Stainless Steel Obsession a Fad (NOT AN INVESTMENT THREAD)

[timepieceluvr]

There is a place for both PM, two tone and SS in a collection. I wear all regularly and I while I have some of each I really love, I must admit there is NOTHING better than the heft and beauty of gold for me. Doesn’t mean I’m throwing my steel of two tone pieces out.

Everything is a fad to some degree, the world is an ever changing place and my tastes and desires have changed many times about many things.

Changing your mind is a sign of intelligence. The stronger the opinion, the fewer the facts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kaiserphoenix]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

Just some thoughts I'd like to share. Personally, I've mostly been a SS fan. I'm a young enthusiast as far as watches go. Yet, it's obvious for years that SS was an entry level option. Many bought it because it was what they could afford or if we go back far enough when it was a genuine tool. Yes, some people genuinely just preferred SS but it wasn't anything like today. I happen to be one of those people.

We don't have to go back too far to when the DD was the envy of many and a two-tone Datejust was a reachable goal. SS watches always had their demand but people weren't treating them like gold. They were a tool and/or achievable symbol of utilitarian success.

Now fast forwarding to today, we see people clamoring for SS sports models even though they can afford precious metal options. SS is the new PM. It has come to the point where a SS Daytona sells for almost the same as a PM version. Are these people using their Daytonas as hardcore tools that they need the added resilience of steel?

I think we've focused too much on SS, when the SS craze is really a product of the other fads around us.
- Large, Overbuilt SUVs that cost a fortune and scream off-road capability when 1% of the buyer market even uses what is built for (*cough* SS sports models)
- Casual clothing craze. Wearing a tailored suit isn't the symbol of the trendy rich anymore. Going out in an expensive ath-leisure outfit with a SS sports model screams a desire to look/feel younger.
- The overall success of marketing selling experiences and adventure, even if the end-user is buying an idea rather than living the ethos.

I once had to pleasure of meeting a wealthy South African gentleman who was wearing a JC Deepsea. He was an avid diver and we spoke about watches/life. He wore his Deepsea on almost every dive he went on. He actually used his Land Rover for off-road capabilities and harkened back to his South African youth when it was truly a car built for purpose. He was also in good shape and built like a tank. He embodied the products and the promises of adventure that they sold. I tell this story because he is truly the minority. Others aspire to be like him but buying the products doesn't make you the person.

Frankly speaking, I truly believe those in my generation who are interested in luxury watches will also crave PM if they can afford it. Luxury watches for many in my generation is strictly speaking a nice thing to look at/show off and a pure symbol of success. It is in no way shape or form a "tool" or a symbol of adventure. I may not fit that mold but that is my observation.

The PM watches are also hard to buy now, just look at the Gold Green dial daytona, it has skyrocketed. Try finding a 126655 or any PM Daytona, they all trade at premium also.

Whilst I agree that SS fad is happening, its an overall massive surge in demand of luxury products globally. Look at Porsche, Ferraris, is not easy to buy the "Real" ones either. People sell their "allocations" of high end cars too these days. Its a symptom of an overall increase in wealth in the top 1% ers or rather 0.1%ers.

[alphasports]

Rolex sees what people are paying for SS Pateks, APs and other upscale brands and they want a piece of that...I mean, their movements are more robust, their finishing is very good, and yet up until now their pricing has been a fraction of those players. The current market "shortage" is Rolex's way to get the prices up-up-up. 5-10 years from now we will all be wistful of the days when we could get a no-date Sub for 15k.

IMO.

[Chester01]

Well I’ll add we see many posts of folks buying ss watches and then not wearing them. Some of them flip those eventually but think it’s become more about fashion and having the “it” watch. This is inevitable as though I still use my watches for my job as tools, let’s face it 95% don’t and they are just an accessory. To some degree It’s made me uncomfortable wearing the brand. I had a 10 years old come up to me and say loudly hey is that a Rolex. However, it is perhaps this fashion element that is keeping old school wrist watches alive.

[djgallo]

Originally Posted by pearson1995

SS is hot right now, PM is mid table, and Two tone is at the bottom. Big watches are in, small watches are out.

Im 23, I buy what I like, and I see the attraction in all. IMO PM is next to go up in price and SS will fall back.

Rolex watch crazes are like the Buddhist religion, it goes full circle

I can appreciate your opinion, but if it was baked up by many more years of observation I would be more inclined to entertain it.

SS has always led the pack as it applies to Rolex sports models. I see no reason that this will change. Until someone can provide a logical reason(s) for this to change I will believe the SS models will continue to be in the most demand.

[JR16]

I’ve always associated PM with dressy or “fancy” and neither applies to my daily attire or attitude. Though I can afford PM, I save that for other brands as Rolex, to me, is a casual attire / active lifestyle watch. The look of SS, it’s durability and look when scuffed/scratched, as well as the lighter weight makes it the right material for me. With the trend toward casual attire, work from home, etc , combined w the increased wealth in the world, it’s no Surprise they demand has significantly increased while supply has stayed stagnant more or less. I don’t think PM ever outsold SS for Rolex prof models.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[ndrs63]

Originally Posted by Keyetty

So long as I get $1 more back than I paid when I bought it, I don’t mind whatever. Wear mine for fun, nothing more.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10 years later getting same amount is in fact a significant loss. You should wear your watch because you like it, not because you don’t lose money on it. I’m beating a dead horse, I guess

Ps:
As OP mentioned, not an investment thread


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GSBC]

No one needs a SS Rolex anymore than a PM Day Date. Just get what you like. You guys are way overthinking this. I have both and enjoy both.
There’s the right time and place for each, but it’s ultimately how the timepiece makes you feel. So if I’m being honest with myself, the Everose Day Date in anniversary dial still feels few notches above how my 116500LN, BLNR, hulk, etc...

[PPFANBOY]

SS has always been popular because of its price, durability and until recently, availability. Let's be honest most people start with a sub because that's the entry level SS Rolex. I think the major factor these days is the ability to sell the watch without losing. A lot of people stretch themselves to buy luxury watches. The value of the watch now and in the future is very important to them, because if need be, they like to know that they can liquefy should the need arise. Just look at all the pricing and bubble threads. You can see the sweat and nerves in the posts haha.

SS grey pricing is more expensive because for now they are a safer investment compared to PM pieces. Further the barrier to entry is low on SS even when marked up. PM isn't accessible for most people and they certainly can't afford to lose on something they'd struggle to buy in the first place.

Being a fellow millennial, I like SS watches because they suit my lifestyle. Personally I'm not a fan of PM, instead I prefer carbon, ceramic etc. Modern materials. Modern watches.

[s14roller]

You are likely thinking too much into it. What’s popular in society changes all the time, it’s as simple as that. Buy what you like. Don’t care for SS? Great time to buy PM. As for your Daytona example, with Paul Newman, it’s no different than influencers today.

As for SS being a fad, I’d venture to say if we asked 1000 WIS what model Sub, GMT, etc. is iconic, they would say some variant of the SS model. A decade or two ago the answer would still be the same with the SS Sub Date as “the” Rolex most people thought of. Arguably one of the most copied design in watch history.

[Dsmith1974]

If SS is a fad then it’s a fad more like Frank Sinatra than Hanson.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Sorry, but that is complete bs. I can’t imagine one person ever who based a SS vs PM decision SOLELY based on weight! I have many SS pieces that weigh more than my PM pieces. There are many reasons, but this isn’t one of them.

No one ever said weight was the only reason but it is a significant contributing factor to consider in a PM purchase.
A platinum DD wears a lot different than a DSSD JC on the wrist.
Weight is a issue for me and how it is distributed throughout the watch. I tend to wear watches in my collection under 170 grams a lot more often. The argument of buying SS over PM because of financial limitations does not apply as much as people think.

[dtwer]

SS Rolexes are hot because people want Rolexes, and the SS Rolexes are priced at a point where they are within the reachable range of most buyers.

I have no doubt if Rolex were to raise the MSRP of the ceramic Daytona to $20K, the wait list would evaporate overnight.

[djgallo]

Originally Posted by dtwer

SS Rolexes are hot because people want Rolexes, and the SS Rolexes are priced at a point where they are within the reachable range of most buyers.

I have no doubt if Rolex were to raise the MSRP of the ceramic Daytona to $20K, the wait list would evaporate overnight.

I wouldn’t bet on it. So the people that are currently paying 22K-26 for the SS Daytona's wont go buy the Daytonas for 20K???? So how does it change the wait list???

[Tangier11]

I agree that some of it is for sure a fad. Scroll through the "collection in one pic" thread. Does everything have to own a batman and hulk to be able to sleep at night? I hate fads, it takes no imagination or individuality ...IMHO

[dtwer]

Originally Posted by djgallo

I wouldn’t bet on it. So the people that are currently paying 22K-26 for the SS Daytona's wont go buy the Daytonas for 20K???? So how does it change the wait list???

Yes you are right. Those people who have no objection paying twice MSRP for a Daytona now would certainly not mind if the MSRP went up.

But those are not majority; I would actually wager they are the very small minority or else we would not have the wait list at the AD's like we do today.

For most buyers, paying $13K for a watch means something very different from paying $20K for the same watch.

[dtwer]

Originally Posted by Tangier11

I agree that some of it is for sure a fad. Scroll through the "collection in one pic" thread. Does everything have to own a batman and hulk to be able to sleep at night? I hate fads, it takes no imagination or individuality ...IMHO

I find being on TRF often makes the fad worse; being surrounded by a bunch of people who own every possible SS model normalizes the fad.

I notice this when sometimes I was off the forum for a period of time due to my work or personal schedules, my urge for wanting another watch plummeted.

[WS9D]

Originally Posted by peterpl

Gold is still KING!!!! And that's from peers in the 25-35 year old bracket. (yes i am in that bracket)

Look it was quite simple for me. When I was 18-24 I could NOT afford any PM reference. That was left for the big ballers and millionaires hence why I only bought SS.

Move on a little and became somewhat successful in career and investment I jumped into PM at 29 years old. Simply because I always had loved PM and now I can actually afford the damn things.

Its simple really PM is out of reach of 90% of buyers. When I couldnt afford PM I remember I would always say to my watch friends PM was not for me....why? Because I was still growing career wise and it was a way to make myself feel better.

Now - farrrkk that. PM all the way - because I can actually afford it now without looking 3 times at my bank account making sure I had enough for living expenses. LOL

Its simple to me and I know its the same with many ppl. PRICE POINT!!! That is all.

$30-35k vs $10k SS. There are literally 1000s and 1000s more buyers of the $10k watch than the $30k+ watch.

I agree with this. Less people can afford PM. It's def a smaller market compared to the masses that can afford PM. Granted, im talking about the world outside of TRF.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by mmaggi

Gold is still the bomb. Just look at the celebrities who are into watches. Sure, once in a while you'll see them wearing a SS watch. But for the most part they're rocking an all gold Daytona, AP or something else.

yup. even kids getting drafted into the big leagues show up with day dates to the drafts. gold will never go away

[pearson1995]

Originally Posted by djgallo

I can appreciate your opinion, but if it was baked up by many more years of observation I would be more inclined to entertain it.

SS has always led the pack as it applies to Rolex sports models. I see no reason that this will change. Until someone can provide a logical reason(s) for this to change I will believe the SS models will continue to be in the most demand.

Yes I definitely can’t say I’ve been in the watch game to say I’ve witnessed this first hand... but here is my reasoning.

SS market has exploded, many people who never previously would now own Rolex watches, in particular SS gmt. Sub and daytona. Now, if just 10% of buyers of these watches think “I want something better, a new target”, they will probably look to PM models. Hence why I believe there is a lot more people in the market for PM watches than 5 years ago, and will be even more in another 5 years

Complete prediction and I may be very very wrong.

[nnigel46]

Income plays the biggest factor most ppl who can afford PM can most likely afford a daily beater ss. A pm watch is really just not that practical for everyday use unless your pretty wealthy or well off and just don’t care about condition of the watch later down the line ad your not very active

[ndrs63]

Originally Posted by pearson1995

Now, if just 10% of buyers of these watches think “I want something better, a new target”, they will probably look to PM models. Hence why I believe there is a lot more people in the market for PM watches than 5 years ago, and will be even more in another 5 years



Complete prediction and I may be very very wrong.

Agreed with the last statement :)

PM is just not practical, and the idea of a PM sports watch is an aberration. It scratches too easily and is heavy. If owners of Rolex watches want something better, the will look for Patek, AP.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by ndrs63

PM is just not practical, and the idea of a PM sports watch is an aberration. It scratches too easily and is heavy. If owners of Rolex watches want something better, the will look for Patek, AP.

Interesting perspective. I would think $15,000 SS sport watches is an aberration, especially when there are more accurate tools available for thousands less. but what do I know. None of it really makes sense

[Likestheshiny]

Interesting perspective. I would think $15,000 SS sport watches is an aberration, especially when there are more accurate tools available for thousands less.

Wouldn't this also make $5,000 SS sport watches an aberration?

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by Likestheshiny

Wouldn't this also make $5,000 SS sport watches an aberration?

LOL Exactly.

Buying any watch above $50 makes zero sense. Its all mens jewelry these days anyways. Nothing "tool" watch about any of them these days and no one uses them as such.

Its all instafame, show off and for many pretend to be a baller.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Likestheshiny

Wouldn't this also make $5,000 SS sport watches an aberration?

Correct. That’s my point...it’s interesting that people think PM is where it becomes goofy when in actuality you can achieve all the same results for a few hundred bucks. These are all overpriced luxury items, but people draw imaginary lines in places.

[haven_seeker]

Originally Posted by nnigel46

Income plays the biggest factor most ppl who can afford PM can most likely afford a daily beater ss. A pm watch is really just not that practical for everyday use unless your pretty wealthy or well off and just don’t care about condition of the watch later down the line ad your not very active

I wear an 18K dress watch daily (Piaget)

It looks and feels fantastic

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by ndrs63

Agreed with the last statement :)

PM is just not practical, and the idea of a PM sports watch is an aberration. It scratches too easily and is heavy. If owners of Rolex watches want something better, the will look for Patek, AP.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ever owned or daily wore a PM sports watch? There are many here who haven't but seem to be experts on the subject. I daily my YG Sub and have no issues whatsoever that you describe. No Rolex regardless of metal type is "practical" when the phone in your pocket tells time and date just fine.

[Mystro]

Remember all the Apple Watch talk that it would replace the traditional wrist watch?? Not sure if it even was a blip on the automatic watch sales??? It might have just given non wrist watch wears a taste of a time piece on their wrist???

[sgarrity]

White metals have been in for a long time but yellow gold is definitely making a comeback. I love my SS watches but my next one will either be a TT DJ or a YG DD.