1972 Rolex price compared to today . . . worth it?

[steptoe]

Originally Posted by El Cascarrabias

Currently, I'm in that pre-first time buyer stage where I've narrowed down which Rolex I'd like to own but just can't make myself spend the money (it'll be over $8k, not exactly high end for a Rolex but $8k nonetheless). .

That'll seem a cheap watch in a few years...

[Castor]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I don't think math and history (of prices) factor into buying a Rolex watch. If you can't appreciate a fine mechanical instrument for what it is, than a Timex will due. We are a crazy bunch, that believe in craftsmanship, quality, and durability; and are willing to sacrifice to be a part of the club. Any time you buy a watch without a battery, you are apart from the crowd.

You will cry once.

Then you'l find yourself staring at the watch admiring the craftsmanship of the piece when you least expect it. And then you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that potentially one of your great-grandchildren may be wearing this very watch & thinking warmly of you.

It's a form of immortality I guess.

[brandrea]

I think a lot of things fall into this category. If it feels right, and if you really appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of owing a Rolex then there's no better time than now .... I don't see prices coming down any time soon

[Nidal]

Originally Posted by REDiesel

These threads that objectively analyze the cost of a rolex vs historical prices or vs. precious metal content forget the basic premis that price is dictated by supply and demand. Rolex charges what the market will bear.

Ditto. And as long as idiots like me are willing to buy watches, the market will grow. :)


Nidal

[Dyim]

Buy it as family heirloom, or because you WANT that watch.

If you want to own a nice watch, car, boat, house......expect to pay more maintenance costs.

One $8000 watch is not better than 40 $200 watch. You can buy a Casio G-shock every year and then throw it away and you will still come out ahead. It is all about want, not need when it comes to Rolex.

Don't worry about 1970 money and inflation and all that stuff. You are in 2014 and you cannot go back in time.

I'd say, buy it, enjoy it, and forget about the $ part. YOLO.

I apologize in advance to anybody that found this post 'harsh'. Just trying to give my honest opinion.

[watchwatcher]

Two words: Heck yeah!

My only regret with Rolex pricing from 1972 was that I didn't buy any from that time.

[PanosI]

Originally Posted by mike

No arguement from me about the price. Do consider however there are few things in life that can be enjoyed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, last forever (ok, a long time), and be passed down to the next generation.

Buy a new car, take the hit as soon as you leave the dealership, drive it a few years and do it again (still have the oil change/service costs).

Cry once and be done.

True and..........trap !!!! For the next purchase.....and the next.....and the next

[El Cascarrabias]

Originally Posted by Dyim

. . . I apologize in advance to anybody that found this post 'harsh'. Just trying to give my honest opinion.

Not harsh at all, Honest opinions are what I'm looking for.

Many years ago I bought a used 1994 Corvette. Owned it for 6 months before I finally convinced myself that paying $500 a month for a toy was more than my financial responsibilities could stand at that time.

But it was some of the best money I've ever spent.

My wife and I took a trip to the Corvette Factory and Museum in Bowling Green, KY that lasted a week. Driving through the curving roads in the North Georgia mountains and Kentucky and Tennessee was great! We traveled to Atlanta with hundreds of other Corvettes on a Corvette Caravan and I had the opportunity to do "hot laps" around Atlanta Motor Speedway (you'll never appreciate how really steep the banking is on some NASCAR tracks until you've actually driven on it, it's incredible!)

Going straight home after work seemed such a waste and resulted in many drives out in the country listening to oldies from the 50's and 60's on the radio before heading home.

My daughters will always be able to say the first car they ever drove was a Corvette (well before getting their learner's license, I think 12 and 14, on an empty parking lot) Said one, "Daddy this thing really scoots!!" will always be something I remember.

I remember walking out of the grocery store back to the car and admiring its lines, how it was shaped, the fat tires, how low it sat and walking a bit slower so i could admire it just a bit longer. Then getting in and feeling like the the car had ingested me and I was part of all that beauty and power.

Did I need a Corvette? No. But, I'd always wanted one and the money hasn't been missed it since!

So, in that regard I understand. But . . . still on the bubble.

[Maxtor]

I bought myself a Concord (SS with a gold bezel) 20 years ago (before I found this forum and developed an interest in watches).

It was a nice looking dress watch and I wore it daily for about 10 years as a lawyer. Suitable for the purpose. I think I paid around $1,500 at the time. I don't wear it anymore and today I might be able to get $200 for it.

I looked at getting a Rolex at the time but it was about $500 more and I preferred the look of the Concord.

Today that Rolex would still be worth the original purchase price or more and I would still be wearing it (or passing it down to my kids). Buying a Rolex is worth the premium.

[Dyim]

Originally Posted by El Cascarrabias

Not harsh at all, Honest opinions are what I'm looking for.

Many years ago I bought a used 1994 Corvette. Owned it for 6 months before I finally convinced myself that paying $500 a month for a toy was more than my financial responsibilities could stand at that time.

But it was some of the best money I've ever spent.

My wife and I took a trip to the Corvette Factory and Museum in Bowling Green, KY that lasted a week. Driving through the curving roads in the North Georgia mountains and Kentucky and Tennessee was great! We traveled to Atlanta with hundreds of other Corvettes on a Corvette Caravan and I had the opportunity to do "hot laps" around Atlanta Motor Speedway (you'll never appreciate how really steep the banking is on some NASCAR tracks until you've actually driven on it, it's incredible!)

Going straight home after work seemed such a waste and resulted in many drives out in the country listening to oldies from the 50's and 60's on the radio before heading home.

My daughters will always be able to say the first car they ever drove was a Corvette (well before getting their learner's license, I think 12 and 14, on an empty parking lot) Said one, "Daddy this thing really scoots!!" will always be something I remember.

I remember walking out of the grocery store back to the car and admiring its lines, how it was shaped, the fat tires, how low it sat and walking a bit slower so i could admire it just a bit longer. Then getting in and feeling like the the car had ingested me and I was part of all that beauty and power.

Did I need a Corvette? No. But, I'd always wanted one and the money hasn't been missed it since!

So, in that regard I understand. But . . . still on the bubble.

Great story. You pass on material things and memories to your offspring. $ spent on vacations create memories and are well worth it IMO.

I strongly believe that you should do what makes you happy. If you are within yours means, spend it! You can't take it with you!

I am into cars and watches also. Unfortunately, I only buy them new and that always cost a bundle. For me, I came to realize that $ thrown into cars are never recouped. That's why I am throwing it into Rolex!!

Now, go out and get that sub!

[tomallen]

My first Rolex was around 700.00 in the late '70s. I also worked at a Sunoco gas station in while I was in high school and sold Sunoco 190 for 19.9 cents a gallon while washing windshields and checking oil. Things change

[fishingbear]

My kids are going to be saddled with LOTS of service fees the way my collection keeps growing...

[franklin]

Twenty-five years ago friends talked me out of buying a Rolex explorer.
I corrected my mistake five years ago and purchased one.

Remember we only live once.
If YOU want a Rolex, get one.

[rustyduck]

In the early 80's I was looking at a Heuer and a Sub. the sub, at approx $1,000 was about 3x the cost of the Heuer diver (before Tag). Because of cost and the sales person who said they were both just as good, I opted for the Heuer. I wore that Heuer to death and about 15 years later the case finish and bracelet condition made the watch unusable and service to restore was a lot more than the watch would ever be worth. If I'd paid the extra for the sub I'd still be wearing it today and it would be worth a lot more used than I ever paid for it even with the regular service. it was a costly lesson but one that I learned from.