Recommendations on Buying Daytona in WG

[amitv85]

Starting to look into getting a WG Daytona with silver dial in near future.

• Is there a better Series than others?

• Anything to watch out for or price range that would make sense?

I see D series listed on ebay just under $25,000 but I see others for as low as $20,000. I would try to purchase from a reputable seller here or an AD if priced right. I saw a new one (didnt check serial) today for $32,xxx brand new from AD.

What are the pros and cons of paying more for a more recent series? I understand some older models have Zenith Movement and newer are in-house. But thats the extent of my limited knowledge about them.

[Speed]

No better series. Many that you will find in Ads have been sitting in the case. They could be randoms, G's, V's, M's and earlier stamps.

Watch out for? Sure. Mind the scratches. Gold is soft. HAHA. Seriously...buy used to save $$$.

No pros for paying more for a recent series unless you plan to sell and the guy buying your watch is hung up on series. Yup. Older models have Zenith movements - but we are talking A series....or so. Does not sound like you are looking at models that old.

[caryyee]

If you look in the For Sale section here, you will see brand new WG Daytona's for around the $27.5k mark, a substantial savings from MRSP. 'V' series for around $22.5-26k, look around, you will see some great deals on here.

Zenith ones I believe are only valued in SS, when they are in TT or solid gold, they don't seem to demand any premium at all.

[amitv85]

Thank you...so there is no worries about losing more value on an "older" series?

I am not looking to flip but I would like to feel confident in my watch holding value over time. Plus I can be wishy-washy at times and if I randomly feel like selling it for something else or a unforeseen business opportunity comes up and I need to dig deep in my pockets - I'd hope not to take a large hit

[Z-Sub]

You might be able to find one cheaper if older but you may need to consider possible movement service as well.

[amitv85]

Sorry for the "newb" question - but what does a typical service cost? How often?

(BTW I did a search, and only # I found was around $800 to service a SS Daytona which I would assume would be the same on this?)

[Speed]

[QUOTE=amitv85;3287832]Thank you...so there is no worries about losing more value on an "older" series?

As said earlier...if you have a buyer fixated on series...he may want to pay you less. But the condition of the watch is paramount.

Daytona service can run > $1000 USD.

[caryyee]

Daytona (or any other watch) in a precious metal (gold) will always depreciate the most if bought new. MRSP is 34k, yet a 'V' can be bought for $22.5-24k. So in the space of 3-4 years, it's lost up to $10-12k.

But a 3 year old SS, if bought new, might have only lost $2k. If it was bought pre-owned, you might even possibly get your money back.

[amitv85]

Originally Posted by caryyee

Daytona (or any other watch) in a precious metal (gold) will always depreciate the most if bought new. MRSP is 34k, yet a 'V' can be bought for $22.5-24k. So in the space of 3-4 years, it's lost up to $10-12k.

But a 3 year old SS, if bought new, might have only lost $2k. If it was bought pre-owned, you might even possibly get your money back.

So the trend seems to continually depreciate like a used car? Or is it the initial few years where you take a hit and then it plateaus? If it will continually go down in price, then it seems the stainless steel is best bet if I want to retain the value. I just dont want to drop the 22.5-24k and have it be worth 20k tomorrow. I'm assuming I am going to keep this watch for a very long time - but judging by how I change cars - that could change if I become a "watch enthusiast"

As you can see...like many people...I am value conscience. It will help me justify the purchase even if I can afford it. Just makes me feel like, if a drastic unforeseen is to occur and I need to free up the capital, I won't wince at the sale price.

[Speed]

Instead of worrying about value retention before you've purchased a watch, how about buying a watch you will enjoy having on your wrist?

Just a thought.

[amitv85]

Originally Posted by Speed

Instead of worrying about value retention before you've purchased a watch, how about buying a watch you will enjoy having on your wrist?

Just a thought.

I agree. I will enjoy the watch on my wrist. Definitely why this is the only rolex model I desire. I do like the SS Daytona but I like the WG better.

Price will always play a factor for me until I have enough $ where I dont care to look at the price tag (for me, it would take a lot - esp bc I like a good deal...then maybe the old saying goes "if you have to ask, you can't afford it")

These are the options I lay out for myself and I am considering before I make a final informed decision whether its:

A) Buy whatever makes me happy regardless of price
B) Pick up a SS Daytona that I will enjoy till I upgrade to WG
C) Don't buy any, and wait till I do not give a second thought about dropping $25,000 on a watch.

I do the same when considering car purchases - and for me, I end up changing cars often even if I tell myself I won't - so value/resale becomes a concern. I try to buy close to wholesale so if I decide to sell in a year or so, I take a minimal hit, if at all.

:edit:

forgot D: If I find a good deal on a WG and plan to wear daily/enjoy - hopefully keep it for the long haul.

[caryyee]

If you are dead set on getting a solid gold Daytona, then after the first few years, the depreciation levels off. If you get a WG that is 5-6 years old, especially at a good price, you will probably see little depreciation from then onwards.

Perhaps get a pre-owned SS that you won't lose out any money on, see how you feel about that first. Over the next couple of years, your taste may change, and a WG Daytona may not be your grail watch. The money you save from staying with SS will allow you to explore other Rolex's. You could get a pre-owned SS Daytona plus a nice pre-owned Sub and DateJust for the price of a pre-owned WG Daytona!

[amitv85]

The only other thing I did consider was possibly getting the SS Daytona...and maybe get the Rolex WG Cellini Prince Model that seems more of a dress watch (and a funky style dial) Retailed for around $17k+ and I see them for around 10k

[gimpex]

I have been looking at WG Daytona ( black face ) for a while , and this is what I think :
You can pick up a like - new one for around $25k here

Assuming no damage , normal wear , after a few years it will till be around the same price. Here there is a possible question mark. Sooner or later there could be a ceramic WG daytona. I am not sure how that would influence the price. Looking at other non ceramic to ceramic transitions it shouldn't affect it really.