recently the thing that put me over the edge is a company issuing more pieces beyond the LE stated amount..just seems blatantly insincere.

[Singslinger]

In my early WIS days I fell for the hype and bought a couple of "limited edition'' Omega Speedmasters, mainly because they offered some investment value.

I've since seen the light and sold them (all at losses, so much for investment value!).

I'm sticking to Rolex now.

[DCgator]

LE = anticipated to be low sellers, hence the label LE.