Is $20,000 The New Price For Rolex SS

[Stevec14]

Originally Posted by dmash

You guys are living in a complete bubble if you think all Rolex SS is going to $20k . You do realize the average Rolex buyer needs to save for quite some time to even afford one? A normal Sub owner is absolutely not whipping around in his 911 and sipping fine wine, this forum is the .0001% with some of the guys on here. An extra $10k is not only a big deal to the average individual, it’s a complete deal breaker.

Absolutely, 100% no way are normal Sub and GMT going that high. Not enough people to fuel that kind of demand, not even close to it. Sure, there’s exceptions like the extremely limited DaytonaC, but it’s already $12k retail to begin with, and is an exception.

Not sure what you call ‘average’ or what you base it on but there are many more people with £10k burning a hole in their pockets than ever before it would seem. Less people save. More buy on tick. It’s what is happening whether you like it or not (and it seems you don’t).

[mjolnir2thor]

Originally Posted by dmash

You guys are living in a complete bubble if you think all Rolex SS is going to $20k . You do realize the average Rolex buyer needs to save for quite some time to even afford one? A normal Sub owner is absolutely not whipping around in his 911 and sipping fine wine, this forum is the .0001% with some of the guys on here. An extra $10k is not only a big deal to the average individual, it’s a complete deal breaker.

Absolutely, 100% no way are normal Sub and GMT going that high. Not enough people to fuel that kind of demand, not even close to it. Sure, there’s exceptions like the extremely limited DaytonaC, but it’s already $12k retail to begin with, and is an exception.

That’s my thinking as well. Well written!

[05carbondrz]

If you have 20K to spend on a GMT do yourself a favor and buy a Vintage Gilt GMT.It looks WAY better AND they aren’t making them anymore.They will continue to make the new Pepsi until every dollar is extracted from the Market.

[MinMay]

People spending 20K on a watch...i don't think it matters if it's worth 10K after 5 or 10 years.

If people are using their life saving on a watch, then they're in the wrong hobby LOL. This hobby is not for everyone...

If Pepsi is going for 21K, then Daytona ceramic is cheap :) . Daytona Ceramic >>>>> Pepsi.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by MinMay

People spending 20K on a watch...i don't think it matters if it's worth 10K after 5 or 10 years.

If people are using their life saving on a watch, then they're in the wrong hobby LOL. This hobby is not for everyone...

If Pepsi is going for 21K, then Daytona ceramic is cheap :) . Daytona Ceramic >>>>> Pepsi.

You seem to like this development?

Why should a Rolex SUB or GMT be unattainable? More people are able to drop 5-8-10k on a watch but not +20k. You know well enough that there are many people who have bought a 14060 or Pepsi GMT 10-15-20 years ago, people who work hard, save up, make some (or a lot) money and reward themselves with such a watch. Not everyone is a collector.

Besides that, you've got to be smoking something if you want to drop +20k on a SS Rolex. For 15-20k you can get an AP or an A. Lange & Söhne.

[thomaspp]

should be at least $40k

[VicLeChic]

Who pays 20K for a modern steel Rolex when you can buy it in gold for "a bit" more?

Perhaps someone who buys as an investment, not to wear the piece? Someone speculating and taking the view that demand is relentless with worldwide economy soaring while offer is kept artificially low. Someone who sees it as pure commodity and knows steel is more liquid than gold and retains value better.

Then imagine for a second that Rolex decide to change their strategy, ramp up sports steel production and kill grey sellers and speculators in the process?

If prices get this crazy, I think the vast majority of clients interested in steel (middle and upper middle class perhaps) and whom buy to wear, not to gamble, will have to look elsewhere for their next piece.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

Who pays 20K for a modern steel Rolex when you can buy it in gold for "a bit" more?

Perhaps someone who buys as an investment, not to wear the piece? Someone speculating and taking the view that demand is relentless with worldwide economy soaring while offer is kept artificially low. Someone who sees it as pure commodity and knows steel is more liquid than gold and retains value better.

Then imagine for a second that Rolex decide to change their strategy, ramp up sports steel production and kill grey sellers and speculators in the process?

If prices get this crazy, I think the vast majority of clients interested in steel (middle and upper middle class perhaps) and whom buy to wear, not to gamble, will have to look elsewhere for their next piece.

I don't think people paying the premium are buying as "investments". Just people who have enough f*** off money to get what they want, when they want it. It's pretty simple.

I certainly don't have f*** off money, but I paid a premium for my Daytona. It's a really special watch to me. It's probably the last time i'll pay a premium like that ever again. So for me it was a one time thing that was well worth it in the cost to enjoyment ratio.

But I do agree, I think if things stay as they are many many enthusiasts will move on to other brands.

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

But I do agree, I think if things stay as they are many many enthusiasts will move on to other brands.

What other brands? This is the problem as I see it. Everyone has gravitated toward Rolex, Patek, and AP. Those 3, that's it. Vacheron? Nobody cares. Lange? Beautiful watches, nobody cares. Nobody is on waiting lists for the run-of-the-mill Omegas, JLCs, or Cartiers. There's a handful of hot watches like the Journe CB, but those are niche.

So despite the industry making a ton of watches in the sub-$10k and sub-$25k ranges, nobody wants anything but stainless Rolex/AP/PP.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by kauffee

What other brands? This is the problem as I see it. Everyone has gravitated toward Rolex, Patek, and AP. Those 3, that's it. Vacheron? Nobody cares. Lange? Beautiful watches, nobody cares. Nobody is on waiting lists for the run-of-the-mill Omegas, JLCs, or Cartiers. There's a handful of hot watches like the Journe CB, but those are niche.

So despite the industry making a ton of watches in the sub-$10k and sub-$25k ranges, nobody wants anything but stainless Rolex/AP/PP.

Yup, huge problem. Nobody competes with the Sub or GMT. What Rolex offers, nobody touches them. And if somebody did drop a comparable brand tomorrow, it wouldn’t have the heritage and people wouldn’t buy it.

[MinMay]

I sense a lot of middle/upper middle class joining the club to flip them. If they see an opportunity to make money, they'll play it. They have no intention of spending 10K to wear it :) . I'm sure they have heavy expenses that required their money.

I can guarantee that people are visiting AD soon putting their name on the waitlist for Pepsi with NO intention of keeping it.

People who park their money in watch is not smart money. The new buyers are in it to profit...not to invest.

[MoosicPa]

It being the first week the new GMT Pepsi in SS is released, and this being the first on the grey market, it was at a premium for someone who wanted to be the first on the block to own one. In 6 to 12 months look at the prices on the grey market as they start to make their way through the system. I guess they will be at a mark-up but not at $20k. Some people are willing to pay for the privilege to be the "First".

[AK797]

Demand on some models is now so far ahead of supply that these are the prices, until Rolex match up supply this gulf will be priced into the market as with any. Or as Dmash says the SM trend for Rolexes falls away but can't see what will replace it at the mid lux level so looks unlikely.

[EDL7]

Its market related..when the market dives..flops or crashes..so will the prices..
Not enough people out there during bad times to support 20K per piece watches..at a million produced per year..
In fact..there will be a sell off at that point...thats the time to buy..when the used market for Rolex will be a glut..

[RollieRoll]

What do you guys think of CRM selling the RG GMT at 45k?! That's almost 10k over MSRP on a PM watch! I believe DSW sold his at almost 42k.

With PM large discounts not being the norm sports models makes things tough as well; UK 5 percent or NONE AT ALL for instance, which makes a lot of watches seem to be out of reach for many.

[TakeYourTime]

I don't get it how people pay so much above MSRP for a SS watch.
Go PM with a fair discount and build up a relationship with your AD to get the SS watches (you want) at MSRP.

Yes, indeed, the market is hot and even with my excellent purchasing history I cannot buy all SS watches as fast as I want (that's annoying but also exciting) but I will NOT pay those crazy grey prices... you know that "we" are creating those prices and I will neither support that nor burn my money.

BTW, I'm looking at a WG DD40 right now. Money is what you spend, value is what you get (thanks Warren). Everyone who has a clue of investment or wealth in general understands that... for those who don't... cmon spend 20K$ on a 9K$ SS watch which doesn't even have the paperwork on your name lol

[dmash]

Originally Posted by TakeYourTime

I don't get it how people pay so much above MSRP for a SS watch.
Go PM with a fair discount and build up a relationship with your AD to get the SS watches (you want) at MSRP.

Yes, indeed, the market is hot and even with my excellent purchasing history I cannot buy all SS watches as fast as I want (that's annoying but also exciting) but I will NOT pay those crazy grey prices... you know that "we" are creating those prices and I will neither support that nor burn my money.

BTW, I'm looking at a WG DD40 right now. I think money cannot buy the value of that watch in 10-15 years. Money is what you spend, value is what you get (thanks Warren). Everyone who has a clue of investment or wealth in general understands that... for those who don't... cmon spend 20K$ on a 9K$ SS watch which doesn't even have the paperwork on your name lol

You’re underestimating the sheep of today who place an extreme amount of ‘value’ on a certain amount of instagram likes or 5 seconds of recognition/fame. It’s truly unbelievable at the price they are willing to pay for it

[meganfox17]

I love Money more than Pepsi...

[douglasf13]

This may not end well for Rolex one day. Current buyers think back fondly to adventurers and “cool” guys wearing these tough little tools. The kids of today are going to look back at these watches as the status symbols of middle aged dads and/or wealthy guys. As I’ve said before, think Harley Davidson.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

This may not end well for Rolex one day. Current buyers think back fondly to adventurers and “cool” guys wearing these tough little tools. The kids of today are going to look back at these watches as the status symbols of middle aged dads and/or wealthy guys. As I’ve said before, think Harley Davidson.

Harley seems to be doing pretty well.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by superdog

Harley seems to be doing pretty well.

Is a 6.7% drop in international sales from 2016 -2017 doing well?

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Is a 6.7% drop in international sales from 2016 -2017 doing well?

Hard to believe that they still make those things.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by superdog

Harley seems to be doing pretty well.

Their stock has been suffering, and, talk to young riders on the forums and blogs, and you’ll find that few want Harleys. They’re in for a rough road.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by superdog

Harley seems to be doing pretty well.

In years past, but they “rode the wave until beached”. Bankruptcy is inevitable due to their actions.

[richard371]

I agree to a certain extent. I don’t know anyone that is into high end watches. My friends say it’s a waste of money and I even only have 1 now. Sad thing is most of my friends are extremy successful so it’s not about money. Some have Apple watches and most none at all. Yes most are younger then me. I’m pretty sure high end wrist watches will be dead in the not to distant future but just not yet I hope :). I think Rolex realizes this and is trying to constrain the lower end SS models to create spark/interest and will re-adjust things in the future if needed. If 5 or 10 years down the road we are all still here on these forums buying more high end watches then ever with SS Rolex models in great supply I’ll eat my words. I seriously doubt it. Prettty soon I think it will be only extremely high end pieces for the super elite.

Originally Posted by douglasf13

This may not end well for Rolex one day. Current buyers think back fondly to adventurers and “cool” guys wearing these tough little tools. The kids of today are going to look back at these watches as the status symbols of middle aged dads and/or wealthy guys. As I’ve said before, think Harley Davidson.

[hunthearin]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

This may not end well for Rolex one day. Current buyers think back fondly to adventurers and “cool” guys wearing these tough little tools. The kids of today are going to look back at these watches as the status symbols of middle aged dads and/or wealthy guys. As I’ve said before, think Harley Davidson.

I don't think I've read anything else on the forum that resonated with mequite like this. Great point.

[rblair]

Rolex has done an excellent job of creating interest, almost to the point of frenzy in some of its models and thereby training everyone to get very comfortable with the idea of paying full retail. The days of asking for discounts are slowly being driven away by Rolex. Overall a good strategy for keeping its brand premium and aspirational. It should be the case that we all pay retail. If you need to spend less money, then perhaps pursue another model or another brand. Although I'm glad I always get a discount :) And I'm ticked I need to keep waiting and waiting and waiting for a stupid watch with a white face that I'll never use to time anything.

[G.D.BeanCounter]

So, roughly 136% markup!? This has to be the largest premium we've seen on new models over the last couple years, right? Even the Daytonas and SkyDs were closer to 50-70% above retail. ADs are going to lose their minds over this one. I can hear it now, "You want a SS Pepsi?" "You have to buy a Platinum piece." Yup, I think I will be enjoying this watch vicariously through all you guys fortunate or lucky enough to get your hands on one. Thanks in advance!

[red1108nyc]

I better sell my ceramic white Daytona now..

[peterpl]

I wont be paying anywhere near $20k for a SS Rolex anytime soon.