First Rolex Purchase, Advice needed

[roadhog99]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some general thoughts/advice to help steer me toward my first (hopefully not last) Rolex purchase.

Basically, I should be coming into some money. The amount is not huge, but would allow me to buy a decent watch, plus have some change left over.

So, the thought occurred to me, that rather than just stick it all into a savings account, and earn next to no interest, I could invest some of it toward a Rolex.

Basically the watches I'm looking at are either a 116610 LN, 116610 LV, 116710 BLNR or 116710 LN.

Here's where I'd appreciate some input.

I've lusted after the black sub c pretty much since it came out, and had always promised myself I'd get one, once I had the money. However, now I'm potentially in a position to actually get one, from the point of view of an investment, I find myself asking the question, is it the best option??

First off, I know that as a pure investment, there are better places to put my money!

The aim of this isn't to give me the best outright return for my money. But, if I'm going to buy a watch, I might as well try and get the one that will at least hold its value the best, and maybe even appreciate a bit over time.

So what do other members think? Should I stick with the black sub C, go with a hulk, or possibly even the batman GMT (which I have also started lusting after recently!)

Or are there other better options (eg vintage sub) for the same sort of money?

Thanks in advance!!

[franchise1450]

Congrats, I just purchased my first sub c 6 months ago and it was the best purchase I have ever made! It shouldn't appreciate any more or less than your other choices, and besides, that's not why you are wanting one, so just buy the sub c! The sub c holds value as good or better than most watches

PS it is doubtful any generic Rolex like the new sub c will actually increase in value once you factor in inflation, unless it becomes a collectors item for some reason which is highly doubtful given how many are produced.

[AASH]

SubC LV! You will never regret it; good luck with your purchase.

[707soldier]

Your lineup is all good.
Visit the AD's and see what you like best.
Pull the trigger and enjoy!

[Andad]

If its new money buy a Casio and bank the rest.

If its old money buy a Patek and spend the rest.

[Old Expat Beast]

If you want to look at it as an investment, better to buy vintage, but even then, there are no guarantees, and you'll need to study. If you do get something new, make sure you obtain the best possible price - which is not easy in the UK, where Rolex prices are among the highest in the world. If you do buy new from an authorised dealer, it could take many years to even recover your money through resale.

[jack81]

If you want black dial i would def suggest batman over subc. Although general concensus here would vote for black subc. Congrats in advance. Rolex on the wrist is def better investment than money in the bank. Post pic soon.

[AK797]

Try on the 4 you mention and buy the one you like best. You can buy all of them preowned and so you won't lose any money should you ever need to sell, and maybe even make a couple of bucks if prices rise, if that's important to you.

[omx5o]

It's a bit of a guessing game as to which model will lose you the least. I imagine people will always like the Sub and GMT models, so it looks like your shortlist is pretty good.

[travisb]

I wouldn't look at it as an investment.
If you've always wanted the black SubC, then get that one. The others might just be a distraction now that you're in a position to buy. Try them all on and see how you feel.

[overthehill]

I just bought a subc two weeks ago and now wanting a BLNR.

The Rolex bug is true:)

[p41nta]

I was in the same position as you, and went for the BLNR. Mainly because it's a little bit different, and I've never seen anyone with one on.

it's the gift that keeps on giving, the blue is different every time I look at it...

[watchwatcher]

The Subc LN would make a great first Rolex...you can build your collection around it, or it can function well as a one and only, and if you buy right, should hold value well for the future.

[Robert Cross]

Rolex as an investment.....Think Vintage first.

Bob

[roadhog99]

Thanks all for the input. greatly appreciated.

I'm also thinking to buy used rather than new. Any recommendations on good places to look at used rolex in the uk? I'd sort of worked out that I need to get the best price I can.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by roadhog99

Thanks all for the input. greatly appreciated.

I'm also thinking to buy used rather than new. Any recommendations on good places to look at used rolex in the uk? I'd sort of worked out that I need to get the best price I can.

It's not just the best price. It's the best price for the best condition on the preferred period for the most desirable models, if you're taking the investment route.

[2106]

All of those options are great. I would recommend trying them all on at an ad. What you like in photos is often very different in person and on the wrist.

[redhotmurc333]

All your choices are great choices~ Buy WHAT YOU FEEL good about... usually your 1st choice is the best one because if you don't buy that one and you buy another... sooner or later you will want you first initial choice and thats where you will end up losing money because you will want to sell to buy the other one etc...
As for investment purposes...ehh... u will always do the best if you just keep it for at least 10 years... So it is a great investment if you get it and wear it and enjoy it instead of having it sit~
Enjoy your search and decision making... it's half the fun!!!

[milgauss2232]

Originally Posted by directioneng

If its new money buy a Casio and bank the rest.

If its old money buy a Patek and spend the rest.

What does new money and old money mean?

[engin33r]

Those four models are hugely popular models - they will hold their values pretty much the same. So it comes down to what model you like best.

[kaiserphoenix]

Congrats on your choices. However i have to say the modern Ceramic rolex are somewhat "poor" as investments as if you buy full UK retail price, you will immediately loose a sizeable chunk of cash. Best way for me is:

1) Buy non ceramic submariners, which have solid residuals.
2) Buy the new ceramic models but at a discount, either at duty free, or the respected grey dealers on the forum, or even pre-owned.

If you buy full outiright UK retail now, im afraid you will lose money if you have to shift it, at least in the short medium term.

[amh]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

Congrats on your choices. However i have to say the modern Ceramic rolex are somewhat "poor" as investments as if you buy full UK retail price, you will immediately loose a sizeable chunk of cash. Best way for me is:

1) Buy non ceramic submariners, which have solid residuals.
2) Buy the new ceramic models but at a discount, either at duty free, or the respected grey dealers on the forum, or even pre-owned.

If you buy full outiright UK retail now, im afraid you will lose money if you have to shift it, at least in the short medium term.

I think that's true anywhere. For me the "warm and fuzzy feeling" of paying full MSRP isn't worth it at 20% more than grey. I vote used/grey for sure.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by roadhog99

Thanks all for the input. greatly appreciated.

I'm also thinking to buy used rather than new. Any recommendations on good places to look at used rolex in the uk? I'd sort of worked out that I need to get the best price I can.

Watchfinder, Watchcentre, Blowers, also join forum TZ-UK and buy privately.

[Robert Cross]

Originally Posted by amh

I think that's true anywhere. For me the "warm and fuzzy feeling" of paying full MSRP isn't worth it at 20% more than grey. I vote used/grey for sure.

^
X2

Just what I did on my 'first'.........after 3mos of research and mind changing.

Bob

[kaiserphoenix]

Originally Posted by AK797

Watchfinder, Watchcentre, Blowers, also join forum TZ-UK and buy privately.

yep highly recommend TZuK I'm there also under the same name and did many deals there too :)

[overthehill]

i just bought 116610LN, i love it and now I want the BLNR:) next